KABUL (Pajhwok): The European Union (EU) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a €5 million initiative to support Afghan farmers and agribusinesses.
In a statement, the EU said the initiative would help farmers and agribusinesses reach markets, generate more reliable incomes and better withstand climate and economic shocks.
The statement said the initiative would support vulnerable households, including returnees, internally displaced people (IDPs) and host communities in districts affected by food and nutrition insecurity, climate risks and limited economic opportunities, particularly women and young people.
Under the initiative, four one-stop service hubs will be established to connect farmers and rural entrepreneurs with agricultural advice, specialised services, agribusinesses and markets, according to the statement.
The hubs will promote improved practices and technologies while providing farmers with access to FAO’s climate analysis and early-warning information, helping them make timely production and marketing decisions as conditions change.
According to the information provided, the initiative will restore 2,000 hectares of degraded forests and rangelands and support 250 women- and community-led nurseries, protecting natural resources while creating new livelihood opportunities.
The statement said FAO would also provide matching grants, along with tailored technical and business advice, to established agrifood and environmentally sustainable enterprises with the potential to expand and develop.
Participating businesses will contribute their own resources alongside project funding, enabling them to expand processing and other services, increase purchases from local producers and create jobs in rural areas.
Nicola Bellomo, the European Union’s new Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan, said the EU’s contribution to FAO demonstrated its continued commitment to food security and the economic empowerment of the Afghan people.
He added that, in cooperation with FAO, the EU would boost agricultural extension services, enhance the growth potential of agribusinesses, promote innovative nature-based solutions, and improve evidence-based knowledge and analysis.
Richard Trenchard, FAO representative in Afghanistan, said that as programmes shifted away from largely humanitarian activities towards more sustainable approaches, Afghanistan’s agrifood businesses had demonstrated real potential to grow, create jobs and connect farmers to markets.
He added that, in cooperation with the EU, FAO would connect farmers with the knowledge, services and markets they need, while helping agribusinesses invest and expand.
hz/sa
