The vast majority of Afghan families are reliant on farming for their daily needs. Indeed, in the areas where Afghanaid works, over 90% of the population is dependent on agriculture as their primary source of income.

Sadly, agricultural productivity has been declining in recent years due to the effects of decades of conflict, economic downturn and outdated farming practices, placing an increasing burden on the poorest communities. Worse still, the damaging effects of climate change, as well as frequent natural disasters make it harder and harder to make a living off the land. When droughts or floods hit, they have devastating consequences for already struggling rural communities.

One way for rural families to reduce their vulnerability is to diversify what they grow and introduce alternative crops which better suit different seasons. Afghanaid works with men and women across the country to give them the training and equipment they need to set up vegetable gardens. It is a very simple but very effective solution which provides families with both better nutrition and an alternative source of income.

Samangan is one of Afghanistan’s most food insecure provinces. In a mountain village in the province, one of the men we trained is Mohammad.

Please read, in Mohammad’s own words, how our programme is changing his family’s life and giving him hope for his grandchildren’s future. We are asking for your help to continue this vital work and reach many more vulnerable families in 2018.

 

Diversifying rural livelihoods is vital to achieving sustainable progress in rural Afghanistan. A donation today will help us to help more vulnerable rural families to make the most out of their land and adapt to the changing and volatile environment. The effect of your gift, however small or large, will be long-lasting, as the people you help lift their entire families out of poverty and pass on their new skills to the next generation.

When Mohammad sees one of his neighbours struggling, he is now able to share his fresh vegetables with them. For many of us, the festive season is a time spent sharing meals with our loved ones. So this Christmas, please read Mohammad’s story and help more vulnerable Afghans put food on their families’ plates all year round.

Give the gift of a healthier future this Christmas.