When we turn on the television, scroll through social media, or read the latest headlines in the newspaper, one theme that consistently emerges in discussions about Afghanistan is poverty. This poverty, however, is not limited to financial deprivation alone. It often manifests in two critical forms: food insecurity and water scarcity. While food poverty and malnutrition are immediate concerns for the Afghan population, a growing crisis has emerged in recent years that directly affects Kabul we term it as water poverty.

Water and poverty are fundamentally interconnected, with poor access to water and inadequate sanitation serving as key determinants of health, food security, and economic opportunity for impoverished populations. In regions such as Asia and the Pacific, where nearly 900 million of the world's poorest individuals reside, these challenges are particularly acute. According to recent estimates, approximately one in three individuals in this region lacks access to safe drinking water, while half of the population remains without adequate sanitation facilities.

The lack of clean water and proper sanitation not only exacerbates public health issues, including the spread of waterborne diseases, but also undermines food security by reducing agricultural productivity and increasing vulnerability to environmental shocks. Moreover, it restricts the economic potential of communities by imposing high costs for water procurement, limiting time available for productive activities, and creating barriers to education and employment.

The intersection of water scarcity, poor sanitation, and poverty thus perpetuates a vicious cycle that hinders socio-economic development and threatens the well-being of millions of individuals. Addressing these water-related challenges is therefore critical to breaking the cycle of poverty and achieving sustainable development in the region.[1] Water is fundamental to life, yet across the globe, millions continue to struggle to access this most basic of resources. Afghanistan, a country already grappling with economic and political instability, faces a particularly severe water crisis.

According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), 79% of the population in Afghanistan lacks access to clean and sufficient water. This water scarcity is exacerbated by the compounded effects of climate change, making it a pressing concern for public health and sustainable development in the country.[2] Just 42% of the Afghan population has access to safe drinking water, and only 27% of the rural population benefits from basic sanitation facilities.[3] The intersection of these issues, particularly the gendered impacts, requires urgent attention.

SDG 1: No Poverty: The Case of Water Poverty in Kabul

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 1, aimed at eradicating poverty in all its forms by 2030, highlights specific targets focused on ending extreme poverty, implementing social protection systems, and ensuring equitable access to economic resources and basic services. These broad objectives emphasize the eradication of food poverty as one of the core aspects of poverty alleviation. However, while the SDG framework primarily centers on food security, it also implicitly encompasses a broader understanding of deprivation, including access to other essential resources such as clean water.

In this context, the issue of water poverty the scarcity or lack of access to safe drinking water emerges as a critical area that demands attention, particularly in urban centers like Kabul. Water poverty can be understood as the inability of individuals or communities to access sufficient, safe, and affordable water for their daily needs. It is a form of deprivation that extends beyond mere scarcity, reflecting systemic failures in water resource management, infrastructure, and policy. While SDG 1 predominantly addresses food poverty, it is crucial to recognize that water poverty can have similarly profound impacts on health, livelihoods, and overall well-being, particularly in rapidly urbanizing areas facing environmental and infrastructural challenges.

Defining Water Poverty
Water poverty, like food poverty, is a concept that lacks a precise, universally accepted definition, but its implications are undeniable. Water poverty refers to the insufficient availability of clean, safe water for drinking, sanitation, and hygiene, which undermines the health, economic stability, and dignity of individuals and communities. The scarcity of water, whether due to environmental degradation, poor infrastructure, or ineffective water governance, can lead to significant socio-economic consequences, including increased morbidity from waterborne diseases, reduced productivity, and economic inequality.

In the case of Kabul, Afghanistan, water poverty is a growing concern, exacerbated by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The city, home to over 4 million people, has long struggled with chronic water shortages, particularly in the face of rapid urbanization, pollution, and climate change. Despite the fundamental role that water plays in the city's social and economic life, access to clean drinking water remains severely limited for many residents, especially in informal settlements and marginalized communities.

The Emergence of Water Poverty in Kabul

Water poverty,[4] defined as the lack of access to sufficient clean water for drinking, sanitation, and irrigation, is now a stark reality for millions of people in Kabul. The question arises: Why has water poverty become so prevalent in Kabul? The simplest answer lies in the long-term degradation of the natural environment, particularly water resources, compounded by Afghanistan's ongoing conflicts. Afghanistan has been mired in conflict for several decades, with devastating consequences for its environmental health.[5] Since the 1980s, the country has endured a series of wars that have not only destabilized the economy and infrastructure but have also wreaked havoc on its agricultural systems and water management strategies. These environmental damages, largely a result of human activity and warfare, are the primary drivers behind Kabul's water crisis.

In Kabul, water scarcity is not merely a temporary issue; it has become an entrenched urban crisis. The city's water resources are insufficient to meet the needs of its growing population, and access to safe drinking water is not equitably distributed. While wealthier households may be able to rely on private water supplies or bottled water, the majority of Kabul's population faces daily challenges in obtaining sufficient, clean water for basic needs.

The city's primary water sources, including underground aquifers, have been overexploited and are rapidly depleting. Furthermore, surface water from rivers and reservoirs is often contaminated by waste, pollution, and inadequate sanitation infrastructure. This has led to a situation where Kabul's citizens face not just water scarcity, but also water that is unsafe for drinking, cooking, or bathing. The lack of access to water has compounded public health problems, with the population increasingly vulnerable to waterborne diseases such as cholera, diarrhea, and typhoid fever, which disproportionately affect children.

While the issue of food poverty is primarily addressed by the World Food Programme (WFP), the issue of water poverty requires a different focus. It is a natural resource management problem that requires action from both local governments and international organizations working in the area of environmental sustainability. Unlike food poverty, which can be mitigated through food aid and distribution, water poverty demands long-term solutions centered around sustainable water management, infrastructure development, and environmental preservation.

The Role of International Organizations and Local Governance

The crisis of water poverty in Kabul is not only a matter of immediate humanitarian concern but also a broader environmental and governance challenge. It is not a situation that can be resolved by international organizations like the WFP, which focus primarily on food aid and food security. Instead, addressing water poverty in Kabul requires coordinated efforts between the Afghan government, international aid agencies, environmental organizations, and local communities.

International organizations can play a critical role in supporting the development of sustainable water systems in Kabul. For example, agencies like UNICEF and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) can contribute expertise in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) programs, and assist in the construction of water infrastructure. However, such interventions must be aligned with long-term policies aimed at improving water management, protecting natural water sources, and building the local capacity to maintain water systems.

Moreover, the Afghan government must take a central role in addressing water poverty by prioritizing the expansion of water access and the improvement of water infrastructure, especially in informal settlements and rural areas surrounding Kabul. This includes investing in the rehabilitation of old infrastructure, expanding access to safe drinking water through piped systems, and promoting sustainable water practices in agriculture and industry. Importantly, the government must implement policies that regulate water use and ensure equitable distribution, taking into account the needs of vulnerable populations.

One of the key challenges in tackling water poverty in Kabul is the lack of adequate irrigation and water conservation systems, which exacerbate water shortages during periods of drought or low rainfall. Investing in sustainable irrigation techniques and the use of water-efficient technologies is essential for improving agricultural productivity and reducing competition for limited water resources. Furthermore, urban water management must be integrated with broader environmental policies to ensure the sustainability of water resources over the long term.

The Impact of Climate Change on Water Availability in Afghanistan

The ongoing climate crisis has significantly altered Afghanistan's environmental landscape, with water scarcity now one of its most visible and urgent consequences. As temperatures rise and rainfall patterns become increasingly erratic, the country has been plagued by frequent and intense droughts. These droughts have had devastating effects on local water sources, exacerbating the already precarious situation. Record-breaking droughts have forced thousands of families to leave their homes in search of water, leading to widespread displacement and hardship. Today, nearly two-thirds of Afghanistan's population has been impacted by drought, with children bearing the brunt of the resulting malnutrition and disease.

The effects of climate change on water availability are not only felt through the scarcity of water itself but also through the degradation of water quality. As river levels decline and groundwater sources dwindle, the remaining water supplies become increasingly polluted, heightening the risks of waterborne diseases. The situation is further worsened by hazardous levels of pollution, which degrade the quality of water and make it unsafe for drinking, cooking, and basic sanitation. As a result, Afghanistan's children—already vulnerable due to malnutrition and economic instability—are more likely to suffer from diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, and diarrheal infections. These conditions not only threaten the health and survival of children but also hinder their ability to attend school and access essential services, perpetuating a cycle of poverty and deprivation.

The Gendered Impact of Water Scarcity

While the water crisis in Afghanistan affects all segments of the population, its impact is felt most acutely by women and girls. In many parts of the country, it is the responsibility of women and girls to collect water for their households—a task that requires them to walk long distances, often in dangerous conditions. This labor-intensive chore takes up a significant portion of their day, preventing them from pursuing education, income-generating activities, or other opportunities for personal empowerment.

The burden of water collection becomes even more acute when water sources are located far from home or when families are displaced due to drought. Women and girls in these communities must navigate both the physical hardships of fetching water and the emotional toll of witnessing family members suffer from waterborne diseases, malnutrition, and displacement. Girls, in particular, face a higher risk of being exposed to sexual violence or harassment while fetching water, further exacerbating their vulnerability.

The water crisis also contributes to the rising incidence of child marriage in Afghanistan. As families face economic hardship due to water shortages and food insecurity, parents often view marrying off their daughters as a means of reducing their household's economic burden. This tragic coping mechanism exposes girls to early pregnancies, domestic violence, and a lifetime of inequality.

Small-Scale Solutions to a Large-Scale Crisis

Addressing the water crisis in Afghanistan requires comprehensive and sustained efforts, and UNICEF has been at the forefront of these efforts for over seven decades. Through its Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) programs, UNICEF has provided critical water services to millions of people across the country. Its approach focuses on delivering climate-resilient solutions to communities, ensuring that vulnerable populations, particularly women and children, have access to clean water and sanitation.

One of UNICEF's key strategies is the installation of solar-powered water pumps, which provide communities with a reliable and sustainable source of clean water. These solar-powered systems not only reduce the cost and environmental impact of water extraction but also ensure that water management is localized, empowering communities to take control of their water resources. By working with over 30,000 community-elected councils, UNICEF ensures that water decisions are made by the people who need it most, with particular emphasis on involving women and children in the decision-making process.

In addition to installing water infrastructure, UNICEF also focuses on improving sanitation facilities and promoting hygiene practices, particularly in schools and health centers. By ensuring that menstrual hygiene needs are met and creating safe spaces for girls, UNICEF helps reduce the number of school days missed due to menstruation, empowering girls to continue their education despite the challenges they face.

UNICEF's WASH programs also address the broader environmental and sustainability concerns associated with water management. UNICEF is the lead agency monitoring underground water sources, which serve as vital buffers against climate-induced shocks. Through capacity-building initiatives, UNICEF strengthens the ability of local WASH partners to respond to water shortages and improve the resilience of communities to future climate challenges.

Moreover, UNICEF provides critical support in areas affected by displacement. For families forced to flee their homes due to droughts or other crises, UNICEF delivers clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene supplies to settlement camps. This emergency response acts as a first line of defense against the spread of waterborne diseases and malnutrition, ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to life-saving services. The water crisis in Afghanistan is both a humanitarian and a climate emergency.

It is a crisis that demands immediate action, but also long-term solutions that address the root causes of water scarcity, public health risks, and gender inequality. UNICEF's work in Afghanistan illustrates that while the challenge is large-scale, small-scale, community-driven solutions can make a profound difference. By providing climate-resilient water infrastructure, empowering local communities, and addressing the specific needs of women and girls, UNICEF is helping to mitigate the devastating impacts of water scarcity.

However, the scale of the crisis requires continued international support and collaboration. Only through a concerted global effort can Afghanistan and other water-scarce nations overcome the challenges posed by water scarcity and create a future where all children, regardless of gender or geography, have access to clean, safe water.

Water is an essential and finite resource that is integral to the survival, health, and development of all living organisms. Although water covers approximately 70% of the Earth's surface, only a small fraction about 3% is freshwater, the kind suitable for human consumption, agricultural use, and industrial processes.[6] Furthermore, of this 3%, nearly two-thirds is locked away in glaciers, polar ice caps, or otherwise inaccessible, leaving only a small fraction of the world's total water supply available for direct human use.

As a result, while water appears abundant globally, its distribution is highly uneven, both spatially and temporally, and many regions face severe challenges in securing sufficient In addition to the direct health risks associated with water scarcity, the growing pressure on global water systems has serious implications for ecosystems and human livelihoods. Rivers, lakes, and aquifers are increasingly stressed due to over-extraction, contamination, and poor management practices. More than half of the world's wetlands have been lost, and agricultural water use by far the largest consumer of freshwater remains inefficient, contributing to significant water wastage. Climate change further complicates the situation, altering rainfall patterns and exacerbating both droughts and floods, thereby affecting the availability and quality of water supplies in many regions.

The demand for water continues to rise due to rapid population growth, urbanization, and increasing water needs from agriculture, industry, and energy sectors. It is projected that by 2030, the demand for water will exceed supply by 40% in many parts of the world unless substantial changes in water management and investment take place. Today, approximately 4 billion people experience severe water scarcity at least one month each year, and as many as 700 million people may be displaced by water stress by 2030. Projections also indicate that by 2040, one in four children will be living in areas of extremely high-water stress.[7]

Water scarcity manifests in two primary forms: physical and economic. Physical water scarcity occurs when the demand for water exceeds the available supply in a given region, often exacerbated by climatic conditions such as drought. Economic water scarcity arises from the lack of infrastructure to capture, store, and distribute water, as well as ineffective governance and management of water resources. Both forms are interlinked and can compound one another, leading to compounded stresses on water systems and communities.

Addressing the water crisis requires coordinated efforts at the local, national, and global levels. Increased investment in water infrastructure, improved water-use efficiency, and protection of water-related ecosystems are critical to ensuring sustainable water supply. As part of this effort, hygiene education and the development of sanitation facilities are essential to reducing waterborne diseases and improving public health outcomes.

Water is increasingly recognized not only as a fundamental human right but also as a critical element for achieving broader development goals, including poverty reduction, food security, gender equality, and peace. However, challenges persist. As of 2022, 2.2 billion people still lack access to safely managed drinking water, 3.5 billion lack safely managed sanitation, and 2 billion lack basic handwashing facilities.[8] These deficits underscore the urgent need for investments and innovations in water infrastructure and management.

Climate change plays a pivotal role in exacerbating water scarcity. Altered precipitation patterns and rising global temperatures are already contributing to more frequent and severe droughts and floods, which in turn threaten the stability of water supplies and undermine efforts to achieve water security. The impact of climate change on water resources is particularly acute in developing countries, where infrastructure is often insufficient to cope with changing hydrological conditions.

The concept of "water stress" is a useful tool in understanding the global water crisis. Water stress occurs when the demand for water exceeds available supply, leading to challenges in meeting the needs of populations, ecosystems, and industries. In many regions, agricultural demands consume the largest portion of freshwater, with varying levels of availability and accessibility exacerbated by seasonal fluctuations, contamination, and inadequate infrastructure.[9]

In order to measure and address water stress, several indicators and indices have been developed. One such indicator is the Water Poverty Index, which attempts to quantify the availability of freshwater relative to the needs of food production and household consumption. However, water scarcity is not merely a matter of aggregate availability; it is deeply influenced by local factors such as governance, distribution systems, and climatic conditions. This underscores the need for a more integrated, holistic approach to water management that accounts for both environmental and socio-economic factors.

The key challenge is not simply the physical availability of water but ensuring that it is accessible, safe, and equitably distributed. In many parts of the world, especially in conflict zones or areas with weak infrastructure, access to clean water is a significant challenge. In regions affected by war, such as Afghanistan, the destruction of water infrastructure has left millions without reliable access to clean water, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

Water scarcity has a particularly acute impact on vulnerable populations, including women and children, who are often responsible for collecting water for their households. When water sources are distant, the time spent gathering water reduces time for education and economic activities, particularly for girls. Moreover, carrying water over long distances places a physical burden on these individuals and exposes them to various safety risks, such as violence and exploitation.

Ultimately, addressing water scarcity is not only a matter of improving infrastructure and resource management; it also requires a shift in how we view water as a public good, essential for health, economic development, and social equity. Civil society, governments, and the private sector must work together to promote sustainable water management practices, advocate for more inclusive water governance, and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to clean and safe water.

The Impact of War on Afghanistan's Environment

The environmental degradation caused by war in Afghanistan is extensive. From the Soviet invasion in the 1980s to the civil war and subsequent interventions by various foreign powers, the landscape of Afghanistan has been ravaged. The most significant impacts on water resources can be attributed to:

• Destruction of Infrastructure The war severely damaged critical infrastructure such as irrigation systems, water canals, and the kariz (traditional underground water channels). These systems were vital for the sustainable management of water, especially in the rural and arid regions where agriculture relied heavily on consistent water supply.
   
• Contamination of Water Sources Military activities, including the disposal of toxic waste and the destruction of military equipment, led to the contamination of both surface and groundwater sources. Fuel and chemical wastes were often dumped into rivers and streams, further polluting already scarce water resources.
   
• Loss of Forests and Natural Ecosystems War-induced deforestation, particularly in rural areas, has exacerbated the desertification of Afghanistan's land. The loss of forests and vegetation, which traditionally acted as natural water retainers and regulators, has increased the rate of soil erosion and reduced the natural replenishment of aquifers.
   
• Over-extraction of Water The prolonged conflict disrupted the efficient management and monitoring of water resources. With an absence of governance and water management systems, water was often over-extracted, especially from rivers and underground aquifers, without regard for long-term sustainability. This has led to the depletion of water sources, especially in Kabul and other urban areas, which rely on a mix of surface and groundwater for daily use.

Water Poverty: A Unique Challenge

Water poverty in Kabul is a pressing issue that requires a coordinated response from the Afghan government, international organizations, and local communities. As the global community works toward the achievement of SDG 1, the eradication of poverty, it is essential that the definition of poverty is expanded to include water poverty, particularly in areas where access to clean water is severely limited.

While food poverty remains a key focus for organizations like the WFP, the case of Kabul highlights the urgency of addressing water scarcity as an equally critical issue for public health, socio-economic development, and human dignity. Tackling water poverty requires not only the provision of clean water but also a comprehensive strategy for sustainable water resource management, environmental preservation, and equitable distribution.

The future of Kabul and similar cities facing water challenges depends on a holistic approach that integrates water security into the broader framework of poverty reduction and sustainable development. While other forms of poverty, such as food poverty, can be alleviated through international aid and long-term agricultural interventions, water poverty presents a much more severe and permanent challenge. Water is not something that can be easily "donated" or purchased in the same way food aid is distributed.

It is a natural resource that must be carefully managed, and its availability is increasingly threatened by environmental mismanagement, overuse, and the ongoing impacts of climate change. Afghanistan's water crisis is not just a short-term problem; it is a systemic issue that has roots in decades of environmental neglect. The natural environment has been gradually degraded, and the water resources that once sustained agriculture, livelihoods, and human health are now under extreme stress. The scarcity of water in Kabul is thus not just a result of current political instability, but the culmination of years of mismanagement and neglect.

Legal and Institutional Responses to the Crisis

Afghanistan has not been entirely blind to the severity of its environmental challenges. In the post-Taliban era, significant efforts were made to address the country's environmental issues. In 2004, Afghanistan adopted a new constitution that recognized environmental protection as a national priority. In 2001, the country formed a transitional government, and by 2017, an environmental law was passed that created the Commission on Protection of the Environment. These legal frameworks were meant to address the environmental crises that Afghanistan faces, including water scarcity.

However, the implementation of these laws has been weak. The 17-year gap between the establishment of the environmental commission and the actual legislation highlights a critical delay in responding to environmental challenges. The environmental sector in Afghanistan has long been underfunded, under-resourced, and poorly governed. The political instability, compounded by the country's fragile economy, has meant that many of these laws remain unenforced, and environmental degradation continues unchecked.

Today, Afghanistan operates under a new political system, which further complicates the efforts to manage and protect its water resources. The current government faces significant challenges in terms of both governance capacity and access to international support, making effective water management even more difficult. The lack of a cohesive, long-term water management plan for Kabul and the broader country exacerbates the crisis.

The Broader Environmental Context

Afghanistan's water crisis is also linked to broader environmental issues, particularly the impacts of climate change. The country is already one of the most water-scarce in the world, and the effects of climate change are making the situation even worse. Rising temperatures, reduced rainfall, and increasing frequency of droughts have significantly reduced the availability of freshwater in many regions, including Kabul.

Additionally, Afghanistan's geographical location, being landlocked and surrounded by arid and semi-arid regions, further limits its access to cross-border water resources. The management of water with neighboring countries, such as Pakistan and Iran, has long been a contentious issue. Without proper transboundary water management and cooperation, the country's water crisis will continue to deepen.

Conclusion
Water poverty in Kabul is a complex issue that demands a multifaceted response. While it is easy to blame the current regime or external actors for the crisis, the truth is that water poverty in Afghanistan is the result of a gradual process of environmental mismanagement, compounded by the devastating effects of war and climate change. Afghanistan's historical failure to manage its natural resources in a sustainable manner has brought it to this point.

Moving forward, addressing water poverty will require not only immediate humanitarian intervention but also long-term, systemic reforms. A comprehensive strategy for water management that includes infrastructure repair, sustainable water usage practices, environmental restoration, and climate adaptation is crucial. Additionally, strengthening legal frameworks, enforcing environmental laws, and ensuring effective governance in the water sector will be essential for mitigating the ongoing water crisis.

In the face of these challenges, Afghanistan must recognize that addressing water poverty is not just an environmental issue; it is a matter of national security and public health. Without adequate water, Afghanistan's future prospects for development, prosperity, and stability will remain bleak.

References:

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• 79% of People Lack Access to Clean Water In Afghanistan: UN | TOLOnews, https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-187945 (last visited Nov 8, 2024).
• Rural Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Afghanistan | U.S. Agency for International Development, https://www.usaid.gov/afghanistan/fact-sheet/rural-water-sanitation-and-hygiene-0 (last visited Nov 8, 2024).
• Eran Feitelson & Jonathan Chenoweth, Water Poverty: Towards a Meaningful Indicator, 4 Water Policy 263 (2002).
• Climate Change & Environmental Degradation: Impacts of War in Afghanistan, (2024), https://www.vifindia.org/article/2024/february/29/Climate-Change-and-Environmental-Degradation-Impacts-of-War-in-Afghanistan (last visited Nov 8, 2024).
• Naomi Carrard, Tim Foster & Juliet Willetts, Groundwater as a Source of Drinking Water in Southeast Asia and the Pacific: A Multi-Country Review of Current Reliance and Resource Concerns, 11 Water 1605 (2019).
• World Leaders on How We Can Tackle the Global Water Crisis, https://cdn.jwplayer.com/previews/mBp2zEeU-ncRE1zO6 (last visited Nov 8, 2024).
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Written By:

• Ms. Qadriya Hashimi, Institute of Legal and Policy Research
• Ms. Adela Stanikzai, Institute of Legal and Policy Research
• Mrs. Hasina Rassuli, Organization of Green Future Afghanistan
• Ms. Nasima Esa Zada, Organization of Green Future Afghanistan
• Ms. Bahara Kaihan, Organization of Green Future Afghanistan
• Ms. Palwasha Muhammadi, Organization of Green Future Afghanistan