Country: Afghanistan Source: UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan KABUL — As Afghanistan marks World Environment Day, communities across the country are grappling with intensifying climate and environmental challenges that are increasingly affecting livelihoods, food security, and stability. Drought and water scarcity remain the most widespread threats. More than half of the population is affected, with prolonged dry periods severely impacting agriculture, the backbone of rural livelihoods. In eastern provinces such as Nangarhar, farmers report repeated crop failures, while shrinking water resources are fueling competition over land and water. “Our river has become unpredictable. Last year, it dried when we needed it most; this year it flooded and destroyed half of our crops, ” a farmer in Goshta District said, describing the growing uncertainty facing rural communities. In the southern provinces of Kandahar, Helmand, Nimroz, Zabul and Uruzgan, the situation is particularly severe. Recurrent drought, declining rainfall, and unregulated groundwater extraction have pushed water systems to the brink. Rivers are drying up, traditional irrigation systems have collapsed, and many communities are forced to drill increasingly deep wells, often without success. The consequences are urgent and far-reaching. Agricultural output is declining, access to safe drinking water is shrinking, and families are being displaced in search of water. Rising competition over limited resources is also increasing tensions. While solutions exist, including water-efficient irrigation, improved water management, and recharge systems, these require rapid and coordinated implementation. Without immediate action, experts warn that parts of the region could become uninhabitable. In the western region, communities face a different but equally severe challenge. While provinces such as Ghor and Farah experience prolonged drought, others are hit by heavy rainfall and flash floods that destroy homes, farmland, and infrastructure. Communities must cope with water shortages while simultaneously rebuilding what floods have swept away. Elsewhere, extreme weather continues to intensify. Flooding is becoming more frequent and unpredictable in central and eastern provinces such as Logar, Parwan and Kapisa, while strong winds and dust storms in the south damage crops and contribute to respiratory health problems. Together, these overlapping hazards are driving displacement and increasing humanitarian needs. Environmental degradation is compounding these pressures. Deforestation in Kunar, Nuristan, and Logar has reduced natural protection against floods and landslides, while overgrazing and ecosystem degradation in mountainous areas such as Badakhshan contribute to biodiversity loss. Unregulated mining activities are further damaging land and polluting water sources. Urban areas are also under strain. In Kabul, air pollution, particularly during winter months, is a major health threat, driven by the use of low-quality fuels and poor waste management. Meanwhile, in Panjshir, Kapisa, and Maidan Wardak, growing tourism has led to increased waste in rivers and valleys, highlighting the need for stronger environmental management. Despite these challenges, communities are taking action. Efforts to address climate impacts combine large-scale infrastructure with local solutions. The Qush Tepa Canal, one of Afghanistan’s largest irrigation projects, aims to divert water from the Amu Darya to northern provinces to expand irrigation and boost agricultural production. While expected to support livelihoods and improve food security, its long-term impact will depend on sustainable water management. At the same time, nature-based and community-led measures are being scaled up. These include planting drought-resistant vegetation to stabilize sand dunes and protect riverbanks, as well as improving irrigation methods and water retention systems to conserve scarce resources. The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), through its field offices, is supporting climate awareness and environmental protection efforts nationwide. Recent initiatives have brought together authorities, environmental institutions, journalists, and communities to promote sustainable practices and strengthen public awareness. In Kabul, community leaders in Hoodkhail have engaged with UNAMA to address drainage, safe drinking water, and waste management, while similar activities are taking place across provinces throughout June. As climate pressures intensify, coordinated action such as linking communities, authorities and partners remains critical to building resilience and protecting Afghanistan’s natural resources. World Environment Day aims to raise global awareness and encourage action to protect the environment and promote sustainable living.
Afghanistan climate crisis deepens as communities scale up environmental action
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