Democracy and Governance in Afghanistan
The Development Challenge: USAID opened its Mission in Afghanistan in 2002 in response to pressing
humanitarian needs confronting the country following the removal of the Taliban regime. Between 2002
and 2004, USAID transitioned from an emergency response to a developmental approach, focusing
assistance on sustainable, capacity-building activities that support U.S. interests in a stable, self-sufficient
nation. Now, following the first national democratic elections, development support to Afghanistan
remains at the center of U.S. strategic national interest. President Bush's National Security Strategy
pledges that the United States will provide assistance to “rebuild Afghanistan so that it will never again
abuse its people, threaten its neighbors, and provide a haven for terrorists." In support of this pledge, the
State Department and USAID have developed a joint strategic plan that specifically provides for
continued commitment of assistance to Afghanistan as a priority.
Afghanistan enters its third year since the fall of the Taliban and the end of 23 years of civil war with
optimism and hope for a bright future. The most important development in the post-Taliban era occurred
this past October with the completion of highly successful Presidential elections in which over eight million
people voted, with over 40% of voters being women. The peaceful election was a major statement by the
Afghan people that they are ready to choose new leadership that will focus on rebuilding the country.
Because Afghanistan is in the front lines of the war on terror, the U.S. Government (USG) and USAID in
particular are in a unique position to respond with appropriate programs to create new opportunities for
this deserving population. The USAID Mission in Afghanistan plays a key role in the reconstruction and
development of the country and works closely with other USG agencies, including the military, on
program development and implementation.
Despite remarkable progress in such a short time, much crucial work remains in order to provide Afghans
a more stable and productive life and an antidote for terrorism. Many social and economic indicators
continue to be the worst or close to worst in the world. The under-five infant mortality rate is 172 per
1,000, and maternal mortality is 1,600 per 100,000. Infectious diseases continue to constrain the ability
of many Afghans to contribute to the rebuilding of their society. Malaria and tuberculosis affect thousands
of Afghans each year, and Afghanistan is one of five countries that still has the wild polio virus. Many
Afghan children, particularly girls, do not have access to education. The agriculture sector, which makes
up well over 60% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), is hampered by a lack of market access. The
growth of poppy threatens the long-term stability of Afghanistan and undermines the legitimate economy.
Many obstacles to economic investment and growth remain, and unless friendlier private sector rules and
regulations are adopted, the country will not be able to keep up its current rate of GDP growth. In
addition, Afghanistan’s ruined infrastructure continues to impede economic growth. The rule of law is
inconsistent, and local governing bodies employ questionable methods of dealing with crime. NGOs and
civil society could contribute significantly more to the country’s economic growth.
The most important and continuing constraint to USAID programming, as well as private sector
investment, is the security situation. The country remains a high threat post, and security considerations
often constrain USAID’s ability to implement and monitor projects throughout the country. While the
security situation is difficult, USAID believes that the Government of Afghanistan (GOA) and the large
majority of the Afghan people appreciate USAID and want the Agency to continue its work.
The USAID Program: USAID/Afghanistan is requesting FY 2005 and FY 2006 funds for three strategic
objectives and one program support objective. These objectives are focused on providing support to
Afghanistan's transition from a failed state to a stable, productive nation. Areas of support include:
economic growth, particularly economic policy and regulation and expanded rural incomes; access to
basic health services particularly for women and children; increased access to basic education; and the
growth of democratic practice through support to elections, media, and civil society. FY 2005 funds will be
used to implement the ongoing programs in agriculture, basic health and education, infrastructure,
economic governance and democracy, as described in the FY 2005 Congressional Budget Justification
(CBJ). In FY 2005, USAID will also initiate a new program providing alternative livelihoods options to
poppy cultivation. The specific activities to be funded by FY 2005 and FY 2006 appropriations are
described in more detail in this year's CBJ.
(Excerpted from the 2006 Congressional Budget Justification for Afghanistan)
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