Saboor Shirzad Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) Government of Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Social Transfer for the Fight against Hunger in Afghanistan 18/02/2013

OFFICIAL NAME Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Geography Area: 647,500 sq. km. (249,935 sq. mi.); slightly smaller than Texas. Cities: Capital--Kabul Climate: Dry, with cold winters and hot summers.

Nationality: Afghan(s). Population: 28,513,677 (July 2004 est.). More than 4 million Afghans live outside the country, mainly in Pakistan and Iran, although over two and a half million have returned since the removal of the Taliban. Main languages: Dari (Afghan Persian), Pashto. Education: Approximately 4 million children, of whom some 30% are girls, enrolled in school during People

Economy However, Afghanistan’s economy has grown at a fast pace since the 2001 fall of the Taliban, albeit from a low base. In 2003, growth was estimated at close to 30%, and the estimated growth rate for 2012 was 7.5%. Agriculture The main source of income in the country is agriculture, and during its good years, Afghanistan produces enough food and food products to provide for the people, as well as to create a surplus for export. The major food crops produced are: corn, rice, barley, wheat, vegetables, fruits, and nuts. Trade and Industry Afghanistan is endowed with natural resources, including extensive deposits of natural gas, petroleum, coal, copper, talc, barites, sulfur, lead, zinc, iron ore, salt, and precious and semiprecious stones

Health In response to a strategy outlined by the Ministry of Health, the international community is supporting the government in rebuilding the primary health-care system. Education There were 45,000 children enrolled in school in 1993, 19% were girls. The latest official statistics show there are now 64,000 children in school, one third are girls. In addition 29% of the teachers in the province are women, compared with 15% in 1993.

Afghani food

BUDAHA STATUE : Located in Bamyan province which is the main Tourstical place

Some aspects of food insecurity Poverty and food insecurity:  42% of the population live below national poverty line (2007, world Bank, MDG indicators) 3  31% of the population are food insecure, 23% at the borderline of food insecurity (NRVA2007).  Low dietary diversity, low energy intake  Insufficient food production at national and household level.  Seasonal shortages(“hungry season”)  Food security threats due to conflicts and natural disasters (drought, flood, earthquake, etc).

Food (in-)Security in Afghanistan Main feature and Trends Ultimately, food insecurity leads to: Malnutrition Nutrition Status: Wasting(acute)7% Stunting (chronic):54% Underweight39% Micronutrient deficits up to 75% Children under 5 years, moderate and severe deficiencies, 2004 Source: MoPH, UNICEF, WHO, CDC

Why Food and Nutrition security Policy for Afghanistan ? High priority accorded to food and nutrition security in national development policies and plans Existing problems of poverty and food insecurity need to be addressed To provide a framework for programmes with food security objectives, ensuring consistency, bringing about synergies, filling gaps and avoiding duplication. To respond to the specific food security challenges arising from conflicts, disasters, market and price risks.

Food and Nutrition security Goals & Targets Halve the number of poor and undernourished population by the year Millennium Development Goal No. 1 Assurance of food security Afghanistan National Development Strategy Economic growth and food security National Agriculture Development Framework 2009 Reducing malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies National Nutrition Policy and Strategy 2010

Agriculture and Rural Development Sector Strategy Vision The long term vision of Agriculture and Rural Development sector strategy is to ensure the social, economic and political well-being of rural communities, especially poor and vulnerable people, whilst stimulating the integration of rural communities within the national economy

Programme Principles 1.Working with defined public & private roles 2.Build on existing programmes & capacities 3.District Focus 4.Comprehensive development approach working with other ministries & partners 5.Community led and based practices

Programme Schematic AGRICULTURE PRODUCTION & PRODUCTIVITY NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT MAIL PROGRAMME STRUCTURE AGRICULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE ECONOMIC REGENERATION Horticulture Cereal (Agronomy) Livestock Laboratories Research Facilities Irrigation Food Storage Facilities Business Development & Support to Producer Groups Community Management of NRM National NR Surveillance Planning and Regulation Protection & Conservation Admin & Management Restructuring Information Management System Policy Review and Formulation PROGRAMME SUPPORT & CHANGE MANAGEMEN T Credit

Current Social Transfer Interventions Directly or Coordinated by the Government of Afghanistan NSP- National Solidarity Program: The key objective of NSP is to build, strengthen and maintain Community Development Councils(CDCs) as effective institutions for local governance and social-economic Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program National Rural Access Program National Area Based Development Program Comprehensive -Agricultural and Rural Development-Facility

Horticulture and Livestock project (National wide) CNTF counter Narcotic Trust Fund (Livelihoods Programs) Horticulture and Livestock project -WFP,MAIL,ANDMA,ARC,MoPH, Government,,UN agencies, NGOs communities and Private Sector Funds Planed: expanding Food for Live, Cash for Work Food for Asset, Food Security Program as a specific NPP at the point of endosrment

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