World Vision’s agricultural support builds resilience

Wakeel Ahmad, 35, is a farmer with nearly three acres of land in Herat, where he usually cultivates wheat in one season and mung beans and sesame in rotation. He is responsible for taking care of his seven-member family. 

Last year, he planted wheat in half of his land and coriander in the other half, hoping for a good harvest to support his family's basic needs. However, like many farmers in Afghanistan, Wakeel Ahmad faces challenges due to severe droughts. "In previous years, our village streams were full of water," he recalled. "Now, they are dry, impacting our crop yields and leaving us with nothing for our families."Afghanistan, where over 70% of the population depends on agriculture, has endured four consecutive years of drought, severely affecting farmers' incomes and their ability to provide for their families. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classifications (IPC), 14.2 million people - 32% of the population - are facing acute food insecurity, including 2.9 million in Emergency (IPC 4) between March and October 2024, requiring urgent humanitarian aid. Drought is a significant contributor to these pressing needs.

World Vision Afghanistan targets drought-affected farmers like Wakeel Ahmad in Herat Province through its DRA-Afghanistan Joint Response (AFJR) project, supported by Dutch Relief Alliance (DRA). Farmers receive certified wheat seeds, fertilisers, and comprehensive training. Certified seeds, lasting five years and known for resilience and higher yields, are provided alongside training in cultivation techniques, crop care, harvesting, and post-harvest management, including packing and marketing strategies.Wakeel Ahmad participated in this programme, stating, "This support is invaluable because farmers like me affected by drought cannot afford fertilisers and certified seeds on our own. Without this assistance, I would have had to borrow money to buy them." With support from WV Afghanistan, Wakeel Ahmad received 50kg of wheat seeds and two types of fertilisers. This assistance translated into a successful season with increased production, enabling him to meet his family's needs. Wakeel Ahmad plans to use part of his harvest for his family and sell the remainder to meet other household needs. "This support helps me provide for my family. We are thankful to World Vision for enabling us to stand on our own feet."

"I'm very grateful for this support. The high-quality seeds resulted in a better yield," he added. "I can see the difference in my crops compared to my neighbours because of the superior seeds and the skills I gained."WV Afghanistan acknowledges DRA for their crucial support that enabled us help 1,020 farmers in 2023. To enable more farmers like him to benefit from this investment, WV Afghanistan intends to extend similar aid to 400 more farmers, continuing their commitment to agricultural resilience and food security in the region, in 2024.