This research project aims to contribute to the growing body of literature on the economic implications of COVID-19 by investigating its effects on household income and food security in four large urban areas of Afghanistan. The research collected primary data at the household level in Afghanistan through a pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire from 400 households in Kabul, Balkh, Kandahar, and Nangarhar. Socio-economic characteristics, income-generating activities, nutrition and food security situation, and consumption of specific categories of food in the Afghan household were evaluated through qualitative and quantitative empirical analysis. In addition to a comprehensive descriptive statistic, the Probit regression model was employed to evaluate the effects of the economic disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic on income-generating activities, food insecurity, and the dietary quality of Afghan households in three different scenarios. The findings mapped out a picture of the food security situation of Afghan households in urban areas before the COVID-19 crisis and after they were hit by this crisis including the induced economic implications. The results provide some insights for concluding policy implications for the interested bodies at national and international levels.
Keywords: Afghanistan, COVID-19, Food Insecurity, Household, Income
