KABUL, AFGHANISTAN- The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announces a contribution of 27,010 metric tons of food aid commodities valued at $16,095,600.

 

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announces a contribution of 27,010 metric tons of food aid commodities valued at $16,095,600. This assistance from the American people will contribute to the “Afghanistan Drought Joint Appeal” recently announced by the Government of Afghanistan and the UN.

 

Serious drought conditions have developed in Afghanistan due to inadequate and poorly distributed precipitation and early snow melt during the 2005/06 winter. The result is a 50 percent loss of rain-fed wheat production and severe water shortages. The Government of Afghanistan and UN joint appeal for drought relief supports 2.5 million people affected by drought and food insecurity. This is in addition to the 6.5 million people already food-insecure, including internally displaced persons and other vulnerable groups throughout Afghanistan.

 

Through USAID the United States Government is the major supporter of the Program WFP country program in Afghanistan with food aid commodities and support cash contributions valued at over $57 million including approximately 88,000 metric tons of food since October 2005.