Improving Livelihoods of Rural Communities (ILRC) – Bridging Phase

Project completed

The people living in the rural areas of the Central Highlands are particularly vulnerable to recurrent natural hazards. Widespread poverty, weak institutions and scarce public services characterize the region. The ILRC project strives to improve the living conditions of poor families in remote rural communities through sustainable water and land management, economic development and strengthening of local governance institutions. This final phase will capitalize on experiences and focus on the sustainability of interventions.

Country/region Topic Period Budget
Afghanistan
Water
Agriculture & food security
Water resources conservation
Agriculture value-chain development (til 2016)
01.04.2016 - 31.12.2016
CHF 0
Background

Afghanistan faces recurrent conflicts and natural disasters. Poverty is widespread and more prominent in rural areas. The people in the ILRC project areas rely on subsistence farming and livestock with a food security of only 6 months. Water for irrigation is scarce and is among the highest priority. Natural resource bases are prone to natural hazards and highly degraded. There are few opportunities for off-farm employment.

Objectives

Communities in the target districts improve their livelihoods and resilience through economic development and sustainable water and land management benefitting both men and women while strengthening local actors.

Target groups

Rural families in four districts represented by Community Development Councils, Economic Interest Groups, lead farmers, service providers, watershed committees, and traditional leaders (shuras and mullahs).

Medium-term outcomes

Outcome 1: Communities have reduced vulnerabilities to flash floods and drought through integrated water and land resource management.

Outcome 2: Rural families have increased self-subsistence and income through improved and diversified production systems (agriculture/ livestock) and better access to markets.

Outcome 3: Local actors and institutions (District Development Assemblies (DDA), Community Development Councils (CDC), line departments, watershed committees, private sector actors, etc.) have increased their capacities and skills to effectively support and manage social and economic development.

Outcome 4: 10 years’ project interventions and results are capitalized.

Results

Expected results:  

Output 1.1: Technical/protective measures for reducing flash floods and drought risks have been implemented (upland and valley).

Output 1.2: Vegetative measures for reversing land degradation and increasing availability of natural pastures have been implemented.

Output 1.3: Plans and mechanisms for efficient and effective water and land management have been developed and put in place.

Output 2.1: Practices to improve and diversify agriculture/ livestock production systems have been promoted through coaching.

Output 2.2: Specific marketable agriculture/ livestock products have been promoted.

Output 2.3: Women specific production and income generating activities (farm and farm related) have been promoted.

Output 2.4: Technical capacities and skills of men and women for production, processing and marketing of agriculture/ livestock products have been strengthened.

Output 3.1: Actors working for public interest have increased their knowledge in managerial, organizational, social and institutional issues.

Output 3.2: Private sector actors have been trained in managerial, organizational and entrepreneurial aspects.

Output 4.1.: The main results of the project are documented, lesson learnt identified and disseminated to all interested stakeholders.


Results from previous phases:  

  • Reduced damages by flash floods thanks to sustainable natural resource management and protective infrastructure
  • Higher yields thanks to improved seed varieties and better agricultural practice
  • Improved family income and nutrition thanks to vegetable, dairy and poultry production.


Directorate/federal office responsible SDC
Credit area Development cooperation
Project partners Contract partner
Swiss Non-profit Organisation
  • HELVETAS Swiss Intercooperation


Other partners

n/a

Coordination with other projects and actors
  • Sustainable Land and Water Management Project (SLMP)
  • Regional Livelihoods Project (RLP)
  • Livelihood Improvement Project Takhar (LIPT)
Budget Current phase Swiss budget CHF   0 Swiss disbursement to date CHF   0
Project phases

Phase 4 01.04.2016 - 31.12.2016   (Completed)

Phase 3 01.03.2012 - 30.09.2016   (Completed)