Press release: Drought and Death in Badghis Province

The ongoing drought conditions in Badghis province, Afghanistan, have left people food insecure and has forced them to sell their livestock at extremely low prices, with many now leaving their homes and moving to other provinces in order to survive.

The lack of rainfall and snow this past winter and the current dry spring weather has contributed to severe drought conditions in Badghis province where 95% of the people depend upon either agriculture crops or livestock.

According to the Badghis Department of Agriculture, Irrigation & Livestock (DAIL), 80% - 85% of Badghis agricultural land is rain fed and because of the current drought-like conditions, entire crops are failing.

 Conjointly, drinking water shortages in Jawand and Qadis districts are impacting families and their livestock. Families that depend upon livestock or survival are now being forced to sell livestock even as the market value is plummeting; the sale price of one sheep in the local market has now been reduced from US$150 to US$28 and is dropping further with each passing day.

Walking through drought affected villages, there are dead bodies of animals lying everywhere. A local famer said “We didn’t have it so bad for the past 80 years. We are selling our animals and losing our livestock which are the only source of income for our extended family.” The villagers report that they are even giving away their livestock for free because they cannot find any food for them.

 Of particular concern, local community members have said that a father recently brought his 4 year old daughter to the local market to sell her, so that she could survive and with the sale money he could buy food for the rest of the family.

For farmers and those who depend entirely on livestock for their livelihoods, the fear is that if government and NGOs can’t respond to the unfolding crisis, the people of Badghis will be facing a major catastrophe far beyond their ability to cope.

World Vision Afghanistan (WVA) has been working in Badghis province since 2001 supporting income generation and food security activities for both men and women, and partnering with communities to develop irrigation systems and drinking water resources.

 Currently, WVA is mobilizing donors and World Vision Support Offices around the world to seek funds and support to respond to the urgent needs of vulnerable people in Badghis. WVA is focusing on the provision of safe drinking water and emergency food rations in order to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs.