Sustainable Livelihoods and Social Development (SLSD)

Despite high urbanization rates, Afghanistan remains an essentially rural society; an estimated 70% of the population lives in rural areas and 61% of households depend fully or partially on income derived from agricultural activities. Up to one-third of the Afghan population faces food insecurity.

Khost and Paktia provinces are situated in the South East of Afghanistan bordering with Pakistan. Both provinces show higher than average levels of poverty and food insecurity. Due to the instability in the region, few development actors are present and public services are limited.

The project will reach out to over 12’500 resource-poor and smallholder farmers in 25 districts in Khost and Paktia province.

Additionally, 2 staff of PAIL, as well as 25 staff of DAIL, will be engaged in project implementation and their capacity will be strengthened.

The project will establish 10 CB-NRM associations.

Outcome 1: Productivity of resource-poor farmers ‘income generation activities’ is enhanced

Outcome 2: Community-based natural resource management (CB-NRM) associations halt degradation and manage common natural resources sustainably

Outcome 3: Productivity of smallholder farmers’ land-based agriculture is improved

Outcome 4: District Agriculture, Irrigation Department (DAIL) and Provincial Agriculture, Irrigation Department (PAIL) are strengthened to support resource-poor and smallholder farmers and deliver agricultural services

Expected results:  

Output 1.1: Private sector is involved in the sale and processing of livestock and horticulture products

Output 2.1: NRM improvement plans are implemented

Output 2.2: CB-NRM associations are established and functional

Output 3.1: Horticulture productivity is increased

Output 3.2: Linkages with relevant private sector associations are established

Output 3.3: Water management/irrigation associations are established

Output 3.4: Improved crop varieties are introduced

Output 4.1: DAIL/PAIL staff are equipped with the necessary internal resources to visit and support farmers

Output 4.2: DAIL/PAIL staff positions are filled as per the tashkeel^[1]

Output 4.3: DAIL/PAIL staff are trained theoretically and practically

[1]Tashkeel refers to the staffing structure of approved governmental staff positions

Results from previous phases:  

• 4’560 farmers have increased their income by 20% through agricultural production improvement
• 259 hectares of rain-fed land has been converted into irrigated agricultural land and the irrigation system of 612 hectares of land has been improved, benefitting 7’338 farmers
• 3’600 people have received access to clean drinking water and hygiene education
• Watershed management and reforestation activities resulted in the rehabilitation of 37 hectares of forest and pasture
• 1’302 farmers are applying natural resource management and disaster risk reduction measures to protect their assets e.g. agricultural land, irrigation canals, etc. 

National: Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, Afghanistan National Nursery Grower Organization

District and province: PAIL, DAIL, Provincial Development Councils, District Development Assemblies, Department of Rural Rehabilitation and Development as well as with universities

Projects: Agriculture Services and Livelihood Improvement (ASLI) project and Rangeland Management (RAMA) project

Phase 3 01.08.2019 - 31.03.2024   (Completed)