Climate change adaptations in displacement: a case study from Herat, Afghanistan

Afghanistan is amongst those countries that have faced the dual challenges of armed conflict and climate-induced natural disasters for several decades. For the internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Herat, a city in west Afghanistan, displacement is usually due to climate change, conflict, or both. For many, returning from displacement is not an option, given the ongoing drought or insecurity, or both. This article is based on the study ‘Climate change, conflict and internal displacement in Afghanistan’. The study included qualitative interviews with IDPs and host communities living in and around Herat city. The field work for the study was conducted during mid-2022, and ODI published the report in November 2022. The article elaborates on the approaches taken by the IDPs and host communities to address the intricate challenges posed by climate change. These adaptations relate to water scarcity, energy sources, climate-driven cooling solutions, food preservation solutions and livelihood diversification.

Water scarcity and adaptation

In light of the shifting climate patterns, there has been a noticeable decrease in both rain and snowfall in the vicinity of Herat. This observation was highlighted by one of the elder respondents in the study who stated:

‘We used to believe that water scarcity was a problem in Badghis, and people from there were migrating to Herat. However, we are now witnessing a decrease in rain and snowfall here as well. If this situation continues, we are uncertain about where we will go.’

In Herat, the host community demonstrated adaptability in response to climate-induced water scarcity. Proactively, they invested in deep wells, ensuring a consistent water supply by contributing financially to their maintenance. Additionally, they utilised water storage tanks, enabling storage for essential needs. A woman from the host community, who has lived in Herat her entire life, explained, ‘To overcome the shortage of water and to overcome the issue of unavailability of urban tube-well pipes [piped water], we are now paying each month a small amount of money to the keeper of the deep well. For this deep well, we have purchased a water storage tank.’ Additionally, low-income host community members also adopted low-cost methods, such as using clay jars covered with linen to store water.

Conversely, IDPs faced financial constraints but exhibited resilience. They adopted similar low-cost techniques. An IDP respondent living in a camp stated, ‘In our camp, we used to spend a lot of time fetching water from the nearby community. Then, an INGO [international non-governmental organisation] built a well in our camp, but we still had to draw water with buckets. So, we collected AFN 1,500 per house and bought a solar panel for the well. Now, we easily get water, and use that saved time to earn our meals.’ Furthermore, in another similar example, to tackle the climate change impact (in terms of scarcity of water) with available financial resources, the IDPs have to pool their resources. In one instance, the IDP community jointly purchased a plastic water tank; designated IDP women from each shelter would refill the water tank every seventh day, ensuring a consistent water supply.

Energy sources and adaptation

In Herat, the primary source of electricity is hydroelectricity from Salma Dam, supplemented by power imports from Iran. The region heavily relies on both these sources for its energy needs. However, the adverse effects of climate change, specifically the reduction in rainfall and snowfall, have led to a decline in the water level of the Salma Dam. Consequently, this decline in water resources has had a substantial and concerning impact on the electric supply in Herat.

Therefore, in light of the decreasing water levels in Herat, which in turn affected electricity generation, the inhabitants took proactive steps. They also made strides in adopting renewable energy sources, installing solar systems for electricity to ensure essential energy supply for households, especially during nights. Some utilised solar batteries and generators for both hot and cold weather, indicating a shift towards use of household-level renewable energy means for basic needs. A shopkeeper in the host community explained:

‘Many of us in this area have installed solar systems […] and generators because the shortfall of electricity is a significant issue, and our children cannot sleep at night.’

Besides water, the decreased number of trees due to the changing climate conditions has meant a reduction in wood availability, which is another important natural energy source. Therefore, as an adaptation measure, the community transitioned from traditional wood-burning stoves to more efficient clay ovens. These are a special type of traditional tandoor (clay oven). It is fixed in the side walls of kitchens above ground level to use less firewood compared to stoves. These clay ovens are used for baking bread and keeping the surroundings warm for a longer time. The decrease in firewood, the primary source of fuel, led IDPs to burn shrubs and dung for cooking and heating.

Climate-driven air-conditioning solutions

With summers becoming exceedingly hot and winters growing much colder than before, the host communities implemented various measures to adapt. During the winter, they invested in electric heaters to combat extreme cold, while also insulating their homes by covering windows with plastic to retain warmth. Additionally, they painted their houses white or applied mud plaster to keep the interiors cool during scorching summers. Some well-off host households installed electric air conditioners and air coolers to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures during the hot summer months.

To get some relief from scorching heat, some poor IDPs were only able to seek refuge under nearby tree shade. Similarly, while facing limitations in their temporary shelters/houses, some IDPs whitewashed their houses and utilised solar-powered air coolers to stay cool during hot weather. Some of the IDPs made alterations to their shelter by improving ventilation through installing windows. Others have transitioned from tents to constructing mud houses, as these help maintain temperature levels.

However, the IDPs’ ability to make substantial adaptations was restricted due to the temporary nature of their dwellings and financial constraints, key limiting factors for them to find long-term permanent cooling solutions. One displaced man outlined the situation: ‘The majority of displaced individuals who have the means are relocating to rented houses [either made of mud or bricks], while others are constructing mud houses to sustain their livelihood.’ Mud houses have proven advantageous in both summer and winter seasons, as they help maintain a moderate temperature compared to alternatives such as tents or other shelters.

Moreover, a few IDPs have installed the solar-powered air coolers, though one unfortunate individual had theirs stolen and lacked the means to replace it. An elder male IDP in camp explained: ‘Those with financial means have painted their houses, and those capable have bought heaters and room coolers. I also installed a solar-powered air cooler, but it got stolen. However, since dung is available for free, we collect and dry it for fuel, keeping us warm in winter and aiding in cooking.’

Food preservation solutions

The above discussed situation (climate change resulting in reduced electricity and increased temperatures) also poses a challenge for preserving perishable food items for extended periods. However, both the host community and IDPs in Herat have shown resourcefulness in sustaining their food supply and minimising wastage, especially as the region experiences hotter weather that prevents traditional room storage. They are storing meat, vegetables and fruits in deep wells, effectively prolonging their freshness, and ensuring a stable food supply. As one woman said:

‘We have traditional methods to keep food fresh for a longer duration, such as storing it in deep wells, especially during the summer seasons when food tends to spoil.’

Additionally, during Eid al-Adha, some IDPs collect meat from the host community and preserve it using traditional drying techniques. One IDP said that, ‘Landi is the best practice; we preserve the meat we collect during Eid days. The meat remains tasty and can be used for months.’ This preserved meat, known as ‘landi’, can be stored for an extended period and is particularly reserved for consumption during the winter season.

Livelihood diversification

The changing climate in Herat has also impacted the livelihoods of both the host community and IDPs. Previously, they mostly relied on agriculture, but due to water scarcity, they have been forced to find alternative economic pathways. One of the male members of the host community explained this situation: ‘We were relying on agriculture, specifically saffron production. However, due to the decrease in the water level, we diverted our activities to animal husbandry [raising chickens and cattle]. Some of us also resumed khorjan [embroidery] production because we have to feed our families.’

On the other hand, the IDPs who were working as daily wage labourers or farmers in the fields of the host community also shifted to alternative sources of income. Some of them have turned to collecting and selling trash, with children involved in gathering marketable items like raw plastic. Non-saleable items are repurposed for fuelling fires, conserving scarce wood resources for cooking. Additionally, men have transitioned to construction work, earning their meals instead of relying on agriculture, while some have taken extreme measures such as marrying off their daughters at an early age in order to obtain cash, a practice known as ‘walwar’.

A displaced man elaborated on their situation, stating, ‘Before our displacement, we were engaged in agricultural activities, both in Badghis and then here, in the fields of the host community. However, when the water levels decreased, the landowners sold their land. Consequently, I had to find work as a labourer in the fruit market, while my children have resorted to collecting trash to support our family.’

Conclusion

Overall, the host community, faced with water scarcity, exhibited adaptability by investing in deep wells and water storage tanks. Their proactive measures, such as adopting renewable energy sources and diversifying livelihoods, showcased their resilience in overcoming climate change-induced hardships. In contrast, IDPs, constrained by financial limitations and impermanent dwellings, also displayed resilience despite their challenges. Their resourcefulness was evident, as they pooled resources and found low-cost solutions or reverted to traditional practices to sustain their food and water supply. Collaborative efforts within the IDP community, along with external support from (I)NGOs, were also major aspects in this regard. However, for livelihood, IDPs also resorted to some negative coping strategies such as engaging children in trash collection and the practice of walwar.

In summary, host and IDPs communities have adopted different strategies to mitigate climate change impact. The variation and nature of the adaptation measures are reflective of the higher vulnerability amongst the IDP population. This is mainly linked to the weaker financial standing of the IDPs as compared to hosts in Herat. Ultimately, the international community can play a greater role through continued support to the IDPs and host communities in Herat and other parts of Afghanistan.

Zaki Ullah is the Chief Executive Officer at GLOW Consultants

Aaftab Ullah is the Manager of Monitoring and Evaluation at GLOW Consultants.