The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) strives to make the world a better place through its economic, humanitarian and disaster relief efforts. Its goal is to provide assistance that enables countries, communities, and individuals to transform, prosper, and thrive. Since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan in 2021, USAID programs in Afghanistan are vital and need our support now more than ever.

Modern Challenges in Afghanistan

In April, the Taliban announced it would block Afghan women from working for the United Nations agencies that provide disaster and poverty relief to impoverished communities in Afghanistan. This news hit only four months after the Taliban banned Afghan women from working in any organizations not within the Afghani government back in December 2022. 

These are deeply concerning developments, and unfortunately in-line with a series of humanitarian crises Afghani people have faced since the Taliban takeover in 2021. Since the Taliban takeover, locals have seen a sharp rise in their cost of living, resulting in a staggering 28.3 million Afghanis or more than two thirds of the country’s population being in need of humanitarian assistance. In tandem, the country has also seen a sharp decline in their civil rights specifically targeting women and marginalized populations.

USAID Commitment to Afghani People

This is why the USAID stands firm in its commitment to support Afghani citizens through foreign aid funded USAID programs in Afghanistan. In spite of the Taliban takeover spurring on social and economic setbacks, the USAID is optimistic about Afghan’s future, and continues to invest in programs to aid Afghani citizens.

Economic Growth

Changing weather patterns has had a significant impact on the Afghani region, causing local farmers to abandon their farms, which in turn impact food costs for Afghani citizens. Food insecurity is a rising issue for locals, and the USAID has focused on agricultural programs in the region in direct response to the widespread crisis. Agro Businesses are a particular focus for USAID resources that keep local farming businesses operating and employing locals in an effort to stabilize food production in the region. In August 2022, announced an $80 million commitment to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) to improve food security and nutrition for vulnerable Afghans. USAID’s agricultural programs have continued to benefit thousands of Afghan farmers in 227 communities in Sar-e Pul, Jowzjan, Khost and Nangarhar provinces. 

Gender Rights

Human rights are central to all USAID programs and initiatives. In Afghanistan, the USAID is improving access to education, providing social protection and providing resources to civil societies particularly for women. In the current climate, many girls are prohibited from receiving an education beyond the sixth grade. Women are often unable to obtain employment and a growing number of women are prohibited from leaving the house. In response, USAID programs in Afghanistan focus on providing resources to women-led organizations crusading education and human rights for Afghani women. In 2022, USAID announced a $30 million commitment to support gender rights in Afghanistan, programmed through the United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women. 

USAID Provides Hope in Afghanistan

The USAID programs in Afghanistan are more critical now than ever before. Afghanistan has dealt with political upheaval that has drastically impacted gender rights, along with changing weather patterns that have affected food costs and economic growth. In spite of these challenges, the USAID provides hope to the Afghani people with programs specifically targeted towards access to education, providing social protection and providing resources to local farmers and businesses. 

– Ann-Jinette Hess
Photo: Unsplash