Archive for category: Drugs

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The Durban Promise for African Health Sovereignty

durban promiseMany people in Africa cannot get the care or medicines they need, or they must pay for treatments themselves, causing nearly 11 million low-income Africans to fall into poverty every year. Determined to rectify this inequitable situation, participants at the 2025 Conference on Public Health held in Durban, South Africa, endorsed a pledge stating that Africa will begin to manufacture, regulate, and procure its medical items internally. Known as The Durban Promise for African health sovereignty, the assertion aims to promote health care equity by lowering costs and creating millions of jobs for its citizens, helping to alleviate poverty and provide universal health coverage to all Africans.

The Need for African Health Sovereignty

Africa currently imports about 70% of its medicines, 90% of its medical devices, and 99% of its vaccines. This drives up costs and limits medical treatment accessibility for many Africans. Adding more urgency to the situation, global health funding in Africa has declined 70% since 2021. Significant cuts to the USAID and reduced contributions from European donors seemed to make universal health care coverage (UHC) for Africa even less attainable.

However, African leaders anticipated the reductions and were actively seeking alternative sources of health care subsidies. As a result, China pledged $50 billion to support Africa’s health care program, funding that has accelerated the building of hospitals and clinics. Indeed, with significant financing, the Durban Promise is on the way to becoming a reality, bringing universal health care coverage within reach.

The Road to UHC

African governments have been working towards universal health care coverage for more than 20 years, but have faced significant obstacles. The Abuja Declaration of 2021 asserted that 15% of African national budgets should be allocated for health care, though many African countries still spend less than half that amount in the medical arena.

In 2023, African leaders signed The Lusaka Agenda, compelling governments to meet Abuja obligations and to implement actions that would lower the cost of medicine. However, this agenda was not fully successful due to challenges with domestic financing. With minimal results from these initial affirmations, in October 2025, African governments signed The Durban Promise, a roadmap for African health sovereignty and security that suggests an innovative medical financing structure to move Africa’s health care goals forward.

The 2025 G20 Summit

The annual G20 summit, which the African Union joined in 2023, brings together developed and emerging economies to address urgent global issues. The 2025 summit, held in Johannesburg, South Africa, marked the first time the assembly met on African terrain. The agenda from the South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa discussed the challenges of developing nations, which include the pressing issue of health insecurity. Ramaphosa’s compelling arguments led to increased funding from the World Health Organization and a Global Health Security Pact for equitable vaccines and sharing of data during global health emergencies. The pact further addresses African health security and the goals of the Durban Promise.

The Presidential Declaration

At the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, in February 2026, countries made the commitment of the Durban Promise, according to AfricaCDC. The Presidential Declaration on Advancing Local Manufacturing of Health Products in Africa was issued with the objective that the African continent will produce 60% of medical products internally by 2040. The declaration includes two key strategies led by the African Center for Disease Control (CDC) focusing on securing the goal of health autonomy: The Platform for Harmonized African Health Products Manufacturing (PHAHM) and The African Pooled Procurement Mechanism (APPM).

By creating a single health product market, the PHAHM will help align regulatory and manufacturing policies across the African Union. The APPM could enable African countries to leverage their joint bargaining power to make the market more predictable and desirable for suppliers, leading to supply security. Together, these approaches can help African health care to thrive.

Outlook for African Medical Sovereignty

There is much to do in order to achieve the goal of producing 60% of medical products on the African continent in less than 15 years. As daunting a task as it may be, with a thoughtful, well-executed plan and targeted efforts, the result can be a robust health program that will contribute to regional income and poverty reduction as articulated in The Durban Promise.

– Debbie Barto

Debbie is based in Monroe, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Substance Abuse and Poverty in India: A Vicious Cycle

Substance Abuse and Poverty in IndiaMost Indian films begin with a smoking or tobacco prevention advertisement. The stories in these ads primarily surround low-income families and occasionally a middle-income home. This inference stands as testimony to the common knowledge of the interconnection between substance abuse and poverty in India. 

These substances have led to serious addiction among young and old generations alike. They have also played roles in increasing fatal road accidents, criminal activity and, of course, poverty. Over the years, the government has focused on building rehabilitation centers and raising awareness among the public. 

That being said, the lower-income strata of the Indian economy still show higher risks of falling into substance abuse and the subsequent negative consequences. This has prompted the Indian government to give more attention to dismantling the nuances surrounding the issue. 

An Overview of Substance Abuse and Poverty in India

In the last two decades, several researchers have focused on the correlation between poverty and substance abuse. Substance abuse in the form of chewing tobacco, consuming alcohol and cannabis remained the point of study. Results suggest that populations residing below the poverty line are more prone to abusing and getting addicted to these substances. 

A 2016 PubMed study reported that 72% of abusers in its sample were laborers or individuals from lower-income strata. Furthermore, slum areas have emerged as key regions for substance abuse among children, including glue and other inhalants. Children often turn to these substances to cope with harsh living conditions, such as extreme cold or unsanitary environments.

Thirdly, substance abuse is also highly prevalent among convicted offenders. A 2025 study found that moderate substance users exhibited higher risks of criminal behavior, while low-level users showed lower risks of unstable or criminogenic traits. These findings highlight the harmful effects of substance use on impoverished communities and underscore the additional risk factors to which these substances expose vulnerable populations.

Substances as Cause and Effect of Being Poor

When looking at causative factors for the correlation of substance abuse and poverty in India, more complex aspects arise. Experts state that most tobacco and alcohol industries target customers from low-income families. They keep prices and accessibility cheap with discounts to facilitate affordability. 

Industry leaders present these substances as an escapism for people with low incomes from their harsh realities. Many studies state that people turn to substances as a coping mechanism to endure the hardships of everyday life. However, the result is that these substances further deteriorate living conditions. 

Statistics show that tobacco use increases the likelihood of a household being pushed into poverty by 3.4% to 3.7%. Furthermore, addicted individuals often spend large portions of their limited income on tobacco or alcohol. Addiction and increased substance use also lead to major diseases, such as cancer and liver cirrhosis. 

This, in turn, pushes households further into poverty, especially since these individuals are often the primary earners in their families. Thus, substance abuse both initiates and sustains a vicious cycle within impoverished communities in India.

Why Does Breaking the Cycle Matter?

A vicious cycle, such as the one between substance abuse and poverty in India, requires targeted attention. Experts say that breaking the cycle requires increased awareness and education. While the ideal solution would be the elimination of these substances, moderating use or preventing addiction can be a starting point. 

Intervention and awareness strategies remain the foremost requirement in combating substance abuse, which contributes to poverty. Over the years, the government has worked to include these topics in school curricula and many outreach programs exist today. Many NGOs also conduct regular awareness sessions in impoverished communities, educating people about the harmful effects of substance use.

These sessions play a vital role in raising awareness and caution among people exposed to these substances. Furthermore, governments and nonprofits have established numerous correctional and rehabilitation institutions to help those addicted to tobacco, alcohol and cannabis.

Governmental Schemes and Correctional Institutions

The Indian government has introduced several intervention strategies to reduce and mitigate the negative impacts of substance abuse. A detailed report published in 2023 explored the various programs launched in the last two decades, including the National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP). The NTCP, introduced in 2007–2008, works strategically to cover all regions of the nation. 

This task force takes a multifaceted approach to preventing tobacco addiction and abuse. It organizes awareness programs for the public, collaborates with schools to educate children and partners with NGOs to help affected individuals quit. The NTCP has also partnered with the WHO to set up 19 tobacco cessation clinics since 2005.

The report also states that the latest Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) shows a rise in smokers planning to quit, increasing to 55.4% from 46.6% in the previous GATS survey.

Looking Ahead

In India, as in any other country, experts describe poverty as a multifaceted problem requiring a multifaceted solution. Identifying pain points, such as the connection between substance abuse and poverty in India, helps officials address these issues with the right strategies. As a result, many individuals can break free from the harmful risks posed by these recreational substances and improve their lives.

– Shafika Fathima

Shafika is based in Chennai, India and focuses on Good News and Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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From Opium to Opportunity: Reducing Poverty in Northern Thailand

Poverty in Northern ThailandDuring the 20th century, the Golden Triangle, the region where Thailand, Myanmar and Laos meet, became infamous for its opium production. Northern Thailand’s farmers relied heavily on the opium poppy as the foundation of their livelihoods. Unfortunately, this dependence on opium also entrenched poverty in these rural communities.

To address this, the Thai government has worked to reduce poverty in the region and promote alternative livelihoods through agriculture, coffee cultivation and tourism. The Royal Project Foundation, launched as the Royal Hill Tribe Assistance Project in 1969, has fundamentally transformed the way of life for the hill tribes and villages. Today, visitors can explore villages in provinces such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai to see how indigenous communities and migrant ethnic groups have embraced the government’s initiative. 

Poverty in Northern Thailand 

In recent years, Thailand has made notable progress in reducing poverty. Measured against the $8.30-per-day upper middle-income poverty line, the country’s poverty rate was 9.9% in 2023. However, high income inequality and regional disparities remain persistent challenges.

Poverty disproportionately affects agricultural communities due to the country’s reliance on farming jobs. According to the World Bank’s “Rural Income Diagnostic,” 79% of Thailand’s impoverished population lives in rural areas. Northern Thailand, in particular, continues to face heightened poverty levels; in 2013, the rural poverty rate in the region was around 17.8%, compared to 6.7% in central Thailand. 

Within this context, the region’s hill tribes and villages continue to navigate economic challenges.

The King’s Vision: Peaches and Agriculture

In 1969, His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej visited Doi Pui, a mountainous village in Chiang Mai and home to the Hmong tribe. Like many rural communities at the time, the Hmong were heavily involved in growing drug crops and participating in the opium trade, resulting in low incomes and poor living conditions. Recognizing these challenges, the King proposed a new agricultural model focused on fruit trees, specifically peaches. 

This shift aimed to address the legal issues surrounding opium production, reduce local poverty and curb deforestation. “One of the reasons underlying the creation of the project was humanitarianism,” stated the King. The visit to Doi-Pui gave the King a vision he could apply to northern Thailand as a whole. He promptly initiated the Royal Project to help alleviate poverty across the region.

Obstacles and the Royal Project Foundation Today

Nearly 60 years later, the Royal Project Foundation continues to operate across five northern provinces, benefiting as many as 37,561 farming families. Its progress was far from linear, as the project faced significant obstacles in its early years. The first attempts to grow fruit trees failed, requiring collaboration with experts from Taiwan and experiments to adapt to northern Thailand’s unique climate before successful cultivation could be achieved.

As the project has progressed, tourism has become an integral part of the initiative, with visitors coming to see the cultivation of tea, fruit and coffee, as well as reforestation projects. Today, the project has transformed the incomes of its people and has significantly reduced poverty in northern Thailand.

Conclusion

The King’s blueprint for a prosperous countryside in northern Thailand, one where the people could work in tandem with the earth to support themselves, is an exceptional example of vision yielding tangible change. The lives of those who once relied on opium production to survive have been fundamentally transformed by a targeted poverty reduction project centered on sustainable agriculture and economic opportunity. Northern Thailand stands as an exemplary global showcase of what effort and initiative can achieve. 

– Polly Laws

Polly is based in Cardiff, Wales and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Inciting Action in the “War on Drugs”: Colombian Drug Use

colombian drugIn the wake of a perpetual international drug issue, the Latin American “War on Drugs” has only increased in intensity – particularly in Colombia, the world’s primary international cocaine supplier, where drug-related influence is historically pervasive. According to the American Journal of Public Health, Colombian drug overdoses have increased by 356% from 2010 to 2021. SIVIGILA, the national public health surveillance system, found similar statistics from the same timeframe, reporting 127,087 substance-use-related overdoses among Colombian people ages 10 and older. These intervals reflect an upward trend in drug overdoses that has been unfolding over the past three decades.

Survey

Additional reports found that Colombian drug overdoses significantly increased in young women between 2018 and 2021. This likely links to the widespread emotional distress prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic and a corresponding increase in prescription administration. According to Think Global Health, many users are transgender (potentially using drugs to serve as an emotional coping mechanism for their social isolation).

In grouping overdoses by substance type, the Committee on National Security Systems administered a Colombian household survey; substances most frequently associated with Colombian overdose were “tranquilizers/sedatives/antidepressants (43%), cannabis (16%), stimulants (16%), alcohol (16%), and opioids (6%),” according to Columbia University. This data neglects to include Colombian drug use among homeless or incarcerated individuals who did not receive the survey.

Colombia’s Response to the Increase in Drug Consumption

In 2022, Colombia became one of 34 countries to implement take-home naloxone programs (used to reverse the repercussions of opioid usage). Later in 2023, Colombia joined 17 other nations in the institutionalization of drug consumption rooms (DCRs), together with international contention over establishing DCRs, which made international government sanctioning difficult to acquire.

These peer-run facilities oversee the safe consumption and injection of illicit drugs, essentially arguing that safe consumption is preferable to any alternative overdose. Facilities provide access to sterile supplies (i.e., syringes), on-site medical personnel, and resources on recovery; employees are either medical personnel or recovered users.

Cambie, the first official Colombian DCR

“Cambie,” which directly translates to the English word “change,” takes action that is intentionally and deeply rooted in the meaning of its name.

Not only is “Cambie” the first safe injection site sanctioned in Colombia, but it is also the first of its kind to exist in all of South America. The facility strictly injects heroin and follows an empathy-based model of care. In its first year, it effectively prevented 14 heroin-based fatalities, according to Think Global Health.

The Process

Upon entering the facility, clients receive a survey that allows Cambie to approximate the client’s safest dosage and injection site; its services are comparable to approximately 200 other international institutions. Based in the Santa Fe neighborhood of Bogóta, Colombia, the institution bolstered 87 clients within its first two years of operation. Resultedly, the surrounding community has experienced a reduction in public heroin use, injection litter, rates of sexually transmitted diseases, and overdose deaths, without experiencing a correlated increase in the frequency of crime or drug use.

Cambie is also spearheading research on injection supplementation; Psychologist and coordinator at Cambie, Daniel Rojas, conducted a study by providing 10 heroin users with hammer pipes, known for their substance-optimizing abilities, Think Global Health reports. The trade-in for hammer pipes welcomes the opportunity for users to manipulate a mechanism less likely to be riddled with contaminants. This may show particular benefits, considering how Cambie’s annual 2025 report indicated that the leading causes of overdose in users were abrupt  “dose escalation,” unawareness of dosage, abrupt post-abstinence use, and “concomitant use with other depressants.”

A Colombian “Good Samaritan” Clause

There is a critical distinction between personal administration and trafficking, the former of which is not reinforced by DCRs. Nonetheless, in an effort to reduce Colombian drug trafficking and overdose frequency, the Colombian 2023 National Drug Policy allocated $49.5 million in assets towards funding of small projects, like injection sites and DCRs.

The approach to drug administration resembles Massachusetts’s “Good Samaritan Clause,” a clause that reduces the stigma and criminalization of underage, by eliminating the risk of persecution when reporting a medical emergency as an indoxicated minor. The ultimate goal – prioritizing the social emphasis on wellbeing rather than indictment.

Conclusion

Harm reduction is not just a form of health intervention, but a safeguard of human rights. Not only do DCR facilities protect critical sanitary needs of drug users, but they also consider the emotional underpinnings of drug use and recognize the drug epidemic as a reflection of systemic inequity in health care access. The government has effectively protected some of its most vulnerable communities by approaching the Colombian drug epidemic through this empathy-based lens.

– Talia Gitlin

Talia is based in Natick, MA, USA and focuses on Good News and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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The Decline of HIV/AIDs in Myanmar

HIVAIDs in MyanmarMyanmar, formerly known as Burma, is one of 35 countries where 90% of HIV infections occur worldwide. As of 2017, the World Health Organization (WHO) found that Myanmar accounted for 224,026 HIV/AIDS cases, or 0.54% globally. This, though still considered prevalent, has declined at a steady pace. The new efforts began in 2016, with tremendous success resulting in the current year to lessen the effects of HIV/AIDS in Myanmar.

What Is Going On?

Myanmar has experienced ongoing civil conflict since gaining independence from British rule in 1948, with numerous constitutional changes ultimately leading to the establishment of a military-led (Junta) state. In 2021, the country descended into full-blown civil war after the military disputed the results of a general election in which the National League for Democracy won a majority. Claiming electoral fraud, the military carried out a coup, detaining elected leaders and seizing control of the government. Since then, the conflict has escalated and continues to this day.

The majority of Myanmar’s citizens support the pro-democracy resistance against the Junta, and that support has made an impact. Despite initiating the conflict, the military has gradually lost ground to opposition forces.

Poverty Rates

Before the civil conflict, Myanmar had a small but growing middle class, and the economy experienced rapid growth throughout the 20th century. However, in the 21st century, shifting government policies and international sanctions slowed this progress. Poverty is growing at an alarming rate. Today, nearly half of the Burmese population lives below the poverty line. This sharp rise in poverty has directly contributed to a range of serious health issues across the country. On top of these challenges, Myanmar follows an “out-of-pocket” healthcare system, which means individuals must cover their medical expenses themselves, making it even harder for those living in poverty to access the care they need.

Because the country is experiencing division and conflict, it has become nearly impossible for many Burmese people to afford or access proper health care. The ongoing unrest has made it even harder for everyday citizens to get the medical help they need. This shows just how urgent the need is for support, whether from the government or international aid organizations. While HIV/AIDS is already a serious health issue in Myanmar, it is not the only one. As poverty increases and the civil crisis continues, more and more diseases are beginning to spread, putting vulnerable communities at even greater risk.

What Is Stopping the End of HIV/AIDS in Myanmar?

Among those infected, 41% are female sex workers, 31% are queer men and 28% are people who inject drugs. Because of the criminalization of sex work, homosexuality and drug usage, many people with HIV/AIDS are scared to accept treatment. The Aids Datahub found that 7% of individuals who avoided going to treatment clinics were scared of punishment and the stigma surrounding HIV/AIDS.

If a person is found “guilty” of homosexuality, they can be sentenced to up to 10 years of prison. An individual found guilty of soliciting can serve up to 6 years in prison. Lastly, Myanmar is the leading source of opium and heroin, two injectable substances. The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) predicts that up to 90,000 Burmese people inject drugs, or about 0.23%.

The UNODC has also found that overall drug use has declined steadily from 2020 to 2024. Programs that are working to limit drug use or encourage “safer” drug use in high usage areas in Southeast Asian countries (Myanmar, China and Bangladesh) are helping to reduce the usage of injectable drugs and the number of new HIV/AIDS infections in Myanmar.

What Is Going Right?

This downward trend is largely due to a renewed national HIV response strategy launched in 2016. These efforts focused on expanding access to antiretroviral therapy (ART), improving testing and counseling services and targeting high-risk populations through community-based outreach. By 2023, more than three-quarters of people living with HIV in Myanmar were receiving treatment, marking a major public health achievement despite ongoing political and social challenges.

Despite civil war breaking out in 2021, efforts to maintain access to antiretroviral treatment to minimize HIV/AIDS in Myanmar remain strong. According to the AIDS Data Hub, new infections have declined to fewer than 10,000 per year. Of the 280,000 suspected cases, 216,757 have been confirmed. All confirmed individuals are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Beginning in July 2020, Myanmar introduced Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP), where people routinely take ART to reduce the chances of getting HIV. It is still implementing this preventative measure today. Many foreign aid programs, such as USAID, the Global Fund and the National AIDS program, are funding access to PrEP.

What to Takeaway?

Despite ongoing conflict and growing poverty within the country, national and international efforts to curb the spread of HIV/AIDS in Myanmar remain strong. The number of new infections continues to decline annually, bringing the country closer to the global 2030 goal of eliminating new HIV cases. Access to treatment has significantly improved, with antiretroviral therapy (ART) and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) available to all individuals who seek it, regardless of background or risk group. 

– Abby Buchan

Abby is based in York, PA, USA and focuses on Global Health for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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Changing Lives: Vaccinations in Timor-Leste

Vaccinations in Timor-LesteEast Timor, also known as Timor-Leste, shares its island with Indonesia in Southeast Asia. Despite possessing substantial oil and gas reserves, the European Commission classifies it as a Least Developed Country due to insufficient infrastructure and frequent food insecurity. The majority of Timor-Leste’s population relies on small-scale agriculture in rural areas, complicating vaccination efforts due to challenges in reaching these communities. Nevertheless, the country has made significant progress in immunizing its population against common, once-life-threatening diseases like polio and smallpox.

Challenges to Immunization in Timor-Leste

In East Timor, 75% of the population engages in small-scale farming in rural areas, making vaccination efforts challenging due to the sparse distribution of communities. The lack of robust infrastructure—from transportation to educational facilities—further complicates immunization initiatives. The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted education, affecting 45% of East Timorese children. Moreover, the country’s inadequate infrastructure has left many areas difficult to access, hindering widespread vaccination coverage. Consequently, 8% of children in East Timor are ‘zero dose children,’ meaning they have not received any vaccinations. This issue was intensified by school closures in 2020 during the pandemic.

Vaccination Efforts

The East Timorese government boasts a commendable record of vaccination achievements. In the 1980s, it successfully eradicated smallpox, followed by polio in the 1990s, diseases from which Timor-Leste remains free currently. More recently, the country eliminated measles in 2018 and rubella in 2023. Health care workers, including WHO consultants, have been pivotal in ensuring comprehensive immunization coverage. They often conduct door-to-door visits in communities to administer vaccines directly to children who have not been previously immunized. Many children in Timor-Leste miss vaccinations because community health centers are kilometers away, requiring parents to take time off work—a luxury many cannot afford. This approach effectively reduces the logistical burden on parents and ensures children receive essential life-saving vaccines.

HPV Vaccinations

Timor-Leste introduced the HPV vaccine in July 2024, marking a significant achievement in public health. The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with WHO, UNICEF and other organizations, efficiently managed the vaccine rollout. By the 23rd of Sept., just three weeks into the program, health care workers had vaccinated 90% of the target population of school-aged girls, totaling 56,350 out of the 62,000 targeted. The HPV vaccine is crucial for preventing cervical cancer by protecting against various types of human papillomavirus. In addition to administering the vaccine, health care workers also engaged in community education efforts to emphasize the importance of vaccinations for eradicating cervical cancer in Timor-Leste.

A Bright Future

Timor-Leste has made remarkable progress in vaccination, despite its status as a Least Developed Country struggling with poor infrastructure and connectivity. Effective leadership has enabled widespread immunization, significantly improving the health of the East Timorese people. With continued efforts from the government and support from organizations like WHO and UNICEF, Timor-Leste is well-positioned to enhance the well-being and happiness of its citizens.

– Callum Bennett

Callum is based in Colchester, Essex, UK and focuses on Global Health and Politics for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr

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UN Initiative Curbs Afghanistan’s Opium Poppies

Afghanistan's Opium PoppiesFor decades, Afghanistan has been the world’s leading opium producer, supplying at least 70% of the global output. This vast industry, involving farmers, traffickers, warlords and authorities, has significantly funded the country’s conflicts with the United States (U.S.), particularly in southern Afghanistan, where farmers depend on cultivating Afghanistan’s opium poppies to sustain their livelihoods in an arid desert landscape where poppies thrive.

The Impact of the Taliban’s Opium Ban

Life changed dramatically in 2022 when the Taliban, after seizing power, banned opium farming nationwide on religious grounds. Since the ban, farmers in the former opium fields have struggled to sustain their livelihoods with alternatives like wheat and cotton, whose prices have plummeted due to market saturation. The options for growing other crops are extremely limited in this area because of the harsh climatic conditions that challenge agriculture.

Economic Consequences of the Opium Ban

The ban on opium farming has deeply impacted Afghanistan, creating a cycle of economic instability and underdevelopment showcasing its reliance on the Afghanistan economy.  A sharp decline in annual revenue occurred after the ban, from $1.3 billion in 2022 to just $110 million in 2023. Projections suggest a continued economic downturn, with an estimated 6.4% reduction in GDP in the first year and approximately 8% by 2026, assuming a sustained 70% reduction in opium production. Replacing the opium poppy industry is no small feat in Afghanistan and requires substantial investment in alternative livelihoods and drought-resistant agriculture.

UNDP’s Role in Transitioning Afghanistan’s Agriculture

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and its supporters aim to guide Afghanistan toward an economically viable transition from opium production to alternative crops or industries that foster growth and create sustainable livelihoods. This objective requires supportive policies and strong foreign aid to ensure a sustainable transition.

Initiatives and Achievements of CBARD-ALL

The Community-Based Agriculture and Rural Development – Access to Licit Livelihoods (CBARD-ALL) initiative is central to these ongoing efforts, which aim to replace opium poppies with high-value crops in key production districts. CBARD-ALL aims to enhance livelihoods and incomes throughout the agricultural industry in Afghanistan by supporting farmers who are reliant on opium production. These goals are achieved through a comprehensive approach that includes providing essential farming supplies and knowledge, advisory support, building greater capacity within these farms through diverse training programs and establishing agriculture infrastructure to handle the transition.

The United States International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs is a major supporter of this initiative, providing substantial resources. The project has achieved notable accomplishments, including surpassing the target for repurposing greenhouses previously used for opium poppy cultivation, developing tools to enhance crop productivity and constructing numerous small-scale irrigation channels. Scheduled to conclude by Sept. 2025, the project seeks to establish a more sustainable agricultural future for Afghanistan.

Looking Forward

The CBARD-ALL initiative plays a crucial role in fostering sustainable alternatives to Afghanistan’s opium poppies, showing notable progress. By providing viable options rather than enforcing prohibitive measures, CBARD-ALL aims to improve the livelihoods and incomes of those impacted by the opium ban. This strategy not only reduces economic reliance on opium cultivation but also promotes economic resilience and diversification, crucial for the stability and development of rural areas. In regions dependent on agriculture and challenged by poor infrastructure and limited connectivity to major cities, this ongoing project is vital for securing a sustainable and lasting agricultural future in Afghanistan.

– Mathieu Paré

Mathieuis based in Toronto, Canada and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr