Empowering women farmers through FAO and USAID’s collaborative efforts
In Afghanistan's evolving agricultural landscape, resilience and innovation are key to sustaining livelihoods. Through the USAID-funded Strengthening Rural Livelihoods and Food Security Programme, FAO is driving transformative changes in eight provinces: Parwan, Badghis, Jawzjan, Nimroz, Paktika, Nuristan, Badakhshan, and Bamyan. Launched in July 2022 and running until July 2026, this project aims to support approximately 20 1000 families, including 45 000 women-headed households, through interventions such as wheat cultivation, livestock management, poultry farming, greenhouses, beekeeping, dairy production and more.
Among the many beneficiaries are Zarmina and Farzana from Parwan, two women whose journeys epitomize resilience and determination. Joining the project in 2024, they received poultry and beekeeping packages that included chickens, feed, coop materials, improved beehives, protective gear, honey extractors, and comprehensive training. These resources enabled them to produce high-quality honey and eggs, meeting the increasing demand in local markets.
“Before the project, we had no resources or means to support ourselves. With FAO's training and support, we now have new ideas to expand our business and grow our income. This support has inspired us to explore different opportunities and embrace an entrepreneurial spirit,” said Zarmina.
Zarmina, the eldest of ten siblings, and Farzana, a mother of four, each manage small plots of land-half a jerib (0.1 ha) and one jerib (0.2 ha), respectively. Their families relied on cultivating vegetables, keeping a few chickens, and growing fruit trees to sustain themselves. However, economic hardships left them vulnerable. With FAO's interventions, they have turned their small enterprises into sustainable livelihoods.
Showcasing success at Kabul Agriculture Fair
In October 2024, Zarmina and Farzana participated in the Kabul Agriculture Fair (AgFair) at Badam Bagh, Afghanistan’s largest agricultural event, attended by over 100 000 visitors. The participation of these tow ladies, supported by FAO’s USAID-funded programme, provided women farmers a platform to exhibit their products and connect directly with market actors.
For Zarmina and Farzana, this was a pivotal moment. Trained by FAO in product marketing, they showcased honey and eggs. Their vibrant displays attracted significant attention, with Zarmina selling 7 000 eggs and earning 70 000 Afghanis (USD 1 044) and Farzana selling 11 kilograms of honey for 12 100 Afghanis (USD 180).
Beyond individual success, the fair underscored the power of community collaboration. Zarmina sourced over 3 000 eggs from fellow project beneficiaries and another 4 000 from her village, amplifying the economic impact within her community.
Inspiring the next generation of women entrepreneurs
The AgFair also hosted a panel discussion where Zarmina and Farzana shared their inspiring stories. They detailed their journey from financial dependency to self-sufficiency, emphasizing how FAO’s initiatives equipped them with market knowledge and confidence.
The fair proved to be more than a marketplace; it was a turning point for these women. Zarmina and Farzana now plan to expand their businesses, develop new products, and empower other women in their communities. They are determined to leverage the lessons learned, including the importance of packaging and labelling their products, to further their entrepreneurial success.
As FAO and USAID continue their collaborative efforts, stories like Zarmina’s and Farzana’s highlight the transformative potential of connecting farmers to resources, knowledge, and markets, building a resilient and modern agricultural sector in Afghanistan.