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Agriculture
AG SNAPSHOT
Over 580 km of farm-tomarket
roads and 820 km of
irrigation canals and drains
were rehabilitated
Over 494,000 hectares of
land improved irrigation
$5 million provided to help
establish a micro-credit facility
operating through a dozen
sub-lenders in 77 districts.
350 veterinary field units covering
most of the country provided
28 million vaccinations
and treatments to livestock
Agriculture
Profile
(pdf - 200k)
Documents for Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP) Program
CONTACTS
Mission Director
Robin Phillips
USAID/Kabul
6180 Kabul Place
Dulles, VA 20189-6180
Tel: 873-762-311955
Desk Officer
Caroline Brearley
Tel: (202) 712-0324
Email: cbrearley@usaid.gov
www.usaid.gov/afghanistan
Background
An estimated 80 percent of 29.9 million Afghans are dependent on agriculture
for their livelihoods. However, two decades of conflict and a prolonged
drought, destroyed irrigation systems and vineyards, and
livestock numbers were greatly diminished. By the time the Taliban fell,
many families were in debt to warlords and were unable to feed themselves.
Since 2001, USAID has worked to restore the agriculture industry
to ensure people were fed and had a means to earn a living. From June
2003 to 2005, the agricultural Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by
about 9 percent, and the country’s total GDP grew by 4.4 percent.
Restoring Food Security and Infrastructure
In early 2002, restoring food security was a top priority. Harsh climate
conditions, land mines, bombs and general neglect had damaged or destroyed
croplands and more than half of the roads, irrigation systems and
storage facilities. USAID introduced better seed varieties and appropriate
technologies to increase agricultural yields. More than 22,000 Afghans
were employed to repair approximately 900 km of irrigation ditches which
improved cultivation and generated incomes for farmers. Over 494,000
hectares of farmland received more water for crops. Given the perishable
nature of these crops, the rough roads, and terrain in remote rural areas,
farmers needed a way to preserve their harvests until they could sell
them in markets. USAID rebuilt cold storage warehouses and roads linking
farms to markets.
Harnessing Technology to Boost Agricultural Markets
In 2003, USAID shifted from addressing immediate humanitarian needs
to encouraging the production of legitimately marketable crops. The goal
was to help build a market-driven economy. With an increased water
supply to more than 494,000 hectares of land, and the introduction of
better seed varieties, farmers could once again harvest wheat, grapes,
and pomegranates that were once legendary in this country. Refrigeration
enables farmers to keep their produce fresh until they sell it at local
markets or export it. USAID trained over one million farmers through
seed and fertilizer demonstrations how to improve crop yields. Programs
established dried fruit and nut processing plants, and provided marketing
advice to expand trade opportunities.
Because many rural Afghans raise livestock, as well as, crops and fruits,
USAID offered animal health training to boost the health of poultry and
livestock. Nearly 350 veterinary field units covering most of the country
provided 28 million vaccinations and treatments to livestock and poultry.
Extending Financial Services and Credit
Afghan farmers need financing to revitalize the agricultural industry. In
response to this challenge, USAID has helped restore basic banking and
credit services, providing about $5 million in micro-credit loans. Rural
lenders administer the loans in 77 of the 380 districts. To date more than
28,000 loans have gone to small businesses, 75 percent of which went
to women. The program’s success encouraged commercial banks to extend
revolving loans for agro-businesses. Seed money was provided for
commercial leases and an equity investment fund promoted agroprocessing
and more crops for export.
Institutional Development
USAID helps Afghans become more self sufficient while increasing agricultural
productivity. Links between Kabul University’s agriculture and
veterinary schools and U.S. land grant universities allow technical specialists
to share their expertise. By partnering with the U.S. Department
of Agriculture, 25 technical advisors providing training and advise about
livestock health, sanitation, rangeland management, forestry and biodiversity
conservation. USAID also provided technical assistance to help
reorganize the institutional framework of the Ministry of Agriculture to
make it more responsive to farmers’ needs. The formation of farmer
associations, micro-credit, and trade organizations helps farmers sell
their produce at local markets and export abroad for better prices.
Moving Forward
In the future, USAID will build on successes and lessons-learned while
continuing to rehabilitate irrigation systems and farm-to-market roads;
working to expand markets and linkages with private sector entrepreneurs;
strengthening efforts in natural resource management and biodiversity
conservation; improving rural financial systems; promoting new
agricultural technology to improve crop yields; training the new generation
of Afghan agricultural scientists and extension specialists; and building
the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Agriculture to plan,
implement and manage development programs. USAID will strengthen
existing relationships with U.S. land-grant universities and expand alliances
with new institutions to ensure Afghans have access to the latest
science, technology and expertise. USAID strategies and programs will
continue to be:
- Linked to market trends, at global, regional, national and local
levels, and focused on improving competitiveness and efficiency;
- Aggressive with regard to improving natural resource management;
- Innovative and facilitating the development and use of science
and technology; and
- Attentive to the needs and capabilities of Afghan farmers and
herders, rural communities, vulnerable groups and marginalized
people.
Implementing Partners
More Information
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