|
Eduvest � Journal of Universal Studies Volume 4 Number 11, November, 2024 p- ISSN 2775-3735- e-ISSN 2775-3727 |
|
|
|
|
|
THE IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON FOOD SECURITY AND ADAPTATION
STRATEGIES IN RURAL AREAS OF AFGHANISTAN |
|
|
Fayaz Gul Mazloum Yar University of Nangarhar,
Afghanistan |
|
|
ABSTRACT |
|
|
This study examines the impact of climate change on food
security and adaptation strategies in rural areas of Afghanistan. Food
security, as a cornerstone of sustainable development, particularly in
developing countries like Afghanistan, which heavily rely on agriculture, is
influenced by complex factors, including climate change. Using both
qualitative and quantitative methods, this research analyzes the existing
challenges and identifies effective strategies for addressing these changes.
The findings reveal that persistent droughts and temperature fluctuations
have led to reduced agricultural production and food insecurity, profoundly
affecting rural households' livelihoods. Additionally, this study identifies
local strategies for adapting to these challenges and emphasizes the need for
policy interventions. The results of this research can serve as a scientific
basis for informed decision-making on food security and sustainable
agriculture in Afghanistan. |
|
|
KEYWORDS |
Climate Change, Food
Security, Rural Areas, Afghanistan. |
|
|
This
work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike
4.0 International |
INTRODUCTION
Food security, as a fundamental pillar of
sustainable development and community well-being, refers to the provision of
sufficient, healthy, and accessible food for all members of society. In
developing countries like Afghanistan, where a significant portion of the
population resides in rural areas and relies heavily on agriculture, food
security is not limited to agricultural production but is also influenced by a
complex set of factors, including climate change (Yar, 2024; Yar
& Zazia, 2024). As one of the
most significant challenges of the 21st century, climate change has
dramatically altered precipitation patterns, temperatures, and environmental
conditions, profoundly affecting food production systems(Caron et al., 2018). In Afghanistan, the effects of
climate change are particularly evident in rural areas(Rahmani et al., 2021; Yar
& Zazia, 2024). Persistent
droughts, diminishing water resources, and changes in growing seasons are among
the consequences of climate change that have directly impacted agricultural
production. These changes have not only limited rural households' access to
food resources but also negatively affected the sustainability of the
agricultural economy. Especially in regions where the tools and infrastructure
necessary to cope with these changes are insufficient, rural food security is
at serious risk(Kc
et al., 2022; Yar & Zarghani,
2024). Given these challenges, the
introduction of adaptation strategies designed based on the specific conditions
of each region can be one of the most effective approaches to addressing the
adverse effects of climate change. Adaptation strategies consist of a set of
actions and policies aimed at reducing the vulnerability of rural communities
and enhancing their resilience to climatic changes. Therefore, studying the
impact of climate change on food security in Afghanistan and examining
adaptation strategies in this context can contribute significantly to improving
living conditions in rural areas and reducing the risks associated with climate
change(Palanivel & Shah, 2021).
This research aims to investigate the
challenges posed by climate change in rural areas of Afghanistan, analyze the
impact of these changes on food security, and introduce effective strategies
for adaptation. Given the importance of agriculture to Afghanistan�s economy
and the strong dependency of rural areas on this sector, the results of this
study can serve as a tool for informed decision-making and the development of
sustainable policies aimed at enhancing food security(Yar & Zazia, 2024). The main objective of this study is
to examine the impacts of climate change on food security in rural areas of
Afghanistan and identify adaptation strategies that can help mitigate the
negative effects of these changes. This research is based on the hypothesis
that rural households employ various methods and strategies to cope with
climate change and its impacts on food security, which require detailed
identification and analysis.
1. To
achieve these objectives, this study raises the following questions:
2. What
are the specific impacts of climate change on food security in rural areas of
Afghanistan?
3. What
strategies do rural households use to adapt to climate change and enhance their
food security?
4. What
factors influence the success or failure of these strategies?
This study utilizes both qualitative and
quantitative methods, collecting data through interviews with farmers and
analyzing statistical data. This approach allows for a comprehensive
examination of the topic and the presentation of valid and documented findings.
Moreover, this research aims to identify the strengths and weaknesses of
existing strategies and provide recommendations for strengthening the
resilience of rural households to climate change. this study can serve as a
valuable resource for decision-makers and policymakers in the fields of food
security and sustainable agriculture in Afghanistan. The findings of this
research not only contribute to a better understanding of the current situation
but also guide the designing of effective, evidence-based policies aimed at
improving food security and sustainable resource management in Afghanistan.
Problem
Statement
Climate change, as one of the serious and
global challenges of the 21st century, has profoundly affected food security in
developing countries, particularly Afghanistan. With its unique geography and
extreme climatic fluctuations, including recurrent droughts and unpredictable
rainfall, Afghanistan faces significant crises in providing sufficient and
high-quality food. Approximately 80% of the country�s population relies on
agriculture, especially in rural areas, where there are substantial challenges
to ensuring food security. This issue has not only led to reduced agricultural
production and food diversity but has also increased poverty and social
insecurity(Rahmani et al., 2021; Verma
et al., 2024; Yar, 2024). Furthermore, the economic and
social instabilities resulting from climate change exacerbate food security
challenges in Afghanistan(Yar et al., 2024). Many households struggle to meet
their basic needs, making it imperative to examine the impacts of climate
change on food security and identify adaptation strategies that could help
mitigate these effects(Belay et al., 2024).
Research
Significance
The
significance of this research is evident in several aspects:
1. Raising
Awareness: This study analyzes the effects of climate change on food security
in Afghanistan, contributing to the broader public and scientific understanding
of the issue. Increased awareness of the various dimensions of this problem can
facilitate more effective discussions and policymaking.
2. Developing
adaptation strategies: By identifying and examining local and indigenous
strategies employed by rural households to cope with climate change, this
research contributes to the improvement of effective approaches to food
security and resource management.
3. Supporting
Policy Development: The results of this study can serve as a scientific
foundation for the formulation and enhancement of food security and sustainable
agriculture policies in Afghanistan. Policymakers can use these findings to
design programs aimed at improving livelihoods and increasing the resilience of
rural households.
4. Strengthening
Resilience: This research identifies the strengths and weaknesses of existing
strategies in rural areas that can help strengthen households� resilience to
climate change and improve their living conditions.
Overall, this study is a necessary step
toward a better understanding of the status of food security and the effects of
climate change in Afghanistan, serving as a reliable resource for informed and
evidence-based decision-making in this area.
Literature
Review
Food security and climate change are
recognized as two critical and interconnected domains in the study of
sustainable development and environmental geography. In recent years, numerous
studies have examined the impacts of climate change on food security, as
climatic shifts directly affect agricultural production, natural resources, and
access to food across different regions of the world. This section reviews and
analyzes previous research related to climate change, food security, and
adaptation strategies in rural areas, particularly in developing countries like
Afghanistan(Yar & Yasouri, 2023). One significant study in this field
is the research conducted by (Al
et al., 2008), which indicates
that climate change in countries with agriculture-dependent economies, such as
Afghanistan, leads to reduced agricultural productivity and increased
instability of food resources. The study emphasizes that decreased rainfall and
changes in seasonal patterns reduce crop yields, thereby threatening rural food
security.
(Singh et al., 2020) explored the impacts of climate
change on agriculture and food security in South Asian countries. This study
highlights that temperature variations and changes in rainfall patterns have
severely negative effects on agriculture in arid and semi-arid regions such as
Afghanistan. It also emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies to mitigate
the adverse effects of these changes on food security.
The research by (Adger et al., 2003) focuses on the social and economic
aspects of climate change impacts, stating that adaptation is a key strategy
for addressing these effects. The study suggests that adaptation should not
only include agricultural techniques and natural resource management but also
pay broader attention to social and economic dimensions. It highlights the role
of empowering local communities and increasing their participation in
decision-making processes as part of adaptive strategies.
Research related to Afghanistan also
emphasizes the importance of adaptation strategies. (Omerkhil et al., 2020), in their study on the impacts of
climate change in rural Afghanistan, concluded that frequent droughts, one of
the main consequences of climate change, are a major factor in the destruction
of rural livelihoods and the deterioration of food security in the country.
They recommend that comprehensive policies on water resource management, modern
agricultural techniques, and infrastructure improvements be implemented to
enhance rural food security.
Additionally, (Morton, 2007) analyzed adaptive strategies in
vulnerable regions and showed that using modern agricultural techniques, such
as conservation agriculture and sustainable water management systems, can help
mitigate the negative effects of climate change on food security. He emphasizes
that the success of these strategies requires close collaboration among
governments, international organizations, and local communities.
Finally, the study by (Change, 2001) examined global adaptation
strategies and demonstrated that reducing the impacts of climate change on food
security requires tailored strategies based on the geographical, economic, and
social conditions of different regions. The research highlights the role of
innovative technologies, such as digital and data-driven agricultural systems,
in improving food security.
the existing literature shows that the
impacts of climate change on food security are multidimensional, requiring
comprehensive consideration from perspectives such as natural resource
management, agricultural policies, social empowerment, and modern technologies.
The present study, by examining the specific conditions of rural areas in
Afghanistan and offering adaptive solutions based on previous studies, seeks to
provide innovative contributions to this field.
Theoretical
and conceptual framework
The theoretical and conceptual framework
of this research is developed to explain the relationship between climate
change and food security, based on existing theories related to climate change,
food security, and adaptation strategies. This framework helps us gain a better
understanding of the factors influencing food security and how rural
communities adapt to climate change. The main theories utilized in this section
include "adaptation theory" and "resilience theory" in
response to climate change and the concept of "food security."
1. Adaptation
Theory: Adaptation theory, as one of the key theories in climate change
studies, refers to a set of actions and strategies adopted by communities,
countries, or systems to cope with the effects of climate change. The primary
goal of adaptation, according to this theory, is to reduce vulnerability to the
adverse impacts of climate change and increase resilience and capacity to deal
with these changes (Adger et al., 2005). This research employs adaptation
theory as the primary framework to analyze different strategies in
Afghanistan's rural areas. In this context, adaptation refers to changes in
agricultural practices, water resource management, and the use of modern technologies
to address the negative consequences of climate change and maintain food
security. Adaptation theory also emphasizes the role of local community
participation and government policies in designing and implementing effective
adaptation strategies.
2. Resilience
Theory: Resilience is another key concept in the theoretical framework of this
research, which refers to the capacity of communities or systems to recover
from crises and maintain their essential functions and structures. According to
resilience theory, social and environmental systems must be able to adapt to
climate change while maintaining their sustainability (Folke, 2006). In this study, resilience refers to
the ability of rural households and communities in Afghanistan to maintain food
security in the face of climatic shocks such as droughts, floods, or
temperature fluctuations. Previous research has shown that rural resilience
depends on various factors such as access to natural resources, local
infrastructure, and social capacity to cope with crises (Cutter et al., 2008).
Therefore, this study examines the factors that can enhance the resilience of
Afghan rural households against climate change.
3. Food
Security Concept: Food security is a fundamental concept in this research and
refers to the ability of individuals to access sufficient, safe, and nutritious
food to maintain a healthy and active life. According to the Food and
Agriculture Organization (Al
et al., 2008), food security is
achieved when all people, at all times, have access to enough food to meet
their nutritional needs.
Numerous studies have shown that climate change is one
of the greatest threats to global food security, especially in developing
countries that rely heavily on agriculture (Wheeler & von Braun, 2013). In
this research, food security is used as a measure to assess the impacts of
climate change on rural Afghan communities and their access to food. The study
aims to demonstrate how changes in rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and
declining water resources threaten the food security of rural households.
4. Social-Ecological
Systems Model: The social-ecological systems model addresses the interaction
between social and environmental factors within a complex system. This model
emphasizes that changes in one part of the system (e.g., climate change in the
environmental sector) can directly affect other parts of the system (e.g., food
security in the social sector) (Berkes et al., 2000) In this study, the social-ecological
systems model is used as a framework to analyze the interrelationships between
climate change and food security in Afghan rural communities. This model helps
us better understand the dynamics between natural resources, agriculture, and
social welfare in the face of climate change.
5. Vulnerability
Theory: Vulnerability theory refers to the degree to which a system or
community is susceptible to external risks and shocks, such as climate change (Turner & Zhou, 2023). According to this theory, the more
vulnerable a system is, the more severe the negative impacts of climate change
will be. In this study, vulnerability theory is used to analyze factors that
can weaken food security in Afghanistan in the face of climate change,
including lack of resilient infrastructure, weaknesses in agricultural
policies, and economic poverty.
The theoretical and conceptual framework
of this research combines adaptation theory, resilience theory, food security
concepts, the social-ecological systems model, and vulnerability theory to
provide a comprehensive analysis of the impacts of climate change on food
security in Afghanistan. This framework helps us understand the multifaceted
effects of climate change on rural production and livelihoods and offers
effective adaptive solutions to confront these challenges.
Figure 1.
RESEARCH METHOD
This research employs a mixed-methods
approach (both quantitative and qualitative) to examine the impacts of climate
change on food security and identify adaptation strategies in rural areas of
Afghanistan. This approach allows us to conduct a comprehensive analysis by
using quantitative data to explore general patterns and qualitative data to
gain deeper insights into the experiences and challenges of rural communities.
The study population includes rural
households in various regions of Afghanistan that are directly affected by
climate change. Stratified random sampling is used to select samples, allowing
us to cover different households from areas with diverse climatic and
geographical conditions. The sample size is determined using Cochran�s formula
to ensure a representative and adequate sample for statistical analysis. The
following tools will be used for data collection:
1. Structured
Questionnaires: The questionnaires include both closed and open-ended questions
regarding food security, the impacts of climate change, and adaptation
strategies. These questionnaires are designed to measure the perspectives and
experiences of rural households concerning climate change and its impact on
food security.
2. Semi-structured
Interviews: To collect qualitative data, interviews will be conducted with
local leaders, farmers, and experts in the fields of climate and food security.
These interviews aim to provide deeper insights into the existing challenges
and local strategies for coping with climate change.
3. Secondary
Data: Available data, including climate statistics, agricultural production
data, and official reports from governmental and international organizations
such as FAO and WFP, will be utilized. This secondary data will aid in the
detailed analysis of climate change impacts on a broader scale. The data
analysis process will include the following steps:
4. Quantitative
Data Analysis: Data from the questionnaires will be analyzed using statistical
software such as SPSS or STATA. Statistical tests such as t-tests, multiple
regression, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used to analyze
relationships between variables and assess the impacts of climate change on
food security.
5. Qualitative
Data Analysis: The data obtained from interviews will be analyzed using
thematic content analysis. This method will help identify patterns, key themes,
and adaptation strategies used in rural communities. The interviews will be
carefully coded to extract significant themes related to climate change and
food security.
To ensure the validity and reliability of
the research tools, the following steps will be taken:
1. Content
Validity: The questionnaires and interviews will be reviewed by experts in
climate change and food security to ensure adequate coverage of the research
content.
2. Reliability
Testing: Cronbach�s alpha test will be used to assess the reliability of the
questionnaires, helping to ensure that the data is measured consistently
without random errors.
3. Triangulation
Method: To increase validity, the triangulation method will be used, meaning
data from multiple sources (questionnaires, interviews, and secondary data)
will be analyzed to address a single issue. This method enhances the
credibility of the research results and considers various perspectives.
This research methodology, using a mixed
methods approach and combining quantitative and qualitative tools, provides a
comprehensive analysis of the impacts of climate change on food security in
rural Afghanistan and explores adaptation strategies. Careful selection of
samples, questionnaire design, and data analysis allow us to achieve valid and
reliable results that can contribute to future policymaking and actions related
to food security and climate change.
Figure
2. depicting the major points of the document on the impact of climate change
on food security and adaptation strategies in rural Afghanistan
RESULT AND DISCUSSION
In this section, the findings of the
research are presented based on data collected through quantitative and
qualitative methods. The results include statistical analyses of quantitative
data and content analysis of qualitative data. This section is accompanied by
tables, charts, and detailed explanations to provide readers with a clear and
thorough understanding of the results. The research explores the effects of
climate change on food security and analyzes the adaptation strategies used in
rural areas of Afghanistan.
Quantitative
Results
Impact
of Climate Change on Agricultural Production According to the data gathered
from questionnaires
The average agricultural production in the
surveyed areas has significantly declined over the past decade. Multiple
regression analysis indicates that temperature fluctuations and reduced
rainfall have had the greatest impact on the decrease in agricultural output.
The table below shows the changes in the production levels of key crops (wheat,
barley, rice, and corn) in the surveyed areas:
Table 1. The Changes in The
Production Levels Of Key Crops
|
Crop
Type |
Production
Before Climate Change |
Production
after Climate Change |
Percentage
Decrease |
|
Wheat |
50000 |
20000 |
30 |
|
Barley |
30000 |
20000 |
33 |
|
Rice |
20000 |
15000 |
25 |
|
Corn |
40000 |
25000 |
37.5 |
Source:
Processed Data (2024)
This reduction in agricultural output is
directly related to the increasing severity of droughts and temperature
fluctuations. The results show that rural households have experienced
difficulties in accessing food due to these changes.
Household Food Security Index
The household food security index was
measured using global standards such as the Food Insecurity Experience Scale
(FIES). The results of this index indicate that over 60% of households have
experienced varying degrees of food insecurity in the past two years.
As shown, a significant percentage of
households are facing severe and moderate food insecurity. These findings
confirm that climate change has directly affected households' access to food.
Adaptation
strategies employed
Respondents to the questionnaires
mentioned various strategies for adapting to climate change. The analysis of
the data shows that the most commonly used strategies
include:
1. Diversifying
crops (35%)
2. Temporary
migration to urban areas (22%).
3. Reducing
food consumption (18%)
4. Using
traditional water storage methods (15%)
Qualitative
Results
Households'
Experiences of Climate Change
In semi-structured interviews, most rural
households emphasized that climate change has seriously affected their lives in
recent years. Some of the responses included the following:
Reduced access to agricultural water:
Rural households mentioned that decreased rainfall and reduced water resources
have left their agricultural land barren. One farmer stated, "Our water
supply has decreased to one-third of what it used to be, and we even face
challenges in accessing drinking water."
Increased temperature fluctuations: Many
interviewees referred to extreme temperature changes, which have damaged crops,
especially during harvest time.
Local
Strategies for Coping with Climate Change
In another part of the interviews, several
local strategies for coping with the effects of climate change were identified.
These strategies mainly relied on traditional and indigenous knowledge, such as
the use of traditional water storage methods, which were highlighted as one of
the most important survival mechanisms in the face of droughts.
Mixed-Methods
Analysis
By simultaneously analyzing quantitative
and qualitative data, it was found that the adaptation strategies employed by
rural households are primarily driven by economic pressures and reduced income
resulting from climate change. Overall, the findings indicate that while rural
households use various strategies to respond to climate change, these measures
alone are insufficient, and there is a need for policy interventions and
government support.
The results of this study confirm that
climate change has had significant negative impacts on the food security of
rural households in Afghanistan. Additionally, the adaptation strategies
employed by households have not yet fully compensated for these negative
effects. Based on these findings, it is recommended that food security and
climate change adaptation policies be strengthened at the national level and
additional support measures be provided to rural communities.
Discussion
and Interpretation
In this section, the research results are
interpreted and analyzed in light of the literature
and theoretical framework. The findings indicate that climate change has
significantly affected food security in rural areas of Afghanistan, and
households have adopted various methods to adapt to these changes. The
following is a discussion of the results, comparing them with previous studies
and the theoretical framework.
Alignment
of Results with the Literature
The findings of this study align with
previous research on the effects of climate change on food security. Studies
conducted by (Adger et al., 2005)and (Al
et al., 2008) also demonstrate
that climate change leads to reduced agricultural production and increased
temperature fluctuations, which directly impact the food security of rural
households. Our results similarly show a significant decline in the production
of key crops in rural Afghanistan, primarily due to droughts and decreased
rainfall(Yar et al., 2024). Previous studies have emphasized
the importance of crop diversification and the use of modern irrigation
techniques as effective strategies to combat the effects of climate change
(Smith et al., 2014). In this study, crop diversification was identified as one
of the primary strategies employed by rural households in Afghanistan to cope
with climate change. This indicates that Afghan rural households, much like
other regions globally, are resorting to similar traditional methods, though
these measures alone are insufficient and require the enhancement and application
of modern agricultural technologies.
Newly
Identified Factors
One innovative aspect of this research is
the identification of indigenous and local strategies for coping with climate
change. The results show that Afghan rural households employ traditional
methods such as water storage and temporary migration as coping mechanisms.
While previous studies have largely focused on modern solutions, this research
demonstrates that indigenous methods can also complement modern approaches.
The study also revealed that some
households have adapted by reducing food consumption and changing their dietary
patterns. This finding, rarely explored in previous research, highlights the
importance of cultural and economic factors in the adaptation to climate change.
Comparison
of Results with Theoretical Framework
In the theoretical framework of this
study, the models of adaptation and resilience were used as the basis for
analysis. According to resilience theory, communities should be able to
maintain and strengthen their structures when facing crises and changes (Walker
et al., 2004). The results show that despite severe resource limitations, rural
households have managed to achieve a level of resilience through various
strategies.
However, the findings also indicate that
the current resilience of these households is at risk due to the drastic
reduction in water and financial resources. Nonetheless, the use of indigenous
knowledge and local strategies suggests the existence of resilience foundations
that can be strengthened with appropriate policy interventions.
Results
and Food Security Improvement
This research clearly shows that climate
change is one of the primary drivers of food insecurity in rural areas of
Afghanistan. The results can assist decision-makers and policymakers in
designing more effective policies to address these changes, taking
into account the local experiences and strategies of rural communities.
The findings also emphasize the importance of education and capacity-building
for farmers in utilizing modern agricultural techniques and resource
management.
Overall, the suggested strategies for
improving food security and addressing climate change include:
1. Strengthening
modern agricultural practices: Based on the findings, the use of modern
irrigation and agricultural techniques can improve agricultural production and
consequently enhance food security.
2. Capacity-building
and farmer education: Educating and empowering farmers to adapt to climate
change and adopt new technologies will play a crucial role in reducing their
vulnerability.
3. Government
and international support: The current strategies employed by rural households
are insufficient on their own, and greater support is needed from both
government and international organizations.
4. This
research demonstrates that climate change has had widespread negative impacts
on food security in rural Afghanistan, and households are employing a
combination of traditional and modern strategies to address these challenges.
However, broader interventions and institutional support are necessary to
improve food security and strengthen the resilience of these communities.
CONCLUSION
This study has shown that climate change
has had a significant negative impact on food security in rural areas of
Afghanistan, and rural households face numerous challenges in confronting these
changes. The findings highlight the importance of adaptation strategies in
these communities and show that although these strategies are not sufficient on
their own, they play a critical role in increasing farmers' resilience to
climate crises.
The results of this research can provide a
solid foundation for food security policies in Afghanistan. Policymakers should
consider these findings when developing programs for sustainable agriculture,
increasing farmer capacity, and improving water resource management
infrastructure. Additionally, the research underscores the importance of
international cooperation to combat climate change and learn from the
experiences of other countries.
This study faced some limitations,
including the difficulty of accessing comprehensive and accurate data from
remote areas of Afghanistan. Future research should focus on gathering more
extensive field data and conducting a more in-depth examination of indigenous
and local strategies to contribute to the development of knowledge in this
field.
Overall, the findings of this study not
only contribute to improving food security policy in Afghanistan but also
enrich the scientific literature on climate change and food security in
developing countries.
Recommendations
Based on the results of this study and the
analysis, several practical and policy recommendations are suggested to
mitigate the negative impacts of climate change on food security in rural
Afghanistan:
Promote sustainable agricultural
practices: To combat the effects of climate change, sustainable agriculture
using modern technologies such as efficient irrigation systems and
drought-resistant farming methods should be promoted and developed in rural
areas. Government incentives for farmers using these methods could be
effective.
Increase crop diversity: Due to climate
change and fluctuations in agricultural production, diversifying crops in rural
Afghanistan can reduce the risks associated with declining yields of certain
key crops. Supportive policies for farmers to grow diverse crops, particularly
those resistant to climate change, are essential.
Capacity-building and farmer education:
One of the most important strategies for coping with climate change is to
educate farmers about resource management and the use of modern agricultural
techniques. Regular educational programs can enhance farmers' skills and
knowledge, leading to increased productivity and reduced vulnerability.
Strengthen early warning systems and
disaster management: Establishing and strengthening early warning systems to
inform farmers about climate risks and natural disasters such as droughts and
floods will help them respond more quickly to these events and reduce damages.
Invest in irrigation infrastructure and
water resource management: One of the biggest challenges in addressing climate
change is water resource management. Investment in modern irrigation
infrastructure, water storage, and water purification can increase farmers'
resilience to water shortages.
Enhance regional and international
cooperation: Regional and international cooperation to combat climate change
and reduce its impact on food security should be strengthened. Afghanistan can
benefit from the experiences of other countries in addressing climate change
and join regional networks to exchange knowledge and expertise.
Financial and social support for
vulnerable households: Establishing special financial funds to support
vulnerable households in rural areas, especially during natural disasters, can
help reduce their vulnerability. This support should include low-interest
loans, agricultural subsidies, and agricultural insurance provisions.
REFERENCES