As part of ADSP’s research into the 2018 drought response, a series of lessons learned and recommendations have been developed. These lessons are designed to inform improved responses in relation future events, in an attempt to mitigate the chances of further protracted displacement.

While around 3.5 million people were provided with life-saving emergency assistance in 2018-2019, displaced households did not benefit from durable solutions. To avoid displacement, more efforts to inform stakeholders of the multiple of risks associated with drought should have been undertaken. Further, certain key factors should have been considered to prevent such protracted displacement, including:

• Improved engagement with government, national and international actors committed to addressing climate change issues in the region. The drought was primarily caused by climate change, which should have been prioritised in the region years ago, especially considering the vulnerability of the area to drought conditions;
• An earlier appeal for funds in early 2018 may have prevented large-scale displacement, if fund allocations had been prioritised to address life-saving support in drought-affected communities;
• Sufficient humanitarian and recovery efforts in communities affected by the drought may have facilitated a return for families forced to flee their home;
• As demonstrated by the millions displaced by the prolonged period of drought and ensuing floods, there is an urgent need for a development strategy to tackle climate change effects and increase food security.

The PDF ‘Lessons Learned and Recommendations’ can be accessed here (in English) and here (in Dari).