What's Happening?
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the UK government have initiated a GBP 10 million project aimed at improving food security and rural resilience in Afghanistan. The Resilient Agriculture Livelihoods (ReAL) project will target over 151,000 people across 15 provinces, focusing on small-scale farmers, livestock keepers, and landless laborers, with special attention to widows and women-headed households. The project will enhance wheat and dairy production, restore irrigation systems, and provide access to high-quality seeds and livestock health services. Women will receive tailored support to improve nutrition and income opportunities.
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Why It's Important?
This initiative is crucial for Afghanistan, where agriculture is a key component of livelihoods and food security. By focusing on sustainable practices and resilience, the project aims to mitigate the impacts of climate and economic shocks. The emphasis on women-headed households addresses gender disparities and promotes inclusive growth. The project builds on previous efforts that have significantly reduced acute food insecurity in the country, offering a pathway to long-term resilience and food sovereignty.
What's Next?
The ReAL project will be implemented alongside the PREVALE-supported project by the Afghanistan Resilience Consortium, which focuses on climate resilience and disaster risk reduction. The collaboration aims to expand the evidence base and promote sustainable agricultural practices. Continued support for rural livelihoods is essential to protect gains and transition to sustainable outcomes. Monitoring and evaluation will be key to ensuring the project's success and scalability.
Beyond the Headlines
The initiative highlights the importance of international cooperation in addressing food security and climate resilience. It underscores the role of agriculture in economic recovery and development, particularly in conflict-affected regions. The focus on women-headed households reflects broader efforts to empower women and promote gender equality in development projects.
