Afghanistan is a country located between Central and South Asia. It has a tumultuous political history and returned to Taliban rule in August 2021. This seizure of power led to international funding for the country being cut. As instructed by donor governments, the World Bank canceled a payment of $2 billion that Afghanistan would have received through the Afghanistan Reconstruction Trust Fund (ARTF). Previously, the country was almost fully dependent on foreign aid. As a result, this sudden cut in aid had devastating impacts on an already struggling population.

In 2019, only 52.9% of the population lived above the national poverty line. In 2023, 31% of the population faced severe food insecurity. In 2024, 13.7% of the labor force was unemployed, and nearly 70% of the population lacked access to safely managed drinking water services. Organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and Afghanaid aim to improve agriculture in Afghanistan. Through these efforts, they seek to expand employment opportunities, improve food access and help empower local communities.

Agriculture as a Livelihood for Most Afghans

Climate change and natural disasters continue to harm food security and increase poverty in Afghanistan due to the country’s heavy reliance on agriculture. The sector serves as the main source of income for nearly 80% of the population. As a result, climate-related challenges such as drought can have significant economic consequences.

The ICRC and Afghanaid aim to mitigate these impacts by constructing and repairing irrigation systems. Irrigation, defined as the artificial application of water to land, is essential for agriculture in Afghanistan due to low rainfall and recurring drought conditions.

Irrigation Projects Improve Food Security and Employment

The work carried out by these organizations supports both crops and communities. In 2024, the ICRC supported more than 27,000 people through community-based initiatives focused on repairing irrigation systems. These efforts spanned 11 provinces and, while temporary, improved water supply for thousands of residents and made crops more viable, increasing food availability. A joint effort between the ICRC and the Afghan Red Crescent Society helped improve yields for up to 1,400 farmers. Increased production allowed farmers to sell crops beyond their immediate communities, generating broader economic benefits.

Afghanaid also worked to improve agriculture by supporting the construction of a 113-meter (approximately 370-foot) irrigation canal built by local residents. These canals help distribute water more effectively and reduce water loss through ground absorption. More than 2,000 people benefited from improved water access, which increased crop yields and household income. The project also created employment for 13 people during the construction phase.

Ensuring Long-Term Agricultural Sustainability

For these initiatives to have a lasting impact, agricultural practices in Afghanistan must be sustainable. The ICRC provides training to farmers on sustainable techniques. For example, 200 farmers in Kapisa province received training on reducing post-harvest crop loss and were provided with silos for improved storage. In Paryan district, 80 farmers were trained to promote good agronomic practices and raise awareness about climate and environmental risks.

Before these interventions, irrigation systems in Afghanistan often suffered damage due to ongoing conflict. As a result, Afghanaid also focuses on conflict resolution to help protect newly built canals. The organization established a Community Conflict Mitigation Committee made up of eight local residents trained in de-escalation and conflict prevention techniques. When disputes arise, committee members work to diffuse tensions and promote dialogue and cooperation.

– Ryan Cowen

Ryan is based in Brighton, UK and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

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