Lining of Chahar Dewali irrigation scheme ©FAO/ Esmatullah Noori

Insufficient water supply and frequent disputes among locals over this precious commodity are now a thing of the past in Yakawlang District, Bamyan Province, after the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) rehabilitated 11.4 km of the Chahar Dewali Canal.

Before the rehabilitation, farmers were unable to irrigate their land efficiently, resulting in poor crop yields and food insecurity. Floods and seepage caused damage to the canal  decreasing its efficiency. Additionally, weak social structures and a lack of awareness about water management hindered the community's ability to address these challenges collectively.

The canal’s rehabilitation began in March 2020 and was completed in April 2022, with funding from the Government of Japan. It focused on physical improvements to the canal such as reinforced cement concrete lining, cover slab, aqueduct structures and culverts.

The rehabilitation of the canal not only provided water for agricultural lands but also generated employment opportunities for 748 skilled and 8 031 unskilled laborers over the course of 320 days, following a cash-for-work approach. Each worker received USD 100 as their monthly compensation. This initiative not only provided much-needed income but also fostered a sense of cooperation and ownership within the community, strengthening the agricultural infrastructure.

As a result, the community established a Water Users Association (WUA), which played a crucial role in creating a fair and transparent system for water distribution. This new social structure not only brought cohesion among the people but also enhanced their capacity to manage the water resource effectively.

Ali Dad, one of the beneficiaries recalls the struggles his family faced before the canal was built. "We used to pray for rain, and when it didn't come, we would have to rely on expensive and unsustainable methods like drilling boreholes," he said. "But since the canal is built, we have a consistent water supply, and our crops are much healthier"

A reliable water source is now available to 1 785 people for their agricultural needs, as well as for their livestock and domestic use. The rehabilitated Chahar Dewali Canal has paved way for sustainable farming practices, resulting in higher crop production, increase income prospects, and improved food security for the community.