Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s Fragile Fields: A Growth in Poppy in the midst of Drought and Livelihood Decline

Afghanistan. Afghanistan’s Fragile Fields: A Growth in Poppy in the midst of Drought and Livelihood Decline

Over the past seven years, Alcis has been tracking the changing nature of Afghanistan’s agriculture and rural economies, with a focus on opium poppy cultivation. Each year, using satellite imagery, we have mapped the entire country at a field level to understand where and what changes are taking place. This year’s analysis has revealed a landscape under immense strain, one defined by drought, declining livelihoods, and a quiet but noticeable return of opium poppy. (Alcis, UK, 20.10.2025)

https://www.alcis.org/post/afghanistan-s-fragile-fields-a-growth-in-poppy-in-the-midst-of-drought-and-livelihood-decline