The European Union and the Norwegian Afghanistan Committee (NAC) have agreed on a joint action to support Afghan civil society in mitigating the negative impacts of climate change in rural and hard-to-reach communities. The EU and NAC will jointly invest more than EUR 3.3 million (an equivalent of 278 million Afghani) over a period of three years to enhance the capacity of local communities to adapt to climate change through a broad array of interventions in seven provinces across the country.
Starting on 15 September, 8,100 households with some 75 000 household members are expected to benefit from the joint action that covers Badakhshan, Daikundi, Faryab, Ghazni, Kapisa, Paktia, and Takhar provinces.
The joint action will improve civil society’s capacity to support communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change through climate-smart agriculture, livelihood diversification, and efficient and sustainable natural resource management. Furthermore, the action will strengthen the knowledge base and participatory research related to climate change and sustainable resource management.
On the occasion of the launch of the event, EU Chargée d’Affaires a.i., Raffaella Iodice said: “Climate change adaptation is essential for ensuring the well-being of the Afghan people. Integrating civil society and women into climate change adaptation efforts in Afghanistan is not only a matter of inclusivity and social justice but also a practical necessity for the success and sustainability of this initiative”.
The NAC Country Director, Terje Magnussønn Watterdal said: “Involving women, youth, and grassroots civil society is essential for enabling communities in adapting to the impacts of climate change. The joint action between the EU and NAC will be important contribution in raising awareness within rural and hard-to-reach communities and building resilience.”
Activities will include expanding NAC’s networks of Self-Help Groups for women, establishing natural resource management committees and reengaging with university faculties and agricultural schools. For women, the interventions are crucial, as diversified agricultural practices and livestock activities will engage more women and serve as an additional source of food security and income.
The work involves engaging with civil society actors such as community-based and farmer-focused civil society groups. Activities also aim to build institutional capacity by supporting Community and District Disaster Management Committees and Community Development Councils in implementing rural infrastructure projects that not only contribute to disaster mitigation, but also offer economic development and seasonal short-term work opportunities.
By the end of the three-year project period grassroots-based civil society organisations will have been empowered and enabled to support smallholder farmers in rural and hard-to reach communities with increased food security levels, and improved income and resilience to the impacts of climate change.
