Wheat crops developing normally prior to the harvest

The quantity and distribution of precipitation during the latter part of the wet season is likely to lead to a near-average irrigated and rainfed wheat harvest. 

The incidence and severity of spring flooding has been less than last year, and the impact on national cereal harvests is expected to be minimal. However, floods have had significant adverse impact in valleys where they have taken place, particularly in parts of eastern Afghanistan.

Satellite data and reports indicate that spring pasture conditions have been favorable, supporting healthy body conditions for livestock.  However, insecurity is preventing some households from accessing pastures.

In the eastern region, preliminary findings indicate that the planted area for wheat is slightly greater than the previous season. Crop conditions are better than the last two seasons, due largely to increased quantities and timely distribution of precipitation. 

Most areas of Afghanistan are expected to be in Minimal (IPC Phase 1) acute food insecurity. However, many internally displaced persons (IDPs), refugees and households affected by natural disasters are in Crisis (IPC phase 3). Although these populations are located throughout the country, the highest concentration of IDPs in need of assistance is in Northern and Northeastern regions, and the largest populations of refugees are in Khost, Paktika, and Nangarhar Provinces.