The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Razi Social Development Organization (RSDO), plans to enhance the food security of 3,050 vulnerable families (approximately 21,350 individuals) in Afghanistan. This will be achieved by improving healthy food availability within these households and increasing agricultural productivity through livestock, wheat, and vegetable production, post-harvest management, and the rehabilitation of irrigation structures. The project will use a “cash for work” approach to boost agricultural output and support the most disadvantaged families in the Kushk-e-Kohna district of Herat province.

The project main activities are as following:

1. 3,050 Vulnerable Households Supported:
   • 3050 vulnerable households will be selected based on FAO’s vulnerability criteria for all planned activities.
2. Activity 1.1: Livestock Protection:
   • 750 vulnerable households will receive emergency livestock protection packages, technical training, and a one-time cash payment.
3. Activity 1.2: Wheat Production Support:
   • 1,000 smallholder farming households will receive emergency autumn/winter wheat packages and technical training.
4. Activity 1.3: Vegetable Gardening Assistance:
   • 550 landless or marginally productive households will receive support for backyard vegetable gardens, post-harvest management (including solar dryers), and cash assistance.
5. Activity 1.4: Cash for Work (CFW):
   • 750 vulnerable households, mainly landless laborers or marginal landowners, will benefit from the CFW program.

The project started in June 2024 and will conclude in February 2025.The project aims to significantly improve the food security and livelihoods of the targeted vulnerable populations by:

• Ensuring access to nutritious food through enhanced agricultural productivity.
• Providing immediate financial relief through cash for work programs.
• Equipping households with technical knowledge and resources for sustainable agricultural practices.
• Strengthening community resilience against future food insecurity.