EU and FAO launch €5m initiative for Afghanistan agriculture

The European Union and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) have launched a €5 million initiative to strengthen Afghanistan’s agrifood sector. The program aims to improve market access, increase incomes, and build resilience against economic and climate-related shocks.

The initiative focuses on vulnerable populations, including women, youth, internally displaced persons, and returnees, particularly in regions facing food insecurity. A key component involves establishing four one-stop service hubs to connect rural entrepreneurs and farmers with agricultural advisory services, specialized providers, and markets. These hubs will also provide climate analysis and early-warning information to assist with production and marketing decisions.

Environmental restoration is also a priority, with plans to restore 2,000 hectares of degraded forests and rangelands and support 250 community-led nurseries. Additionally, the FAO will provide technical support and matching grants to sustainable agrifood enterprises to encourage job creation and local sourcing.