Livestock support brings hope to Afghan families facing harsh winters
Agriculture and livestock are the backbone of Afghan livelihoods, especially in rural areas. For many families, raising animals is not just a means of income but a way of life, passed down through generations. However, successive droughts, economic hardships, and natural disasters have made it increasingly difficult for Afghan livestock owners to sustain their animals.
In Sar-e Pol province, livestock farming is essential to the survival of families, providing both nutrition and income. In the remote village of Bish Bagh, where over 200 families reside, severe drought and economic strain forced many farmers to sell their livestock, threatening long-term food security and livelihoods.
To address this urgent need, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Social Uplift Organization (SUO) and with funding from the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF), launched the “Emergency Winter Support for Agricultural Livelihoods” project in 2023/2024. One of the project interventions was to protect the livestock of vulnerable smallholder farmers by providing concentrated animal feed, deworming medicine, and technical training.
This project supported 54 900 families, of which 6 947 families were women across 52 districts in 12 provinces of Afghanistan. Of these, 3 000 families received wheat cultivation packages, 3 500 earthquake-affected families in Herat were provided livestock protection assistance, and 48 400 livestock herding families received emergency feed and veterinary care.
In Sar-e Pol province alone, 3 300 vulnerable families benefited from livestock protection packages. This intervention mitigated the effects of drought and the cold wave, ensuring livestock survival, increasing productivity, and boosting household economies.
Beneficiaries reported noticeable improvements in animal health and productivity, with many expressing satisfactions and calling for continued support. Fariba, one of the beneficiaries, shared her experience:
“I thank FAO for standing with us during this difficult time. I hope programmes like animal husbandry, poultry farming, and home gardening continue, especially for women. These initiatives help vulnerable families like mine regain stability and improve our lives.”
Fariba, 27 years old, lives with her husband and four children; two sons and two daughters. Her family relies entirely on their one cow and calf, with no other income source. Her husband works as a daily laborer, but opportunities are limited, and they often struggle to meet their basic needs.
Fariba explained how drought and economic challenges left her livestock undernourished, affecting their health and milk production. With FAO’s support, she received 200 kg of concentrated animal feed, deworming medicine, and livestock management training. “The feed has made a big difference,” said Fariba. “This package helped keep my animals healthy and strong.” Since receiving support, her cow’s milk production has increased by three litres, benefiting her entire family.
As Afghanistan continues to face multiple humanitarian challenges, FAO’s interventions remain essential in safeguarding vulnerable communities. Projects like this prevent displacement, reduce economic strain, and empower rural households to withstand harsh conditions, ensuring a more secure and resilient future.