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Abstract

 This study examined the effectiveness of food aid provided by domestic and international institutions on the economic status of households in Kabul Province. The research employed a quantitative, applied, and cross-sectional descriptive-analytical approach. Data were collected through questionnaires from 150 recipient households in Districts 1, 6, and 13 of Kabul City, as well as Shakardara and Paghman districts, and analyzed in SPSS. Findings revealed that 75.3% of respondents perceived food aid as effective in improving their economic situation, and 72.7% reported that it contributed to poverty reduction. Additionally, 62.7% of recipients expressed high satisfaction with the assistance received. The chi-square test showed statistically significant differences between urban and rural areas in satisfaction (p=0.013) and nutritional improvement (p=0.001), though no significant differences were observed in other indicators. Logistic regression analysis confirmed that improvements in children's education (p=0.002) and satisfaction with aid (p=0.004) had significant positive effects on household economic status. The results suggest that while food aid alleviates short-term economic pressures on households, it is insufficient on its own to help families escape the poverty cycle. Despite reported positive impacts, the structural gap between income and monthly expenditures persists. Therefore, food aid should be complemented with economic empowerment programs, educational initiatives, and local market development to achieve more sustainable outcomes. Strengthening targeting mechanisms, ensuring transparent distribution, and improving monitoring of aid delivery are also essential to improve program effectiveness.

Keywords

Beneficiary Satisfaction Effectiveness of Assistance Food Assistance Household Economic Status Poverty

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Copyright (c) 2026 Kabul University

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How to Cite
Halimzai, N., Naseri, A. K., Ahmadzai, K. M., & Ahmadzai, A. B. (2026). Assessment of the Effectiveness of Institutional Food Assistance in Kabul Province. Journal of Social Sciences - Kabul University, 9(2), 299–326. https://doi.org/10.62810/jss.v9i2.457
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