Norwegian Afghanistan Committee Announces Major Food Security Project in Afghanistan Backed by Saudi Fund for Development via Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF), managed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB).
Kabul, Afghanistan – 26. February 2024, The Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC), in partnership with the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF), sponsored by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and managed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) with generous contributions of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia via Saudi Fund for Development is implementing a major food security project in Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan faces acute food insecurity, with nearly 20 million people food insecure. Furthermore, more than 80% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods. This project, with a budget of 1.1 million USD, with AHTF as the main contributor, will forge a path to resilience for 25 rural communities in the provinces of Badakhshan, Faryab, and Ghazni. The project is focused on constructing essential agro-based infrastructure, including irrigation canals and cold storage facilities, and implementing best practices for sustainable agriculture.
“The Director General of Asia Operations at the Saudi Fund for Development, Dr. Saud bin Ayed Al-Shammari stated in the partnership, our goal is to enhance the livelihood of families in rural communities by ensuring food security, supporting sustainable livelihoods, prosperity for Afghanistan and its people.”
“The AHTF’s contribution is a commitment to the people of Afghanistan and investment in their livelihoods,” states Dr. Walid Abdelwahab, Director, IsDB Regional Hub Turkiye, reflecting the shared vision of all involved parties.
NAC, with over four decades of experience in Afghanistan, is dedicated to empowering rural communities through enhanced self-sufficiency and resilience amidst political, social, and environmental challenges. The project targets 6,250 households directly and 59,250 individuals in total, fostering improved food security and household income.
“Our mission is to address the immediate needs whilst laying down the foundations for long-term sustainable development,” says Terje Watterdal, NAC Country Director.
In collaboration with local communities, NAC will ensure this project is inclusive, ensuring participation from all community members, including women, persons with disabilities, and minority populations. The project started in early 2024.
About NAC:
The Norwegian Afghanistan Committee, with more than four decades of engagement in Afghanistan, is a non-governmental organization dedicated to supporting Afghanistan’s rural communities towards greater self-sufficiency and resilience.
About the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD):
Through the support of the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, SFD manages generous grants dedicated to supporting and financing various development projects and programs in the least developed countries across the world.
About AHTF:
The Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund, managed by the Islamic Development Bank, is a multi-donor fund designed to mobilize resources for humanitarian assistance addressing basic needs and promoting self-reliance and development in Afghanistan.
About IsDB:
Rated AAA by the major rating agencies of the world, the Islamic Development Bank is the pioneering multilateral development bank of the Global South that has been working for nearly 50 years to improve the lives of the communities it serves by delivering impact at scale.
Contact information:
Terje Watterdal, Country Director Afghanistan for NAC: countrydirector@nacaf.org
