Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Afghanistan's Economy Under Strain as Families Struggle Amidst Mass Returns and Natural Disasters
Imagine Afghanistan is trying to get better after a tough time, but things are still very difficult for most families.
A big United Nations report says that almost all families are struggling to find enough food, sometimes having to skip meals or go without.
Many people are returning to Afghanistan from other countries, which makes things even harder because there aren't enough homes or jobs for everyone.
Natural problems like earthquakes and floods have also caused a lot of damage.
Because of these issues, many families are borrowing money and getting into debt.
It's especially hard for women, as fewer are able to work and help their families.
The UN is asking for more help, both from other countries and from Afghanistan's leaders, to fix these problems before they get worse.
Nine out of 10 Afghan households are facing food insecurity, debt, or selling belongings to survive, according to a UNDP report.
Over 4.5 million Afghans have returned home since 2023, primarily from Iran and Pakistan, straining resources and public services.
Natural disasters like earthquakes, floods, and drought have destroyed thousands of homes and worsened the crisis.
Women's participation in the labor force has dropped to 6%, with restrictions significantly impacting female-headed households.
The UNDP urges for urgent support to bolster livelihoods and services, calling for increased donor aid and lifting restrictions on female aid workers.
- Who
- United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Afghan households, returnees, women
- What
- Afghanistan's economic recovery is buckling, with widespread hunger, debt, and strained public services, exacerbated by mass returns of Afghans and natural disasters.
- When
- Report released on Wednesday, with data reflecting recent events and ongoing crises.
- Where
- Afghanistan, with specific mention of returnees primarily from Iran and Pakistan.
- Why
- The economic strain is due to a combination of mass returns of Afghans, natural disasters (earthquakes, floods, drought), and a significant drop in donor aid.
- Households Facing Hardship
- 90% of households skipping meals, selling belongings, or going into debt
- Returnee Situation
- Over 4.5 million returnees since 2023, primarily from Iran and Pakistan, increasing population by 10%
- Returnee Debt
- Nearly 90% of returning families are in debt, owing between $373 and $900
- Returnee Joblessness
- Up to 95% joblessness among returnees in areas with high returnee numbers
- Average Monthly Income
- 6,623 Afghanis ($99.76)
- Rent Increase
- Rents have tripled
- Women's Labor Force Participation
- Fallen to 6%