ES/NFI essential shelter repair in Daman and Kandahar city for Returnees, and FSAC Cash for Food Assistance (50%) ration in Kunduz to Drought-affected families. ltpgtEmbarking on urgent humanitarian mission, an overwhelming influx of Afghan returnees from Pakistan since Sept. 15, 2023, has sought refuge in various regions, including Kandahar. This mainly consists of children and adolescents, comprising 62% of the returnees, with nearly 20% being children under 5. Women also make up a significant proportion, accounting for 48% of the returnees. The crisis demands immediate action due to critical funding gaps and the worsening impact of drought-like conditions. Recent IPC data further highlights the severity of the situation. Kandahar and Kunduz provinces are classified under IPC Phase 3, indicating a "crisis" level of food insecurity. This means a significant portion of the population faces acute malnutrition and an increased risk of famine. Kunduz has an additional 5% of the population classified under IPC Phase 4 ("emergency"), necessitating immediate humanitarian intervention.ltbrgtThe ongoing drought in Afghanistan exacerbates the vulnerability of Kunduz experiencing an escalation in drought-related shocks. Data from the DIEM report reveals that 92% of households have experienced a decline in income, leading to reduced meal frequency and increased malnutrition. The report also highlights that 91% of households are facing higher-than-usual food prices, making it difficult to afford basic food items. Widespread crop failure, affecting 89% of farmers, has resulted in income and food source losses, further pushing families into poverty. Urgent action is necessary to provide food assistance, improve market access, support livelihoods, and address the underlying causes of drought and food insecurity in Kunduz.ltbrgtIn accordance with priorities of FSAC and ESNFI Clusters, and AHF 1st RA 2024, OHW will provide cash assistance to 1400 households (9,800 individuals) in Ali Abad, Charah Darah, Imam Sahib, and Qala-e-Zal districts of Kunduz province. Each household will receive a total of 2,900 AFN (approximately $40 based on UN exchange rate) over four months through FSP (Boloro), an experienced delivery mechanism. Cash assistance will be given in four installments and is intended to be unrestricted and unconditional. The choice to provide cash assistance was based on a needs analysis conducted by OHW in May 2024, which indicated sufficient stock of essential food items in local markets and identified food as the top priority for households. Furthermore, 90% of the target population expressed a preference for cash assistance among other forms of assistance.ltbrgtUnder priority 1, OHW proposes to provide conditional cash for shelter repair and rehabilitation in Kandahar city and Daman district of Kandahar. This assistance will be provided to 960 households, with transfer values recommended by the ESNFI cluster for Afghan returnees. Short to medium-term support will be provided to vulnerable households affected by human-made disasters, ensuring privacy, dignity, and mitigation of protection and health risks. Extremely vulnerable households with severely or partially damaged shelters will also receive direct cash for repair. The project will include technical capacity-building activities, shelter construction, and repairing, integrating with relevant clusters and working groups to provide holistic support.ltbrgtThese interventions aim to assist 16,520 vulnerable individuals by providing crucial food assistance to reduce illness and mortality resulting from food shortages. Conditional cash assistance will improve the immediate living conditions of returnees by enabling them to rebuild their homes. The project will also enhance their capacity to rebuild livelihoods and strengthen resilience against future disasters. OHW's recent interventions have prioritized livelihood improvements for the most vulnerable households, and this action seeks to extend their reach by supporting households facing severe food insecurity and shelter challenges through conditional and unconditional cash assistance.ltbrgtlt/pgt