Afghanistan Trip Feedback Report: 12 to 18 February 2024
About Afghanistan
After almost four decades of conflict, Afghanistan remains one of the world's poorest countries. The UNDP's socio-economic outlook report for 2023 indicates that approximately 84% of Afghan households live at or below the poverty line. Since the US withdrawal and the Taliban's assumption of power in 2021, the country's economy has declined by over 20%. Foreign aid remains crucial for many Afghan households to meet basic needs.
However, there are signs of improvement. Inflation, which peaked at 18% in June 2022, has shifted to deflation, alleviating some pressure on households with declining food prices. Domestic revenues, mainly from border taxes, and cross-border trade are increasing, though from a low base, and real economic growth is forecasted to be positive at 0.4% in 2024. Despite restrictions and sanctions, especially regarding women's education under Taliban policies, the economy is relatively open to investment and growth.
Ashraful Aid Assistance
Ashraful Aid has been active in Afghanistan for several years, providing food, basic needs assistance, and support to an orphanage. In February 2024, a team of five, including one Ashraful Aid representative and four volunteers, traveled to Afghanistan to offer further assistance during the harsh winter and evaluate additional projects.
The team assisted over 200 families in Kabul, providing 183 families with food parcels containing rice, lentils, oil, flour, and other essentials sufficient for up to two months, along with two blankets per family. These families included locals and those who have returned from Pakistan and surrounding countries. An additional 96 families received wood stoves and 300kg of wood each.
Visits to families living in challenging conditions revealed the impact of war, with many women left widows and men disabled, unable to work. Unlike in Syria, there are no refugee camps, so families must manage rental and basic living costs. Cash assistance was provided to visited families.
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Life outside Kabul in the villages presents a stark contrast. Despite limited resources, the dedication to high-quality Quranic recitation was evident.
Additionally, a visit to Sadat Khal village in Wardak province highlighted the community's reliance on mud buildings for housing and education, emphasizing Afghanistan's vulnerability to natural disasters.
Future Projects
With a population of 40 million and an average household size of over six members, the ongoing need for basic assistance is clear. Ashraful Aid plans to focus on community development, Madrassah support, and small business aid. Proposed projects include food parcel assistance, orphan support, and small business assistance through chicken and livestock provision.
Future visits are recommended during summer to oversee distribution projects and expand visits beyond Kabul. Travel into and out of Afghanistan remains relatively straightforward, with visas obtainable within a day from Dubai or Pakistan.
Report Prepared by: Yusuf Nabee , February 2024