RASC News Agency: The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) has announced the launch of a comprehensive initiative to support vulnerable farmers in Afghanistan. This program is being implemented in partnership with the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations. According to a report published by FAO on Sunday, November 24, via the social media platform X, the program is set to run from 2024 through 2026.
The initiative, financed by a $16.2 million grant from the European Union, seeks to bolster agricultural productivity, promote diversified livelihoods, and facilitate access to equitable markets for farmers to sell their produce. It is projected to benefit 7,000 families impacted by climate change across Kandahar, Helmand, and Badghis provinces.
Additionally, the program aims to create employment opportunities and stimulate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises. A critical component of the initiative involves rebuilding and developing water infrastructure, including the construction of check dams, irrigation canals, and other essential water management systems. Beneficiary families will be identified based on vulnerability assessments and consultations with local communities.
With this latest EU contribution, the European Union’s total assistance for vulnerable populations affected by natural disasters in Afghanistan exceeds €100 million. This development comes shortly after the Taliban’s Ministry of Economy reported that the EU had earmarked $100 million for humanitarian and development projects within Afghanistan’s agricultural sector.
