Emergency Food Assistance for 6,900 Multiple Shocked Affected (IPC 3  4) People in Shutal, Rokha, Paryan, Darah and Khenj Districts of Panjsher Province This project is planned to provide food assistance to 6,900 multiple shock-affected and vulnerable individuals of 986 HHs under IPC phases 3 and 4 in a project duration of eight months in five districts of Panjsher Province.

 The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis, published in May 2022, shows that over 19.7 million people (47% of the population) will be facing high levels of acute food insecurity IPC Phase 3 or worse) between March-November 2022, including 8.7 million people in emergency and require immediate assistance. According to the IPC analysis, Panjsher province is facing an emergency level of acute food insecurity. The drought conditions are driven by La Niña, the current political crisis, and conflict further compound the food security situation of a population which was already on the brink of a hunger crisis. As per the WOAA 2022, households from all population groups continued to prioritize food and livelihoods. Food is consistently reported as the main priority need. Income and food access impacts remained similar to 2021, highlighting the continued interrelation of humanitarian needs, shocks, and economics. In the Districts of Panjsher, income loss (driven by economic shocks) has contributed to the rapid deterioration in food insecurity. 10 out of 11 most densely populated urban areas are anticipated to be in IPC 4. Additionally, the WFP market monitor reflected that the higher food prices are negatively impacting the purchasing power of lower-income groups across the country, reducing their access to food.

Through the proposed project, ECW will provide in-kind food assistance to 986 shock-affected HHs (6,900 individuals – based on an average family size of 7) in Darah, Khenj, Paryan, Rukha, Shutul districts of Panjsher province classified in ‘crisis’ (IPC Phase 3) and ‘emergency’ (IPC Phase 4) food insecure, and those anticipated to be affected by the flood, dry spell and other risks, as per the IPC analysis 2022. ECW prefers in-kind food distribution as it is prone to fewer risks compared to cash distribution. In addition, access to the food market could be a challenge for households, especially women-headed households and PWDs. Each family will receive food baskets for six months in three rounds of distribution two months together i.e. 144$ per round per beneficiary) at their respective districts. Each food basket will cost $72 monthly and $432 for six months and an in-kind monthly package will include 75 kg Wheat Flour, 6 liters of Vegetables Oil, 6 kg Pulses, and 0.75 kg of Salt. ECW will procure the food items by following the standard procedures of AHF and ECW and will store the items in the main Warehouse in Bazarak capital. As per the distribution modalities, the items will be transported to the distribution sites in the target districts and will be distributed among the target beneficiaries. The data will be recorded and maintained across the three distributions. The in-kind food provided will help the families have food for their families during tough situations. This will make sure the vulnerable households have acceptable food consumption scores.