Food and Cash-Based Distribution in Panjwayi District and Kandahar City
HOPA, in collaboration with the World Food Programme (WFP) and Gulzar Group, successfully carried out food distributions in Panjwayi District from December 28, 2024, to January 1, 2025. The initiative aimed to enhance food security and improve the nutritional status of vulnerable households in the district. A total of 1,164 households were served, slightly short of the planned 1,167. Each household received a food package containing 50 kg of wheat flour, 6.3 kg of peas/pulses, 5 liters of cooking oil, and 0.5 kg of salt. In addition, 2.805 metric tons of Lipid-Based Nutrient Supplements (LNS) and 2.130 metric tons of Wheat-Soy Blend (WSB) were distributed to provide supplementary nutrition for children under five, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
The distribution was conducted over five days, with the highest number of beneficiaries served on December 29, 2024, when 426 households received their food packages. The total value distributed amounted to USD 44,262.26. The commodities distributed included 58,200 kg of wheat flour, 7,315.2 kg of peas/pulses, 5,820 liters of cooking oil, and 582 kg of salt, alongside the nutritional supplements mentioned earlier. Despite some logistical challenges, the distribution was a success in addressing the immediate food security needs of the targeted households in Panjwayi.
In Kandahar, the December 2024 Cash-Based Transfer (CBT) distribution took place at two strategically chosen points: Khowajak Baba Point in Kandahar City and Karez Bazar Point in Panjwayi District. This approach ensured that beneficiaries could access assistance without overcrowding. The total number of planned households was 8,488, and 8,425 households were successfully served. This distribution included both cash assistance and nutritional supplements, such as 14.472 metric tons of LNS and 10.869 metric tons of WSB. The program reached 2,418 persons with disabilities, while 63 households were absent during the distribution period.
Despite facing delays due to the late arrival of Money Service Providers (MSPs), damaged currency notes, and shortages of some items, HOPA, working closely with Third-Party Monitors (TPM) and WFP, managed to address these challenges efficiently. The total cash distributed was 24,432,500 Afghanis, benefiting a large number of families, with male-headed households making up the majority of the recipients. These efforts were instrumental in alleviating food insecurity and providing necessary nutritional support to vulnerable families in Kandahar.
