Date : 12/2002

Country/Region : AFGHANISTAN

Title : Afghanistan : the forgotten drought

Duration : 00:02:41

Director : POWELL, Janet

Cameraman : DOUILLIEZ, Caroline

Editor : unknown

Keyword : TESTIMONY; DESERT; CONVOY; FOOD DISTRIBUTION; DAILY LIFE; TRUCK; DROUGHT; FOOD AID; RURAL AREA; FARMER

Confidentiality level : public

Publication restrictions : publication without restrictions

Copyright : CNN; ICRC

Production company : CNN

ICRC producer :
MAIRE, Philippe

Description : The severe drought that has ravaged Afghanistan over the past four years has only added to the burden of 23 years of war. Among the areas that have suffered the most is the remote province of Ghor, situated in the country's mountainous heartland. The size of Switzerland, it has only one river that irrigates a narrow strip of land. But most of the province is arid and depends entirely on rain or melted snow for water. In the past three years, farmers, who constitute over 90 per cent of the population, have been unable to grow any crops and have gradually had to sell off their one remaining asset – their herds. With only 10 percent of the herds now left, families have had to trade their meagre belongings – a rug, a few pieces of furniture – for food and, as a last resort, have been forced to borrow money to survive. Almost one-fifth of them have had no choice but to leave the region. With the conflict winding down, security in the province has improved since the beginning of the year. But the sparse spring rains did nothing to alleviate the drought and few farmers have been able to plant crops: they have no seed and no animals left to help them plough the land. This year, once again, they will have to rely on assistance from humanitarian organizations and loans.

Original language : English

English title : Afghanistan : the forgotten drought

Colour/B&W : colour

Original material/format : DVCam

Best material/format available : DVCam