In Afghanistan, where state institutions have few resources, local communities largely take on the responsibility for their own development. NAC supports this by providing tools for engaging entire communities in planning and decision-making processes. Typically, communities approach NAC with requests, and a committee of community members oversees the projects from start to finish. Many of these projects involve cash-for-work schemes, providing on-the-job training and much-needed employment, while using local materials and knowledge, ensuring cost-efficiency and long-term sustainability.

Dialogue skills are core to NAC’s approach, especially in areas where access to scarce resources like water and land can lead to tensions. Through facilitated dialogues, community members can identify and address the root causes of these conflicts, fostering cooperation and collective solutions.

NAC’s approach involves a wide range of local actors – such as women’s groups, youth, rangeland and water management committees, and farmer associations – ensuring broad community participation. This inclusive approach has been recognized as a model for other organizations working in Afghanistan, demonstrating that community-driven development is the key to long-term, sustainable change.