Afghanistan

Afghanistan is one of the poorest countries in the world, where an entire generation has known only conflict and instability. It is also highly vulnerable to natural disasters and is projected to be the 6th most impacted country globally by climate change.

Sadly, the country faces a worsening humanitarian crisis, with millions struggling to access essential resources like food, clean water and healthcare. Frequent droughts, floods and earthquakes have devastated communities, leaving families without homes or livelihoods.

A better world needs all of us. That’s why CAFOD works with local experts with longstanding experience in Afghanistan. We can focus on areas and families that need our support most.

Our impact in 2024

Last year, we reached 46,103 people in Afghanistan.
CAFOD reached more than 7,000 people affected by natural disasters with humanitarian assistance.
We assisted 566 women to receive vocational training.
We promoted the rights of women and girls to 3,963 people.

Why CAFOD works in Afghanistan

Sadly, since the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, Afghanistan has faced deepening political, economic and social crises. An estimated 22.9 million people are currently in need of assistance in Afghanistan, with a population of around 40 million.

Afghanistan is a culturally conservative society. For women, work is forbidden, girls over 12 are banned from school, public spaces are closed off, access to healthcare and other basic services is reduced.

The country’s economy relies heavily on foreign aid. It doesn’t export many goods and collects little in taxes. This, along with record high unemployment, has led to millions of people not having enough food.

Rural communities often rely on farming to support their families but, unfortunately, the climate crisis has made them vulnerable to extreme weather that can affect the growth of their crops.

How we’re responding

Together we can build a better world. Donations from people like you mean we are able to work closely with local experts within Afghanistan, who are supporting families through the complex challenges they face.

Our partners in Afghanistan are currently working on projects that are building resilience to climate disasters, supporting small business, and promoting rights and uplifting voices.

Current projects

With support like yours, we are forming local committees that work closely with local people to develop new skills for adapting to climate change. This includes working with experts to build flood defences, which protect homes and farms from extreme flooding. This means that families can continue to support themselves and grow food before, during and after a disaster.

With your help, we provide better access for vulnerable Afghan women and men to a range of livelihoods, for example by supporting small business development and entrepreneurship through practical training.

We listen and learn from local experts who identify key priorities for their community. We support community groups and committees in raising issues for local power holders to implement change.

This includes improving the access of marginalised Afghans to vital local services, such as health education and justice. We also strengthen the capacity of Afghan civil society to lead and advocate for change and to influence decisions that impact the work and wellbeing of the communities that they support.