Category: ECONOMY

Daikundi’s almond orchards under pressure from climate change; empty tables, a message to COP31

In the mountainous areas of Daikundi, Afghanistan, almond blossoms are being damaged by sudden spring frosts, while consecutive droughts are reducing harvests. For families who depend on almonds for their livelihoods, this is more than the loss of a crop. It means smaller meals and growing financial pressure, forcing some families to sell their remaining livestock, borrow money to buy food from local shops, and cut back on meals.

Delayed higher education; the stories of youth who entered university years later

Interviews with 33 youth who began higher education four to 14 years later than the usual age show that they resumed their studies when circumstances allowed. According to those interviewed, economic problems were the main reason they could not enter university on time.

Some youth learn practical skills through self-learning to earn an income

A number of youth say that, for various reasons, they have not had the opportunity to learn certain academic and technical skills at schools and universities. However, through hard work and perseverance, they have acquired these skills through self-learning and, after gaining the necessary abilities, found jobs and started earning an income in the same fields. Salam Watandar’s interviews with 24 youth aged between 20 and 35 from six provinces of Afghanistan show that self-learning has helped them acquire various skills needed in the labor market.

Afghanistan’s labor market; more workers, limited job opportunities

Mass return of migrants, population growth, and the increasing number of university graduates is putting greater pressure on Afghanistan’s labor market while according to experts, the country’s capacity to create jobs and grow its economy is not aligned with the growing workforce. They say that if this trend continues, pressure on the labor market will increase, along with the risk of rising poverty and unemployment.

“Rah-e Qarya”; the program that changed a farmer’s farming methods in Ghor

Akbar starts his work every morning at his greenhouse in Ghor by checking the cucumber plants and monitoring the irrigation system. He says that becoming familiar with drip irrigation through a radio educational program changed the way he farms and encouraged him to use the method in his greenhouse.

The struggle for work; drivers in Daikundi spend hours waiting for passengers

It is seven in the morning, and youth who work as drivers are standing beside their cars at Shahrak Terminal in Nili, the capital of Daikundi province. Some are drinking tea, while others silently stare at the road that runs through the mountains of Daikundi toward Kandahar and Kabul. Only occasionally does a passenger enter the terminal, ask about the fare, and leave again. Waiting has become a major part of these drivers’ daily lives—a difficult wait that sometimes lasts for days.

650,000 cubic meters of gas a day; economic opportunity or environmental challenge?

As Afghanistan needs domestic energy sources more than ever to meet its energy needs, gas fields in Jawzjan produce about 650,000 cubic meters of natural gas each day. The gas helps meet part of the country’s electricity, fertilizer, and other energy needs. Officials say the gas is extracted in accordance with technical and environmental standards. However, experts warn that without close monitoring of water resources, soil, and pollutants, continued extraction could have serious environmental consequences.

Climate change and rising pests; challenges to almond crop growth in Samangan

In recent years, climate change has become one of the main challenges facing the horticultural sector in Samangan. According to officials and orchard owners, unexpected cold weather, early heatwaves, irregular rainfall, and the increasing prevalence of pests and plant diseases are among the main factors contributing to lower yields and substantial losses in almond orchards.

100-ton cold storage facility raises hope among orchard owners in Faryab

Every year during the harvest season, large quantities of agricultural and horticultural crops enter local markets in Faryab. However, the lack of standard storage infrastructure has consistently caused a significant portion of these crops to spoil before reaching consumers. In these circumstances, the establishment of a 100-ton cold storage facility in Maimana, the capital of Faryab province, has raised hopes among orchard owners, who see it as a way to reduce post-harvest losses.

From opium poppy to alternative crops; farmers in Nimroz face a difficult transition

Following the ban on opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, many farmers in Nimroz have been forced to turn to alternative crops. Products such as saffron, wheat, cotton, vegetables, and fruits have been introduced by the government and relevant institutions as alternative sources of income.

Dairy cattle disease spread raises concerns among livestock owners in Kapisa

Livestock diseases in Kapisa have become a serious concern for livestock owners. They say the diseases not only threaten the health of dairy cows but also directly affect milk production, household incomes, and the livelihoods of hundreds of families. According to livestock owners, cases of various diseases among dairy cattle have increased in recent months, while limited access to veterinary services has made their challenges even greater.

The story of women striving to meet part of their family’s needs

“The income from selling vegetables has helped cover some of our household expenses. Some organizations have also provided us with agricultural training, seeds, and fertilizer. Our biggest problems are water shortages, the lack of appropriate markets for our produce, and the high cost of seeds and fertilizer,” she says.