Afghanistan Livelihood Crisis Raises Need for Sustainable Solutions: UNDP

The latest report from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) paints a grim picture of Afghanistan's socioeconomic reality, underscoring the urgent need for sustainable solutions to a deepening livelihood crisis. The confluence of economic hardship, dwindling international aid, persistent drought, and the massive influx of returning migrants has pushed millions of Afghans to the brink, unable to meet their most basic needs.

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Taking stock of Afghanistan’s socioeconomic reality, this year’s report revealed a country under growing strain, with the high number of returnees and further economic and climate setbacks in 2025 intensifying challenges one after another.

This situation is exacerbated by a complex interplay of factors. Limited economic growth is failing to keep pace with a rapidly growing population, while declining international assistance and worsening climate shocks further strain resources. Crucially, the report points to 'continued restrictions on women's rights' as a significant impediment to progress, highlighting how these policies impact the overall stability and development of the country.

The scale of returns, with nearly five million Afghans returning between 2023 and 2025, has placed an unprecedented strain on already overstretched services and livelihoods. A staggering 92 percent of recent returnees are experiencing livelihood insecurity, a stark contrast to the 74 percent nationwide. In provinces hosting large numbers of returnees, formal employment is scarce, with the vast majority dependent on precarious daily wage labor.

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It highlighted why progress in basic human development remained critical for Afghanistan’s stability and beyond its borders, particularly for the most vulnerable communities living in highly fragile environmental areas.

Afghanistan's economy, despite recording modest growth for the second consecutive year, is contracting on a per capita basis due to rapid population expansion. This has pushed income levels far below those seen in 2020, placing the country among the world's poorest by this measure. The widening trade deficit, driven by rising imports and stagnant exports, further compounds these economic challenges. The UNDP's findings serve as a critical call to action, emphasizing that progress in basic human development is not only vital for Afghanistan's stability but also has implications beyond its borders, particularly for vulnerable communities in fragile environmental areas.

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The scale of returns was unprecedented, reshaping needs and increasing risks. Nearly five million Afghans returned between 2023 and 2025 and recent returnees faced severe vulnerability — 92 percent of them were experiencing livelihood insecurity, compared to 74 percent nationwide.