This paper adds to the sparse literature on irrigation-diet linkages by contributing fresh evidence
from Afghanistan and addresses the lacuna regarding the pathways through which such linkages may
operate. Using data from the latest round of the nationally representative Afghanistan Living
Condition Survey (2013-14), this study explores the role of irrigation in dietary diversity in
Afghanistan. Results show that possession of irrigated land and garden plots are positively associated
with household dietary diversity. Two pathways underlie this relationship. On the one hand,
irrigation facilities are positively correlated with diversity of food intake from own production. On
the other hand, irrigated garden plots are positively associated with greater diversity of food
purchased at the market. The study also finds that dietary diversity is positively associated with
households’ ratio of dietary diversity from own production. Evidence suggests that irrigation facilities
could be important but not sufficient conditions in addressing dietary diversity among smallholders in
Afghanistan. A multi-sectoral approach including initiatives to strengthen market integration and
provision of education to farmers to grow nutritious crops is called for.
