Mr. Momin Khan standing in the rangeland field, artificially reseeded with Alfalfa seed in the Ahmadaba district of Paktya province

In the mountainous province of Paktya, where resources are limited and winters are harsh, Momin Khan, a farmer in Ahmadaba district, faced relentless struggles to support his large joint family of 20 members. Limited irrigation land and forage, coupled with insufficient water, made it impossible for him to expand his livestock or sustain them through the long, bitter winters. Each year, Momin spent 10 000 Afghani (USD 150) on dried alfalfa to keep his animals alive, while the dream of growing his livestock numbers remained out of reach.

“We didn’t have enough forage to raise animals throughout the year.” Said, Momin Khan. With only eight sheep, goats, and a single milking cow, he struggled to meet his family’s basic needs. “I have been unable to increase our livestock numbers due to limited irrigated land and fodder shortages during the long winter months” he added.

The long-standing need for sustainable solutions grew more necessary, as the community witnessed the degradation of their forests and rangelands. In response to these difficulties, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) introduced the “Community-based Sustainable Land and Forest Management in Afghanistan” project, funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF). This initiative supports Forest Management Associations (FMAs) in restoring degraded rangeland and forest and addressing key challenges in natural resource conservation.

As part of the project, 6 000 kg of rainfed alfalfa seed were distributed to 952 members of 13 FMAs in Ahmadaba and Sayed Karam districts which covered 420 hectares of natural rangeland. This initiative aims to restore rangeland, reduce pressure, enhance dairy production, and improve food security and the socio-economic conditions of rural households.

Momin Khan was among the beneficiaries of this project. With four kilograms of alfalfa see sown on one hectare of rainfed land, Momin produced enough forage to feed his livestock sustainably, reducing his reliance on costly external feed. This newfound resource allowed him to double his livestock, growing his herd from eight to sixteen animals.

This increase has not only ensured a stable supply of meat and dairy for his family but has also opened new income opportunities. This year, Momin was able to sell five sheep and goats in the local market, boosting his family’s income allowing him to enroll his two little siblings in a nearby private school. 

The success of FAO’s initiative extends beyond Momin’s story. Farmers in Paktya now experience increased livestock productivity, improve food security and enhance economic opportunities. By restoring degraded rangelands and fostering sustainable practices, the project has revitalized local agriculture and supported community resilience.

Over five years, the project has achieved remarkable milestones, including planting 431 000 walnut and almond saplings on 2 718 hectares, establishing 134 hectares of agroforestry plots, built 60 water reservoirs, distributed 3 000 fuel-efficient cookstoves, and provided 300 small backyard poultry farms. Additionally, 143 FMA members have received training on sustainable rangeland management, equipping communities with practices such as rotational and controlled grazing and direct reseeding of alfalfa seed that foster resilience and restore ecosystems.

For farmers like Momin Khan, FAO’s initiatives represent more than material aid, they offer hope, empowerment, and a path to a brighter, more sustainable future.