EU provides 5 million euros to enhance food security and livelihoods in three Afghan provinces

The European Union announced Tuesday it provides close to 5 million euros to Action Against Hunger to enhance food security and livelihoods in Afghanistan’s Ghor, Daykundi and Badakhshan provinces.

The European Union and Action Against Hunger (ACF) will support over 26 000 people and empower local communities for the three coming years, EU said in a statement.

The EU-funded project focuses on enhancing agricultural production, cattle and poultry farming and support to micro, small and medium-sized businesses. The project will also enhance knowledge and skills transfer on farming activities, with a special view to include women and youth, the statement said.

“I very much welcome our new partnership with Action Against Hunger for making a real difference in the lives of tens of thousands of Afghans living in rural areas,” EU Chargée d’Affaires a.i. to Afghanistan, Raffaella Iodice, said. “Enhancing farming skills and practices helps Afghan women and men to be better prepared to face climate-related hazards, generate sustainable income and reduce poverty.”

Vijay Raghavan, Country Director for Action Against Hunger in Afghanistan, said that the project targets three of the most affected provinces Daykundi and Badakhshan, both of which have 40% of the population suffering from high levels of acute food insecurity, and Ghor with 45%.

One in two Afghans are said to live in poverty, and around 15.8 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity.