Transformative

Chronicles 2.0
STO R I E S F RO M
A FG H A N I STA N

1
1
Foreword
Dear readers,

As you open the pages of “Transformative Chronicles 2.0,” you are women’s economic empowerment, and community-led solutions
invited to journey through the heart of Afghanistan’s transformation. underscores this long-term vision. We are inspired by the way
This volume continues the narrative begun in our first edition, diving communities have embraced these initiatives, driving them forward
deeper into the stories of resilience, hope, and relentless effort that with local knowledge and determination.
we have found across the country.
I am profoundly grateful to our donors and partners whose steadfast
Through the United Nations Development Programme’s flagship support makes all of this possible. Their dedication is not just to our
ABADEI initiative, we have had the privilege of witnessing projects but to the people of Afghanistan who benefit from them
extraordinary moments of change—moments powered by the every day.
strength and spirit of the Afghan people, supported by our global
partners. From the revitalization of small-scale infrastructure that As you read these stories, I hope you are moved by the courage
connects communities, to the empowerment programs that rebuild and community spirit they embody. “Transformative Chronicles 2.0”
lives, each story is a testament to what we can achieve together. is more than a documentation of development; it is a celebration of
human resilience and a look forward to the sustainable development
This book does not just recount the successes of projects; it goals we continue to pursue.
celebrates the human spirit behind them. You will meet individuals like
Fatima, who found strength in adversity following the loss of her home Together, let us draw inspiration from these pages and continue to
to an earthquake, and young Ghulam, whose new business ventures support the journey towards a more prosperous Afghanistan. Your
illuminate the possibilities that emerge when communities harness engagement and interest mean the world to us and to all those who
sustainable energy. see a brighter future on the horizon.

Our commitment extends beyond immediate relief to fostering Stephen Rodriques

sustainable growth and resilience. Our focus on climate adaptation, UNDP AFGHANISTAN RESIDENT REPRESENTATIVE
At a glance
in 2023 Disaster Risk Reduction Social Cohesion

1,200 individuals 28,326 individuals

including 590 women
Community Structures
including 12,389 women
164,898
households benefiting from
446
structures constructed/re-
acquired knowledge and skills on
disaster and climate resilience have better awareness about social
cohesion
management, and adaptation
improved infrastructure constructed/rehabilitated/repaired

Ecosystem Gender
Health Cash-for-Work (CfW)

41 20,224 labourers 97 hectares of land

rehabilitated to absorb
1,189
including 533 women
health facilities equipped women benefiting from
with materials and environmental stress and measures addressing gender-
equipment benefiting from cash-for-work (CfW) climate shocks based violence (GBV)
schemes

Education MSMEs Community Planning Community Kitchens

977 trainees including 6,328 MSMEs including 2,453 63 550K

757 women 4,545 women-led ones programmes carried
out by community Community Kitchens Free meals
benefiting from project-supported
vocational/TVET and education
benefiting from technical and
financial support in ABADEI II
networks/structures
631
Employees/members
25,929
Persons served
programmes
191
community 414 12,548
Renewable Energy Agrokits and training development plans Women employees Women served

28,217 developed or updated

257K
households gained access to
clean and affordable energy
1,308 farmers including Meals served to women

638 women
40
facilities powered through
benefiting from agricultural inputs,
assets and training
renewable energy
4 5
 Contents
8 A Bee Story 48 Shazia’s Journey
AHMAD AM IR I SH A ZIA BAYAT

13 The Transformation 53 The Ancient Art of Woven

of Arghandi Crafts
HA JI WAL I NASIRA A ZIZI

18 Revitalising Tradition 58 Training In Climate-Smart

GUL C HAM AN Agriculture
MOH A MMA D A KBA R

22 Dam of Hope in Kandahar

JAN M O HAMM AD 64 Weaving Carpets And Dreams
A ME NA KH ODAYA R

28 Finding Purpose In A
Community Kitchen 71 Afforestation To Reduce Flood Risk
S HAK AR NASRE E N

33 Scaling A Tailoring Business 76 Irrigation Reservoir and Canal

FAZ IL A FAIZ Y Lining
FA ZA L KA RIM

39 Pickling
FAWZ IA HAMID I 79 Rising From The Rubble
FATIMA

43 Restoring Centuries-Old Canals For

Better Food Production 85 Sun Power
GUL AM HAB IB GH ULA M SA KH I TAQWA

88 Community Kitchens: Investing in

Afghanistan’s Future
SUGH RA

6 7
A Bee Story
AHMAD A MIRI
Beekeeper entrepreneur
Guldan Village, Chak District, Maidan Wardak Province

Baharan Honey and Bee Production quality control, pricing, packaging,

Company was born from a vision to warehouse management, and marketing. “After receiving the branding
combine sustainable practices with the The company received mentorship
sweet rewards of nature. and support to improve the quality of and marketing training,
packaging. Baharan’s packaging quality
Young entrepreneur Ahmad Amiri, a man now matches international standards. I have realised that
with a small piece of land and big dreams, Baharan now uses computer-based packaging is very important
was reluctant to start beekeeping. But after applications and databases to maintain
training and encouragement, he embarked inventory and sales records. The company to attract customers and
on a new professional journey. also received access to a seven-day
exhibition to find new markets. find new markets for my
His business grew with each passing year, fine quality products. With
but the COVID-19 pandemic and fall of Ahmad now encourages other communities
government created major challenges. to produce and scale up honey and bee the new packaging, the
Production reduced, and most employees production in Wardak Province. “I am on a
were released. mission to create a wider selling platform demand for my honeybee
for my fine quality products and to improve products has drastically
Ahmad faced other obstacles due to lack the livelihood of my community members
of business management skills. Baharan by providing employment opportunities increased, and I now
previously had a very limited access to especially to women.”
markets, as few buyers were familiar with
generate more revenue with
the company’s fine-quality products. Sales have increased by 22%. To meet the increased production.”
increased demand, Baharan now plans
Baharan was then selected for business to hire new staff and increase the
support. Staff members received training number of bee colonies to 50 boxes.
in areas such as business management,

8 9
 Honey harvest: ABADEI support
is creating a big buzz for Afghani
beekeepers like those at Baharan
Honey and Bee Production
Company. Local entrepreneurs
receive training in areas such as
business management, quality
control, packaging, and marketing.

10 11
 The Transformation
of Arghandi

H A J I WA L I
Village representative
Janda Khil Village, Arghandi, Paghman District, Kabul Province

The village of Janda Khil faces Haji Wali, a respected figure in Arghandi
unemployment, poverty, resource and the representative overseeing “The bridge’s rehabilitation
scarcity, and inadequate infrastructure. rehabilitation of the bridge on behalf of
Paghman district, is reflective: “If the bridge was a lifeline for our
The village’s vital link to the city, a bridge, had not been repaired, it would likely have
was tragically swept away by floods in succumbed to the effects of future floods, community.”
2023. Around 100 residences and 324 causing immense hardship for the families
hectares of land were also destroyed. of Arghandi.”

The rehabilitation of the bridge was an The bridge’s rehabilitation is part of

important moment, bringing infrastructural wider initiatives to reduce disaster risk in
improvements and enhanced connectivity the area. These initiatives include river
with neighboring regions. It also created cleaning, as well as construction and
employment opportunities through the renovation of roadside retaining walls and
ABADEI cash-for-work program. wing walls around the bridge.

The program engaged local labor for

construction and repair of the bridge,
so villagers were able to secure
livelihoods and economic stability during
the coming winter months. All workers are
from Arghandi.

12 13
 From disaster to opportunity: Citizens residing by
the once-destroyed bridge near Janda Khil Village
were hired to rehabilitate it.

14 15
16 17
Revitalising Tradition: Empowering
Communities through Wool
Processing and Carpet Weaving

G UL CH A MA N
Skilled labourer
Ghazni province

Gul Chaman is a resilient 50-year-old Transitioning from traditional methods to This wool-processing center, supported
woman from Kolokhak in the heart of modern machinery was initially daunting by ABADEI2.0, has transformed the
Ghazni province, Afghanistan, known for for Gul Chaman. Yet, with determination lives of thirty individuals by providing
its rich cultural heritage. Following the and the support of an eight-day training them with a renovated center powered
loss of her husband five years ago, Gul program provided by the processing by solar energy. Gathering women from
Chaman has been the sole provider for center, she now produces between 1 to ten communities, it has become a hub of
her family of five. 2 kilograms of wool daily, earning 80 empowerment where skills are exchanged,
Afghanis per kilogram. Her productivity camaraderie flourishes, and livelihoods
In Ghazni, where livelihoods hinge on has soared compared to the previous are secured.
livestock, many like Gul Chaman earn their laborious pace of 3 to 4 days per kilo.
living through carpet weaving and wool For Gul Chaman, Tahira, and many others,
processing. “Now, I feel more confident and efficient this center is more than just a place of
with these new machines,” Gul Chaman work—it’s a beacon of hope and progress
Despite her age and the distance from her beams. “I’m increasing my output and in their journey towards a brighter future.
home to the center, Gul Chaman found earning more for my family.”
a lifeline thanks to Samiullah, a young
man who introduced her to a local wool Tahira Husaini, 40, shares a similar journey.
processing center. Here, she found not Despite the daily challenge of a long
just employment but a renewed sense of commute to the center from her rented home,
purpose, enabling her to support her two she embraces the opportunity to learn and
daughters who also contribute by weaving earn alongside Gul Chaman. “Using these
carpets at home. machines was a challenge at first,” she
admits, “but I’m improving every day.”
18 19
“Now, I feel more confident
and efficient with these new
machines,” Gul Chaman
beams. I’m increasing my
output and earning more for
my family.”

20 21
Dam of Hope in Kandahar
JAN M O HA MMA D
Skilled labourer
Myankoh, District 12, Kandahar Province

Within Kandahar, the area of Myankoh agricultural activities, domestic use, and
in District 12 has grappled with other essential needs of our families.” “Working on the Kandahar
particularly severe economic crises.
Since its construction, the check dam has Myankoh check dam has
More than 1,000 internally displaced stood fast in the face of heavy rains and
persons and returnees in the area face flooding, protecting lives and property. been a truly rewarding
seasonal floods. Crucially, they lack experience. I have found joy
access to clean water. The dam is a crucial flood mitigation
measure and community lifeline. It serves and fulfilment in my work.”
Jan Mohammad, a skilled laborer from as a recreational area for youth and a
Myankoh Village, has found joy in his place to strengthen community bonds.
work on the recent construction of the The check dam’s construction has also
new Kandahar Myankoh check dam. “I paved the way for other UNDP initiatives
am proud to be part of a project that will such as tree plantation and environmental
benefit thousands of families and mitigate improvement.
major floods in our community.”
In a region facing significant challenges,
Check dams counteract water erosion by Jan Mohammad’s dedication is a
reducing water flow. The check dam in demonstration of the ability of individuals
Myankoh now stores 150,000 cubic metres working together to create profound
of water, providing benefits to more than impact within their communities.
18,760 households.

“The stored water replenishes underground

aquifers,” says villager Zarif Khan. “It
ensures a sustainable water source for

22 23
24 25
 Dam of hope: Citizens report that water levels in nearby
wells have increased by more than 20 metres since
construction of the Kandahar Myankoh check dam.

26 27
Finding Purpose In A
Community Kitchen
S HAKAR
Community kitchen member
Naw Abad Community, Ghazni Center, Ghazni Province

Of the 2.5 million population in Ghazni, disabled husband does daily chores in working actively. Her stomach pains are
1.5 million are considered as people a nearby bazaar. Some days, he comes gone. We now have a source of income,
in need. Roughly 756,000 people are home only with 30 Afghani (USD0.40). so we called our little son to come back
registered as people in need of food. No one can understand those days that home, and we are pleased to have the
passed. I had forgotten how to be happy. whole family together.”
Shakar, aged 43 and mother of 3 Thank God, those days have passed now.”
daughters and 2 sons, lives with her Everyday, Shakar and other community
disabled husband in the Naw Abad In March 2023, Shakar was selected to kitchen members work together to
community of Ghazni Center. join the Naw Abad community kitchen distribute 150 meals daily to people in
as a cook. Her contributions now help need. Shakar considers this as a main
“Females are not allowed to go out of vulnerable community members. “The light reason behind her recovery. “This kitchen
their houses and communicate with other in my life turned on.” helped me, my family, and nine other
women and girls,” says Shakar. “The community kitchen members to learn new
majority suffer from depression. When a Shakar was the first individual selected for skills, to work as a team, to take part in
female is illiterate and unemployed, home ABADEI’s community kitchen programme community activities, to play an active
is like a jail. No entertainment, no good in Naw Abad due to her vulnerability and role in family decisions, and to be the role
feelings, nothing new to experience.” willingness to support other nearby women model for those who also suffer.”
and girls. She now works with a group of
Stress, depression, and psychosocial women. Shakar has now also established her
problems took their toll on Shakar. Doctors own home-based restaurant, where she
told her that her stomach ache was due Shakar’s husband Abdul Qayum has prepares fast food for customers. “I now
to severe anxiety. Her daughters cannot noticed the positive changes in Shakar. have an income source, and I can fulfill my
attend school. In the face of severe “Everyday, when I came home tired, the dreams and the dreams of my family”. She
economic challenges, Shakar felt forced only thing I encountered was my sick wife, smiles, saying, “I am sure that I no longer
to send her youngest son to Iran to earn whose illness was not understood. All my need that medicine.”
money for the family. income was spent on medicines, but not
even one percent was useful. Since her
“Everyday, I thought about my son. He was work started with the community kitchen,
too young to go to another country for her facial expressions have changed.
work. We felt we had no alternatives. My She started talking with us, laughing, and
28 29
“I was using a huge number of
medicines, suffering from chronic
From dark days to
stomach problems. Doctors said my light: Through the
stomach was fine, but I was suffering Naw Abad community
kitchen program, Shakar
from depression that affected my not only cooks for the
physical and mental health, and vulnerable, but also runs
I needed to be busy. Joblessness her restaurant.

created depression that affected

my family.

The light in my life turned on when I

joined the community kitchen. This
kitchen helped me to be involved
in community activities, to be busy,
to have a job, to support my family,
to work, and share my reflections
with other women. The kitchen
not only shaped my mental health,
but also helped me to start my
business. I now have an income
source and can fulfil my dreams
and the dreams of my family.”

30 31
 Scaling A Tailoring Business

FA Z I L A FA I Z Y
Tailor entrepreneur
Mula Khalil Village, Hesa 1 Kohistan District, Kapisa Province

Fazila is cutting cloth. She stands behind Fazila initially hired five trainees, while the
a table covered with scarves in a large available work merely covered production “Only two years had passed
room in her parent’s house. Some of her costs. She struggled for months to find a
employees sew, while others stitch with way to expand. She was then selected since my marriage. I had
embroidery hoops. from a large number of vulnerable women
entrepreneurs who run tailoring businesses two little children and a
Before Afghanistan’s regime change in in Kapisa. small job as a schoolteacher
August 2021, Fazila had a good job as a
school teacher. Tailoring enabled her to Fazilia received USD1,200 as a grant in the local school, when
earn income in her spare time. Fazila’s to purchase more sewing machines,
husband had his own tailoring business equipment, and raw materials. She suddenly the regime
until he was killed by Iranian border forces. expanded her business, providing job changed. Our family
opportunities for local women. Now, she
After losing her husband, Fazila started has more than 70 trainees working in 2 decided to emigrate to Iran.
living with her parents. When her father shifts, producing up to 6 pairs of clothes
died, Fazila was left only with her mother, everyday and selling them in local markets. While crossing the border,
three younger sisters, and two little my husband was shot dead.
children. Facing economic difficulties, Fazila now plans to open her own
Fazila started her own tailoring business. sales shop to connect to more markets I returned to Afghanistan
With financial help from relatives who and expand her customer base. After
live abroad, she purchased two sewing struggling for more than two years, life with my two children to live
machines and raw materials, and she has finally improved, and Fazila can with my parents. Nearly a
started producing clothes for her family provide healthy meals for her two
and relatives. children and other family members. year ago, I decided to start
my own tailoring business.”

32 33
 Seamstress Success: Fazila’s
tailoring business sustains her
family and also supports other
women in Kapisa, creating ripple
effects in the community.

34 35
36 37
 Pickling

FAW Z I A H A M I DI
Food processing entrepreneur
Gulbahar Village, Jabalseraj District, Parwan Province

Fawzia knows hardship. Married at an supermarkets. Recognizing her need

early age to a taxi driver, she gave birth for knowledge of sales, promotions “I want to expand my
to seven children, then tragically lost her and access to markets, she searched
husband. Life as the sole earner in her for support from NGOs and donors. business to other provinces.
household has been challenging.
Fawzia received training from an ABADEI I can train more women
Fawzia learned how to produce jams initiative in areas such as business on production of pickles
and pickles, then trained her two young development, management, quality
daughters. She learned about licences control, product packaging, pricing, and and jams and provide
and registrations required to start a marketing. With regular mentorship, she
food processing business. Fawzia sold improved her business and the quality of employment to vulnerable
her personal belongings and invested product packaging. She also participated women and girls like me.
in products such as lemons, tomatoes, in exhibitions, showcasing her high-quality
vinegar, salt, containers, and bottles. goods on a larger scale. The improvement of their
After a month, Fawzia delivered her Sales have increased by 30%. Fawzia livelihoods will contribute
first products into the market. The is now contracting new retail shops to the development of
response was overwhelming. Her and supermarkets, and she is providing
products tasted great and were well livelihoods for 25 female staff and the national economy.”
priced. She registered Zeenat Afghan their families.
pickles processing in Parwan Province
and looked to expand her business to
Entrepreneurial triumph: Fawzia’s local markets, city consumers, and big
Zeenat Afghan pickles bring flavour
and hope to Parwan Province. With
newfound skills and support, Fawzia
38 is expanding her business, providing 39
livelihoods for women and families, and
spreading joy through her products.
40 41
 Restoring Centuries-Old Canals
For Better Food Production
GULAM HABIB
Farmer
Parwana Village, Inji District, Herat Province

For too long, recurrent flash floods flow into multiple sub-canals. We were In both villages, the total area of irrigated
washed away crops, livestock, and always running out of water. We could land has increased by 50 percent.
homes within Dehshaikh and Parwana not control water losses through seepage. Farmers now receive three times as
villages in Herat Province. Disagreements arose among farmers much water with less effort. More water
about water use.” equates to more food for consumption and
Ghulam Habib, a 55-year-old farmer, now sale, improving lives in the process. The
tends to his wheat field alongside his two ABADEI inaugurated a 210-meter-long project has enabled food-insecure rural
sons in Parwana village. The greenery is protection wall, 3 super passages, and households to plant two crops yearly
lush, and the air is fresh. canal lining to save valuable water for rather than just a single wheat crop.
drinking and irrigation for 800 families
Ghulam has dedicated most of his life in 2 villages. The project also created The new farming infrastructural
to farming. He has often encountered employment opportunities for 317 improvements have paved the way for
hardships during the severe winter season. vulnerable citizens during construction. sustainable farming practices, resulting in
Heavy rainfall often led to destructive higher crop production, increased income
floods that damaged not only his land, “This project was jointly built for 2 villages, prospects, and improved food security.
but also the lands of fellow farmers in his for more than 5,550 people,” says village
village. leader Gulbudin. “The canal is over one
century old, but was previously in bad
“Repairs to damaged sections of the canal condition. Now, we are expanding our
were costly in the past,” says Ghulam. “We fields to include new crops. Our women
needed to hire labourers and purchase are considering setting up a kitchen
wooden stacks and plastic sandbags to fix garden to grow vegetables.”
damaged sections and redirect the water

42 43
Wall of protection and
progress: Increased water
retention and improved
irrigation systems safeguard
crops and offer a brighter, more
resilient future for 800 families.

“Following the completion of the

protection wall, my farm has been
receiving uninterrupted water flow,
allowing me to carry out my farming
activities throughout the year. Before
the protection wall, water shortage
was a major problem. The water
used to flow away unused, but now
we have sufficient water for our
crops and no longer worry about
floods.”
44 45
46 47
Shazia’s Journey Serving up inspiration:
Shazia’s food
processing business
S HAZ IA BAYAT sustains her family
Food processing entrepreneur and offers a model
of successful
Faqir Abad Village, District 5, Balkh Province entrepreneurship in
Balkh Province.

The morning sun brings light to a In December 2023, Shazia’s food

small, one-room, mud-brick house. processing enterprise was selected to “I have assumed the
There, Shazia creates jams, pickles, participate in an eight-day training session
and yoghurt. for small businesses. Upon completion, role of supporting my
Shazia received a financial grant of
Originally from the Dara-e-Suf district of 62,000 Afghanis (USD840) to expand family’s needs. I cover
Samangan Province, Shazia’s house and her business. our house rent and daily
property were destroyed by fire. She and
her family then moved to Balkh Province, Shazia was then able to present her goods expenses, and I ensure
and they have lived in rented houses at a large exhibition event for female
for a year. Unfortunately, her husband is entrepreneurs in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. that my products reach
unemployed, adding to their challenges as Her food processing enterprise saw local supermarkets and
a displaced family. significant increase in income as a result of
this exposure. To meet increased demand, street shops. I also assist
Shazia expresses her concerns. “Upon Shazia now employs two women to assist
our arrival in Balkh, we found ourselves in running the business. my husband in managing
without shelter and household items, not our household finances.
even carpets on the ground. The fire took Shazia is delighted. Her monthly income
everything. Both my husband and I were has increased from around 2,000 Afghanis Thanks to the income I
unemployed. The rent for the house was a (USD28) to approximately 6,000 Afghanis
constant struggle, and we could not afford (USD84). She plans to buy a dairy cow have generated, I have
enough food.” to produce more yoghurt and milk. She invested in approximately
also plans to help other women start their
businesses and become economically 10 chickens, enabling me to
independent. Shazia is now a role
model to other women in Afghanistan, sell their eggs and generate
overcoming adversity while supporting her additional income.”
family and other women.

48 49
50 51
 The Ancient Art of
Woven Crafts
NASIRA AZIZI
Handicrafts entrepreneur
Mazar-i-Sharif City, Balkh Province

Nasira’s aspirations are limitless. She Businesses receive small grants to

owns a small handicrafts workshop in accelerate their growth. They also receive “I used to employ 25
northern Afghanistan. With an ABADEI technical assistance and training to
grant, she grew her business almost enhance their business acumen and to women. Now I employ 80,
three-fold this year. strengthen market linkages.
all feeding their families
“My workshop used to be very small,” Nasira’s business has grown from 25 to 80 through this business.”
recalls Nasira. “We had only one employees. “Most women working in my
workstation and six machines. With the workshop come from poor families. Some
grant that we received, I purchased are widowers and the only breadwinner in
another workstation, sewing machine, and their household.”
raw material to service more customers.”
Nasira plans to expand her workshop to a
Women-run businesses in Afghanistan carpet weaving centre. Currently, she only
often struggle with access to finance. weaves carpets and then sends them to
Banks require collateral for business other regions or overseas for additional
financing, but most women do not processing due to her limited facilities and
have property in their names, as men equipment. Nasira’s goal is to consolidate
traditionally own most family assets. all carpet production activities at her
workshop and create new job prospects
for more women and Afghan girls.

52 53
 Weaving employment opportunities:
Nasira’s handicrafts workshop is
flourishing, supporting livelihoods
for a growing number of women in
northern Afghanistan.

54 55
56 57
Training In Climate-
Smart Agriculture
M O H AM MA D A K BA R
Farmer
Deh Jawaz Village, Trinkot District, Uruzgan Province

Farming is in Mohammad Akbar’s attended a farmer field school, where

blood. Generations of his family farmers are trained in climate-sensitive “This type of training was
have farmed the fields of Uruzgan, irrigation techniques such as drip irrigation
and his father taught him to respect and greenhouse farming. never previously available
the earth and its bounty.
They also learn organic pest and weed in Afghanistan. We did
Since Mohammad was a boy, he dreamed control, eco-friendly use of manure and not understand mulching
of running his own farm and providing for composting, and modern cultivation,
his family. The harsh realities of climate harvest, and post-harvest handling or organic pesticides and
change have made farming life difficult. practices. These practices help to reduce
input costs, increase yield, and reduce on- herbicides. Pesticides from
In his small village, droughts have become farm spoilage. the market are expensive
more frequent and severe, drying up
surface waters and wells that irrigated Mohammad is enthusiastic about the and not that effective.
his fields. Mohammad invested his scare future. “I grow almonds and pomegranates.
resources alongside other farmers to dig We are very interested to access better Sometimes, we lose yield
a deeper well. He uses solar energy to markets to get higher prices and help because of low-quality
pump water to his farm, but even the new upgrade our irrigation networks. We hope
well is drying up. we receive similar support next year, too.” input supplies in the market.
ABADEI now supports Mohammad and
Now, we make our own with
1,500 other farmers to adopt climate- organic methods.”
smart agriculture practices. Mohammad

58 59
60 61
Seeds of change: With
ABADEI’s assistance,
Mohammad and fellow
farmers in Uruzgan embrace
climate-smart agriculture to
combat the challenges of
climate change.

62 63
Weaving Carpets
And Dreams
AMENA KHODAYA R
Carpet weaver entrepreneur
Lal Sar Jangal District, Ghor Province
Amena is determined. Aged 42, she business management training session,
launched a weaving enterprise to fortify they received cash assistance to revive “We learned new
her family’s financial stability. their carpet weaving enterprise.
skills. This training
Amena’s challenge was to create Amena gained valuable skills. She
sustainable income while empowering adapted her approach by engaging 11 totally changed my
women and girls in her community, trainees and creating a supportive learning economic situation
particularly those in the weaving sector environment. Amena trained this group
who lack access to education. within just one month. Their efforts has and provided new
led to production of high-quality carpets
Amena invested her savings of 10,000 that they plan to sell at USD75 per meter. ideas and also hope
Afghanis (USD138) to purchase tools, a for my family and me.”
carpet frame, and raw materials. She The success of Amena’s venture has
trained two girls from her village and improved her family’s financial stability and
collaborated with her husband to also provided employment opportunities
produce one carpet every two months. for trainees from marginalized communities.
Future projects are expected to yield
Political instability and economic higher earnings.
downturns forced her family to relocate
from their home province to Kabul, where Amena now plans to expand her business
they faced the challenge of restarting their horizons by training more individuals in
business. dyeing techniques and wool spinning. Her
journey highlights the power of one small-
Unable to restart their enterprise, Amena’s scale initiative to transform individuals and Strong threads: With ABADEI, Amena is
family found support through an ABADEI communities, particularly women and girls. revitalizing her weaving enterprise, providing
training opportunity. As part of a six-day opportunities for women and girls in Kabul.

64 65
66 67
68 69
 Afforestation To Reduce
Flood Risk
NASREEN
Cash-for-work programme recipient
Tagab Camp and Samarkhel Araban Village, Behsood
District, Nangarhar Province
Nasreen, widow and mother of four sons like Nasreen may face uncertainty, This initiative is part of wider efforts to
and three daughters, lost her husband emphasizing the need for sustainable engage citizens in afforestation activities
five years ago in armed conflict. long-term support for stability and that create employment, develop
resilience in Afghan communities. agriculture, and mitigate climate change. In
She had no monthly income to support Mirshaikh Bala Village within the Aliabad
her family. However, after months of Communities in the area are greatly District of Kunduz Province, ABADEI is
being jobless, she joined an ABADEI vulnerable to risks of seasonal flooding supporting afforestation of 20 hectares of
cash-for-work afforestation programme. and climate-induced disasters. The land, creating cash-for-work opportunities
The programme plants jujube (also afforestation project reduces risk of for more than 2,500 citizens.
known as red date) trees to reduce disaster and builds community resilience in
disaster risk faced by internally the face of climate change.
displaced people communities.
The project has planted 20,000 trees on
Nasreen’s resilience is inspiring. She 12 hectares of dry land. It created 7,810 “I was able to buy meat for
received 4,600 Afghanis (USD64), enabling cash-for-work days for 781 individuals, the first time in six months
her to pay back loans from neighbours. supporting roughly 3,200 households.
She can also seek medical assistance and to feed my children a
treatment for her spinal pain, which she The afforestation in the area reduces the
endured without medication for 10 months. flow of rainy water, stores precipitation, good-quality diet.”
and reduces soil erosion through terracing.
Nasreen’s story highlights the particular It establishes forests, creates local
struggles faced by many widows in temporary employment, and supports
Afghanistan’s society, especially those biodiversity. In the longer term, the project
who support families with many children. will help to recharge underground water
and also create income-generation
While the ABADEI afforestation program opportunities through production of high-
provided Nasreen with income and debt quality jujube honey.
relief, her vulnerability remains the same.
Once such projects end, individuals

70 71
 Planting for the future:
The planting of jujube trees
mitigates disaster risks and
enables widows like Nasreen
to thrive amidst adversity.

72 73
74 75
Irrigation Reservoir and
Canal Lining

FAZ AL KARIM
Cash-for-work programme recipient
Qasim Village Community, Sabari District, Khost

Fazal Karim was jobless due to ABADEI then initiated an irrigation

drought, lack of available jobs, and reservoir and canal lining project. “The support has provided
major political upheaval that has This small-scale construction and
affected the country. rehabilitation project hired 100 employment for me and
labourers from the village as part of
“I am the only person who can provide a cash-for-work scheme. Fazal was for other jobless people
food for my six-member family,” says among those labourers. in our village. This project
Fazal. “My father is disabled, my
mother already died, and I have two Fazal is reflective. “Opportunities has helped many poor
small sisters and three small brothers like this give us new hope for life.”
who are under-aged and cannot work. Fazal hopes for more cash-for-work people to meet basic
Finding work is a challenge. projects that can bring positive change needs.”
to community infrastructure while
“My family and I have suffered from supporting livelihoods.
hunger. Our only income resource was Springs of renewal: Fazal and his community have found
agriculture cultivation, which could a lifeline through the cash-for-work scheme to line a
not fulfill our daily needs. I tried to nearby canal and build an irrigation reservoir.
flee to Iran illegally for work, but I had
no money, and no relatives, villagers,
or friends were able to lend me the
money. Meanwhile, our circumstances
were becoming worse by the day.”

76 77
 Rising From The Rubble

FAT I M A
Earthquake survivor and head of six-member family
Chahak Village, Herat Province

Fatima’s voice trembles when she In only five days in early October 2023, These shelters rely on vernacular
speaks of the earthquakes that rocked three major earthquakes struck this part architecture practices, constructed
the western province of Herat in 2023. “I of Afghanistan, close to Iran, claiming the from local materials using traditional
cannot find the words to express the fear lives of 2,400 people. Most mud homes in methods like pakhsa (a blend of
we felt when the earth shook,” recalls the the desert villages outside the city of Herat earth and straw), mudbrick, and stone
61-year-old resident of Chahak village. were flattened, making this the deadliest masonry. These homes are disaster
“The children’s cries were deafening. The natural disaster to strike the country in resilient, so Fatima and her family
place we called home crumbled in front of decades. Over 10,000 homes were razed were protected from the aftershocks
our eyes.” to the ground, and over 48,000 homes that continued to rattle the region.
suffered severe or moderate damage.
Three years after losing her husband, Fatima remains hopeful, despite ongoing
Fatima was thrust into an unexpected role In response, ABADEI worked with challenges. “We still lack warm clothing,
as head of her family, a hard reality for communities to help rebuild lives and mattresses, but we are safe, healthy
Afghan women due to the restrictions on and improve community resilience to and protected from the cold. I am so
employment, education, and movement. hazards and shocks. Specific initiatives happy that proper latrines are being
include construction of transitional constructed, which is essential for women.”
Fatima, her widowed daughter, and shelters, provision of free hot meals
grandchildren found themselves camping through community kitchens, and After completing the transitional shelters
outside in makeshift tents made of sticks installation of solar cookers for sustainable in Chahak village, ABADEI will keep
and sheets. “Men and boys can sleep cooking solutions. providing shelter and livelihood support
anywhere. But imagine the plight of to the people of Herat province affected
women and girls. Having to live out in the In the village of Chahak, where Fatima by the earthquake. The goal is to lay
open made us feel so vulnerable. We did lost her home, all 235 transitional shelters the ground for longer-term recovery by
not even have access to a toilet.” Like were completed in a few weeks, and all building resilience to future shocks.
Fatima’s, as many as 68,000 women- the families moved in. Fatima’s family is
headed households were affected among them.
by the earthquake, exacerbating
their vulnerabilities.

78 79
“These shelters are warm and
sturdy. My grandchildren are
happy and healthy, protected
from the harsh winter. I can
sleep now because I feel safe
and secure.”

Shelter from the storm:

Transitional shelters in
Chahak Village offer
protection to families affected
by recent earthquakes. With
safety restored and essential
amenities provided, Fatima
and her fellow community
members can now rebuild
their lives.

80 81
82 83
 Sun Power
G H U L A M S A KH I TAQWA
Food production company entrepreneur
Chela Mazar, Kunduz Province

Ghulam established the Sakhi Taqwa Ghulam is using the increased productivity
Food Production Company factory in and income to upscale his business,
Kunduz four years ago. Unfortunately, creating job opportunities for 7 young men
his efforts were derailed by the ravages in his production unit and 20 women for
of war that completely damaged his product packaging. Additionally, he can
factory. Facing an uncertain future, he now afford education fees for his children
contemplated emigration. and has built a suitable home for his family.

ABADEI’s solarization project has provided Reliable power is vital to entrepreneurial

solar panels and battery system package success. Initiatives such as solarization
as an energy source for day-to-day factory enable entrepreneurs like Ghulam to
production to support businesses like contribute to the economic advancement
Ghulam’s. of their communities. In recognition of his
success and trustworthiness, Ghulam Sakhi
The introduction of this renewable, cost- has been chosen as head of the local
free power supply revived his factory council for his village.
productivity. Moving from a power
generator to renewable energy has led “I lost my investments and resources
to more reliable, effective, sustainable
power source, reducing production cost due to ceaseless wars that damaged
by around 80%. Ghulam has seen an
improvement in the quality of products and
the factory that I founded four years
a remarkable improvement in profit. ago. The financial instability and
downfall of the business sector
forced me to consider migrating to
Turkey with my family. Thanks to the
solarization to my factory, I regained
production, and restored a belief that I
could continue here.”
84 85
 Powering business: ABADEI’s solarization
project brings light to Ghulam’s factory
and others like his, supporting a
transformation in Kunduz.

86 87
Community Kitchens: Investing
in Afghanistan’s Future

S UG HR A
Agricultural labourer
Sar Nahr Village, Balkh District, Balkh Province

Most of the 150 families in Sar Nahr shouldered the responsibility of being the
Village are engaged in agricultural breadwinner for her family of six. “When “The childcare centre provides
activities. However, the community faces winter arrived, I was deeply concerned
major challenges that undermine well- about how I would find food for my family. education to my children and
being and prosperity. There was no work in the fields, and I felt
so disappointed and sad.” enables me to work in the
Challenges include food insecurity, high community kitchen.”
unemployment, and limited opportunities Community kitchens are complemented
for female employment. In addition, by community-driven initiatives. Initially,
internally displaced persons (IDPs) have the women had to bring their children
sought refuge in the area due to conflict with them to the kitchen, which posed
and instability in the region. a significant challenge. ABADEI then
worked with the community to establish
One critical concern is the lack of regular a childcare centre, where children could
access to nutritious food for many families, receive care and education while their
which jeopardises health and productivity mothers focused on their work.
of residents, particularly children and
vulnerable individuals.

Sar Nahr is a vulnerable community that

was selected to introduce a Community
Kitchen Social Enterprise Ecosystem.
Sughra, a hardworking agricultural
laborer, faced a daunting challenge as
the winter season approached. With her
husband disabled and unable to work, she

88 89
 Harvesting hope: In Sar Nahr Village, ABADEI’s Community Kitchen
Social Enterprise Ecosystem transforms challenges into opportunities,
provides employment to female and care facilities for their children.

90 91
92 93
Copyright © 2024 United Nations Development
Programme. All rights reserved.

[Link]/afghanistan
[Link]
@ [Link]@[Link]
@UNDPaf
undpafghanistan
@undpafghanistan
undpafghanistan