OVERVIEW

The Regional Agricultural Development Program-North (RADP-N) is a sustainable agriculture development program that works in six provinces of northern Afghanistan (Jawzjan, Balkh, Samangan, Baghlan, Kunduz and Badakhshan) in support of U.S. Government and Afghan Government economic development objectives. RADP-N focuses on investing in increased sustainability and profitability of selected value chains for wheat, high-value crops, and livestock to provide food and economic security for rural Afghans in the targeted provinces. The program strengthens farmers' knowledge and skills concerning improved wheat, high-value crops, and livestock production techniques. These activities enable farmers to better market their products and generate more income for their families. RADP-North also engages the private sector to advocate for national policy reforms to catalyze growth in the sector.

ACTIVITIES

• Improve productivity of wheat cultivation to reduce farmers' losses, improve food security, and boost household incomes
• Invest strategically in grape and raisin, melon, dried fruits and nuts production to strengthen the market competitiveness and environmental sustainability of Afghan goods
• Support farmers in maximizing the opportunities for improving the conditions and environmental impacts associated with small ruminants (goats and sheep)
• Promote dialogue among Afghan Government officials and local producers, processors and traders to identify opportunities for improving the quantity and quality of Afghan goods
• Increase market access and strengthen relevant local and/or provincial policies to better support the needs of farmers and agribusinesses
• Develop broad and comprehensive strategies for gender integration across the project and empower women through targeted activities, such as nutrition training
• Promote crop diversification, increase rural household incomes and employment, and improve food security, while also introducing alternatives to poppy farming in specific areas
• Link farmer associations, processors, retailers, traders and other agribusinesses to financial institutions to facilitate financial support and give stakeholders the ability to invest in their own growth
• Engage target households and agribusinesses in nutrition-sensitive agriculture activities

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

• Increased 38,143 farming households’ income by 114%, far exceeding the 30% increase in income for non-beneficiary farmers surveyed to measure activity impact
• Increased sales of target commodities by $26 million for beneficiary farmers and agri-businesses
• Increased the productivity of 2,265 wheat farmers by an average of 47% and 2,596 horticultural farmers by an average of 88%
• Reduced livestock (small ruminants) mortality rate by 4% (from 16% at the baseline to 12%)
• Assisted 579 agriculture-related businesses to improve management practices and business profitability