UK and FAO Launch £10M Project to Strengthen Agriculture in Afghanistan

DID Press: In a strategic move to enhance rural livelihoods and reduce food insecurity in Afghanistan, UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), in collaboration with the UK, launched a £10 million initiative titled “Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods” (ReAL).

The project will support over 151,000 people across 15 provinces of the country over the next 10 months.

Part of the broader PREVALE program (Promoting Resilient and Equitable Agricultural and Livelihood Recovery), the initiative is designed to empower farmers, herders, landless laborers—especially widows and female-headed households.

Under this project, activities will include improving wheat and dairy production, rehabilitating irrigation systems, distributing quality seeds, vaccinating livestock, and providing veterinary health services.

Women will play a key role in this program and will be supported through poultry packages, livestock training, and access to dairy markets.

Richard Trenchard, FAO Representative in Afghanistan, expressed gratitude for the UK government’s support, said: “This project provides a critical pathway to rebuilding the resilience of Afghan farmers. In a country where the majority of the population depends on agriculture, this is a short-term investment with long-term impact.”

The ReAL initiative will be implemented alongside the Afghanistan Resilience Consortium (ARC) project, led by Afghanaid.

Both projects, supported by the UK government, will closely collaborate to exchange experiences and promote sustainable, climate-resilient agricultural practices.