Drought Devastates Maidan Wardak Province, Afghanistan

Strategic Insights -

Residents and farmers in Jaghatu district of Maidan Wardak province are struggling to cope with severe drought that has destroyed their crops and left them without access to drinking water. The drought has affected areas including Gandqol, Gul Dara, Didani, Sorsang, Ozbah, and surrounding villages, with water sources drying up and ponds running dry. Farmers are urging the government to build dams to address the crisis, which they believe will not only prevent floods but also raise groundwater levels and support farming and livestock.

Key Takeaways:

  • The drought in Jaghatu district has destroyed crops and left residents without access to drinking water, affecting areas including Gandqol, Gul Dara, Didani, Sorsang, Ozbah, and surrounding villages.
  • Water sources have dried up, and ponds have run dry, with wells dug to 150 meters only yielding a small trickle of water.
  • Farmers warn that if the drought continues, thousands of households may be forced to leave the area.
  • Farmers are calling on the Islamic Emirate to construct dams in Gandqol and Gorbat, where surveys have already been conducted.
  • Dr. Masood Pashtun, a university professor and environmental expert, emphasizes that water shortages have affected multiple provinces for years, but solutions exist, and the government must act urgently.
  • Local officials have acknowledged the water shortage and farmers' concerns, confirming that the issues have been communicated to the central government.

Statistics:

  • 80% of Afghans rely on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood.
  • Afghanistan emits 0.19% of global greenhouse gases.
  • The country is ranked fourth among countries most affected by the climate crisis.
  • Groundwater levels in Jaghatu district have dropped up to 150 meters.
  • Wells dug to 150 meters yield only a small trickle of water, sufficient for drinking but insufficient for farming.

Sources:

  • Pajhwok Afghan News
  • Dr. Masood Pashtun, university professor and environmental expert
  • Mawlawi Mohammad Halim, head of Maidan Wardak's Department of Water and Energy