Many Rural Afghans Trapped in Poverty

Former AREU Director Dr. Paula Kantor briefed the press on the findings of a recent AREU study on Afghan livelihoods, outlining how for many rural Afghans, livelihood insecurity is getting worse, not better. The findings suggested that efforts to tackle rural poverty must focus on reducing the risk and negative effects of failed harvests, ill-health and crippling marriage costs. Policy conversation must ensure that reducing poverty reduction and meeting the basic needs of Afghans remains a key priority.