KABUL (Pajhwok): Coinciding with the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, United Nations experts have warned that Afghanistan is among the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
According to the experts, recurring droughts, expanding desertification, dwindling water resources and extreme weather events pose serious threats to the livelihoods of millions of people and the country’s food security.
The United Nations has designated 17 June as the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, saying the aim is to raise public awareness about the consequences of land degradation and drought and promote solutions for restoring degraded land.
In a statement issued today (Wednesday) on the occasion, the UN said: “Afghanistan faces growing climate and environmental challenges that are increasingly affecting livelihoods, food security and social stability, while drought and water scarcity remain the most widespread threats.”
According to the statement, more than half of the country’s population is affected by these conditions, and prolonged dry spells have severely damaged agriculture, which forms the backbone of rural livelihoods.
The UN noted that in eastern provinces such as Nangarhar, farmers continue to report repeated crop losses, while declining water resources have intensified competition over land and water.
Referring to this year’s theme, “Rangelands: Restore them, value them and protect them,” the statement said rangelands are vital to Afghanistan’s pastoral communities and ecosystems, yet a large proportion of them has been degraded.
It added that understanding the value of these resources, respecting local knowledge and investing in their restoration could strengthen resilience to climate challenges.
The statement added: “By supporting sustainable land management and empowering communities, especially women, we can protect ecosystems today and build a more sustainable future for generations to come.”
The UN concluded by highlighting the strategic importance of the issue and noting that 2026 has been designated the International Year of Rangelands and Pastoralists.
hz
