|
Problem / Project
Background
Agricultural production in Afghanistan continued its recovery
for the second consecutive year in 2003, due mainly to the
timely and well distributed precipitation in the autumn cropping
season in major producing areas and to the increased use of
fertilizer and improved seeds.
However, many people are still in need of humanitarian assistance.
Years of conflict and drought have resulted in war disabilities,
loss of family members, displacement, substantial livestock
losses, destruction of productive assets, accumulation of
debts and inability to benefit from the agricultural revival
or the increased economic activity in several parts of the
country. A timely and effective food intervention to assist
the poorest of the population in helping them rebuild their
livelihoods is essential.
In total, 100 Tonnes of wheat seed and 177.5 Tonnes of fertilizer
will be distributed by Islamic Relief in two districts of
Helmand Province. It is also recognized that shortages of
all types of basic agricultural inputs, such as good quality
seeds and fertilizer, is major constraint that hampers the
agricultural production. Therefore project activities to reach
'seed insecure' districts (vulnerable districts with food
insecurity, acute malnutrition, concentration of returnees
and in areas were natural disasters occurred) are a key component
of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization's
(FAO) emergency programmes in Afghanistan.
|
The areas selected for wheat seed/fertilizers
distribution in Autumn 2003 were selected after the analysis
of secondary data generated by FAO and other UN agencies
These seeds and fertilizers will be distributed
to especially vulnerable groups of small farmers and returnees
in these two districts. A thorough monitoring system of inter-related
questionnaires will be used to monitor the participating beneficiaries
who will in-turn make soft repayments for the seed and fertilizer
received (for farmers using irrigated land).
Project Objectives
To provide already at-risk, struggling small farmers with
basic farming inputs required to help get them productive
and self-sufficient through a soft credit program
Project Activities
Beneficiaries
2000 small farmers (mostly returnees) and their families (14,000
people in total).
|
