Afghanistan, though minimally contributing to global warming, suffers disproportionately from its effects. Socio-economic impacts of climate change are profound. Agriculture, employing about 60% of the population, is severely affected by changing climatic conditions, leading to food insecurity, malnutrition, and increased poverty levels. Water scarcity affects agriculture, domestic, and industrial uses, exacerbating conflicts over resources. The health sector is strained, with increasing incidences of climate-related diseases such as heatstroke, respiratory ailments from dust storms, and waterborne diseases from flooding. These impacts compound existing socio-economic challenges, including conflict, political instability, and limited access to essential services.

The Organization for Relief and Development (ORD) has been at the forefront of climate action since 2010 in Afghanistan. Climate action is a crosscutting thematic area at ORD, and almost 82% of our development and relief projects use climate action as an integrated component. With a deep understanding of local contexts and challenges, ORD implements community-based solutions that address both immediate needs and long-term sustainability. By focusing on disaster risk reduction, sustainable agriculture, water resource management, renewable energy, and advocacy, ORD aims to build resilient communities capable of adapting to climate challenges.

The Organization for Relief Development (ORD), in collaboration with NCA under the CSEE project, has successfully completed three Disaster Risk Management (DRM) projects in Hazrat Sultan District, Samangan Province. These efforts focus on sustainable water management to improve agricultural productivity and strengthen community resilience.