Social cohesion and improved livelihoods for poor rural communities in Paktia and Khost provinces

Article, 27.03.2018

In Afghanistan’s south-east, communities take charge of their development. First, they identify their priorities in a series of open discussions, jointly with district and provincial authorities. Then they contribute land, labour or materials to the realization of their goals. Eventually, they themselves maintain irrigation structures, orchards, drinking water systems and reforestation plots.

Almond orchard established in Gurbuz district of Khost
Almond orchard established in Gurbuz district of Khost. © SDC

In Afghanistan’s south-east, communities take charge of their development. First, they identify their priorities in a series of open discussions, jointly with district and provincial authorities. Then they contribute land, labour or materials to the realization of their goals. Eventually, they themselves maintain irrigation structures, orchards, drinking water systems and reforestation plots.

This approach places local community development councils (CDCs) in the lead for the planning and implementation of activities. “The implementation approach is very successful in terms of cost efficiency, targets poor families, increases community ownership, and builds local communities’ skills for project maintenance and sustainability”, explains Hameed Shah, Director of Economy in Khost province.

CDCs, district development associations, and provincial authorities are involved in designing a comprehensive intervention that has increased local communities’ income, and reduced poverty and vulnerability against natural hazards. The project has also brought the people and the government closer together: “We regularly receive proposals and frequently visit project sites. During project visits, I consult with the local communities”, states Walid Ahmad Tasal, Director of Agriculture in Paktia province.

Increase transparency and build trust

Transparency is an essential aspect of the project. Local authorities, such as Mr. Mirwais Zamani, district governor of Zazi Maydan district of Khost province, are frequently updated on project progress. “I appreciate the quality and effectiveness of the initiatives in Zazi Maydan district of Khost and ensure continuous support during project implementation”, he confirms. In insecure areas, such as the Afghan districts on the border to Pakistan, it is essential to avoid misconceptions and resentments, which may breed conflict. Before an activity is launched and once it is concluded, the project implementing partner, The Liaison Office (TLO), therefore facilitates public events. During these so-called social audits information on the implementation of the activity, including a summary of costs, is discussed with communities and district and provincial authorities. This not only improves transparency, but also builds mutual trust.

Maintain natural resources and discover new income opportunities

Hundreds of hectares of Zazi Maidan’s mountains are covered with wild olive forests. While deforestation is a problem in the south-east, observations have shown that communities take good care of forests when they provide a sustainable annual income. ”We have struggled hard to maintain our olive forest, even without having any return from the products”, Zazi Maidan community elders said. Therefore, the project supported the grafting of wild olive trees with productive varieties, which will turn the targeted forest area into valuable olive producing trees, securing livelihoods of local communities.

For Gul Shawar Khan, a farmer holding 0.5 ha of land in Khost’s Gurbuz district, establishing an orchard was not possible without support: “My land was barren for many years, as our land is rain-fed and could not produce surplus income to be invested in orchard establishment”. He received certified apricot saplings and tools for preparing the land (trenches, irrigation channels, etc.). “Now is the first year of my orchard. You can see the flowerings, which give me hope that I will have a good income from the production in the future.” So far, the SLSD programme has supported over 500 poor families to establish an orchard on their land.

Supporting the most vulnerable

For the most vulnerable, generating income from limited resources is a question of survival. The poorest have little capital (land, labour, money) to build on and are often excluded from development interventions. The project therefore targets some of its support specifically to women-headed and other vulnerable households.

“I used to work as a labourer with a wood cutting machine, where I lost one of my hands. We received some chickens, which helps my family to manage small daily expenses”, says Hafizullah, a thirteen year old boy from Tani district in Khost province.

Over 3’160 families have so far received chickens or goats and were trained in livestock rearing. From selling milk and eggs, their income has increased by 20 percent. At the same time, these products help improve household nutrition by providing a vital source of protein.

Transforming landscapes, changing lives

Land availability as a source for agriculture production is limited in the hilly and mountainous terrain of Afghanistan. Many flat lands lay barren, due to the unavailability of irrigation water. Converting barren or rain-fed lands to irrigated agricultural land significantly improves the livelihoods of rural communities relying on agricultural production.

Community representatives in Zazi Maydan district of Khost province explain the transformation: “The land you see is owned by hundreds of families and was only used to harvest naturally produced shrubs. The production could hardly meet our needs! The conversion of the land from shrubs to agriculture has changed our life”. Implementation of the project has resulted in irrigating around 57 hectares of barren land, which is now producing 140 tons of wheat. The availability of irrigation water also enabled communities to grow peanuts, kidney beans or mung beans as a second seasonal crop.