Household Food and Livelihood Security Project (HFLS)

Challenge

Afghanistan is considered one of the most fragile countries in the world, with nearly 55 percent of its 32.2 million people living below the national poverty line. As of 2019, more than 41 percent of children under five years of age are stunted, 14 percent are wasted, and 25 percent are severely or moderately underweight. Additionally, more than 2.6 million people have been internally displaced and more than 4 million live in neighboring countries as refugees. Conflict- and climate-related disasters worsen the country’s fragility and extreme poverty and deprivation. 

Solution

HFLS aims to improve food security and resilience among some of the poorest households in select districts of rural Afghanistan. To do this, the project facilitates improved and sustainable water management in selected micro-watersheds by rehabilitating and improving the efficacy of traditional water management systems, such as Kareez water supply systems, community flood management, and on-farm water saving, and by promoting and enhancing sustainable and resilient livelihoods and nutrition among the most food insecure and vulnerable households.