IIED: Afghanistan's unfolding crisis; Wellbeing and livelihoods of displaced people before and after the regime change

February 2024

The Protracted Displacement in an Urban World project in Afghanistan aimed to understand the lives of displaced individuals in camp-like and urban settings. Initial data collection occurred before the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, with a follow-up one year afterwards to assess changes in livelihoods and wellbeing. The project, centred in Jalalabad city and Barikab settlement, evaluated five wellbeing dimensions. Key findings highlighted a significant economic downturn post-regime change, leading to increased hours worked for both men and women, more child labour, yet decreasing household incomes. Economic strain impacted health access, food security, and psychosocial wellbeing, notably worsening for women and urban displaced populations. The project calls for immediate humanitarian aid and targeted economic assistance, and emphasises the importance of gender inclusivity, community participation and a Humanitarian-Development Nexus approach for sustainable solutions.

Read here