Poverty and Hunger in Afghanistan; 62.3% of People Live in Multidimensional Poverty.
Kabul Times News | Report by Mursal Rahmani
Afghanistan continues to face one of the most serious crises of poverty, hunger and malnutrition. According to a new UNICEF report, 62.3% of the Afghan population lived in multidimensional poverty in 2023; the figure was about 50.8% in 2020. In addition to income, multidimensional poverty also includes access to education, health services and basic living facilities. (UNICEF)
At the same time, the food insecurity crisis has also affected millions of families. The World Food Programme says 17.4 million Afghans faced acute food insecurity in the winter of 2025-2026 and needed urgent food assistance. (World Food Programme)
Children are among the most vulnerable groups in this crisis. UNICEF reports that about 90 percent of children under two years of age live in food poverty, and nearly half of them face severe food poverty. More than 3.5 million children under five years of age are also facing acute malnutrition in 2025. (UNICEF)
Experts attribute the persistence of poverty and hunger to a combination of factors, including economic weakness, unemployment, drought, natural disasters, refugee returns, and reduced humanitarian assistance. The World Bank also reports that Afghanistan’s economy grew in 2025, but rapid population growth has reduced per capita GDP by about four percent. (World Bank)
As this situation continues, millions of families remain dependent on humanitarian aid to meet their basic needs. International organizations emphasize that in order to sustainably reduce poverty, in addition to immediate aid, it is necessary to create job opportunities, support agriculture and domestic production, strengthen health and education services, and expand social protection programs.
Poverty and Hunger in Afghanistan; 62.3% of People Live in Multidimensional Poverty.
