AFGHANISTAN* (5 February)
Latest reports point to slightly higher areas planted to winter crops compared to the past few drought years. Improved precipitation and sufficient soil moisture, particularly in the north of the country, as well as improved access to purchased inputs have contributed to larger areas being planted to winter cereals. Snow-cover, snow-melt and precipitation during spring and summer are the most critical factors for crop production in most of Afghanistan.
Access to food is very limited for thousands of households, in particular the nomads, widows, disabled persons and the returning refugees. Significant de-stocking of livestock over the past few drought years has eroded the only source of livelihood for an estimated 1.5 million nomads (Kuchis), while the returning displaced people commence their lives with very few assets, if any. Therefore, targeted food assistance in conjunction with concerted efforts to increase food production in the country will be necessary to meet the food requirements in the coming year.