As devastating drought takes hold in Afghanistan, UN fast-tracks US$16.6 million for anticipatory action [EN/Dari/PS]

(Kabul, 1 May 2025) The United Nations today released a record US$16.6 million to help vulnerable communities in Afghanistan mitigate the effects of drought in the north and northeast of the country.

This new financing – which is both the first and largest joint allocation in support of anticipatory action against drought in Afghanistan – includes $6.6 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and $10 million from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund.

“Forecast-based action is the future of humanitarian response,” said Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, during a five-day visit to Afghanistan. “With the right science and data, we can deliver faster, protect more people, and stretch scarce resources further, at a time when devastating funding cuts are deepening Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.”

The initiative targets four provinces still reeling from successive droughts: Faryab, Sar-e-Pul, Takhar and Badakhshan. Just last week, new data and forecasts – coupled with observations from dozens of farmers – confirmed that Faryab is facing its worst drought in more than five years.

Before the drought peaks in the coming months, the UN and humanitarian partners will deliver cash and other assistance to support food security, agriculture and livestock, water, sanitation and hygiene, health, nutrition and protection. Five UN agencies are working with six international NGOs and 10 Afghan organizations to ensure a locally led response.

“Every dollar we invest now saves more dollars and more lives down the line,” said Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Afghanistan. “This is a wholly data-driven initiative which will give families a fighting chance to safeguard their livelihoods before the worst hits.”

Afghanistan joins a growing list of countries where UN pooled funds are powering anticipatory action, enabling a faster, forecast-driven humanitarian response. Since 2020, CERF and Country-Based Pooled Funds have allocated $122 million and $48 million, respectively, to support forecast-triggered responses to droughts, floods, storms and disease outbreaks worldwide.

Media Contacts:

Kate Carey, Deputy Head of Office (OCHA Afghanistan): carey2@un.org
Abdullah Zahid, Public Information Officer (OCHA Afghanistan): abdullah.zahid@un.org

Note to Editors:

Anticipatory action is acting ahead of predicted hazards to prevent or reduce acute humanitarian impacts before they fully unfold. More information and success stories are available here: https://www.unocha.org/anticipatory-action