Cash for food assistance to IPC Phase 3 and 4 vulnerable people in Kajaki, Baghran and Lashkargah districts of Hilmand province ltpgtThe humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, particularly in Hilmand province, is critically dire and expected to worsen during the upcoming winter. Economic instability, high debts, low remittances, flood-related disasters, drought effects, high food prices, and reduced assistance are compounding the food insecurity among the population. The winter period, coinciding with the lean season in many areas, is likely to exacerbate the food security situation. It is projected that the number of individuals facing Crisis and Emergency levels of food insecurity will rise to 19.1 million, with Hilmand province remaining in Crisis. According to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) figures, over 20% of the population in Hilmand province, equating to approximately 397,152 people, are experiencing crisis or emergency levels (IPC Phase 3 and 4) of food insecurity. The food security situation in Hilmand is deteriorating, with the majority of households having poor or borderline food consumption scores. Urgent food needs have been identified in Kajaki, Baghran and Lashkargah districtsnbspof Hilmand province. A recent survey conducted by OHW revealed a potential food insecurity problem in the community, with 77% of respondents lacking sufficient food for the winter, and 19% of respondents expressing uncertainty about their food stock, indicating their vulnerability and potential risk of being unable to purchase food in the coming weeks or months.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtIn accordance with the priorities of the Food Security Agriculture Cluster (FSAC), OHW will provide cash assistance to 3547 HHs (24,829 people including 3,724 people with disability) in Kajaki, Baghran and Lashkargahnbspdistricts of Hilmand province (each HH will receive a total of 112.5 USD for the equivalent local currency in AFN), as per cluster standards, to support and meet their household food needs for a period of three months. The cash assistance will be given out in three installments, each of which worth USD 37.5 over the course of 3 months Through FSP (Boloro) which has capacity, experience and capability of delivering similar activity delivery prior experience and cash in envelope will be utilized. Cash assistance is intended to be unrestricted and unconditional. The choice was made in light of the findings of a needs analysis conducted by OHW in Sept. 2023 where local district level markets have enough stock of (Flour, Oil, Rice, pulses and salt) to cover the need of intended number of families in (Kajaki, Baghran and Lashkargah districts) of Hilmand province. which also identified food as the top priority for the household. Additionally, 85% of target population respondents have identified cash as their preferred form of income of assistance among (cash and in-kind), and markets at district level in targeted districts of Hilmand province have been determined to be open to and secure for both men and women.lt/pgtltpgtnbsp ltbrgtOHW is well-positioned to implement this project, with several years of presence in Hilmand, operations in the target districts, and strong relationships with communities and local authorities. We have extensive experience in humanitarian programming, with current and recent projects providing emergency food, livelihoods, and agriculture assistance, using both in-kind and cash modalities.lt/pgtltpgtltbrgtThis intervention will provide 24,829 vulnerable individuals with crucial food assistance, reducing illness and mortality as a result of food shortages. It will also enhance their capacity to rebuild their livelihoods, reinforcing their resilience against the upcoming harsh winter season. Our recent interventions emphasize livelihood improvements for the most vulnerable and affected households in the targeted locations, and this action seeks to extend our reach by supporting households in dire food insecurity with cash assistance.ltbrgtlt/pgt