Protecting rangelands in Badghis, Afghanistan
Najibullah, a 55-year-old farmer from Deh Beranj village, stood at the edge of grazing land, noticing the gradual return of vegetation. For years, he and his fellow herders had faced difficulties in sustaining their livestock as overgrazing and harsh climate conditions had depleted the land. With limited fodder, he was often forced to migrate to other areas in search of grazing land for his 50 sheep. He had been aware of the changes but had few options to address them.
Afghanistan’s rangelands cover nearly 47 percent of the country’s 65 million hectares, supporting millions of livestock and rural livelihoods. These lands, rich in indigenous plant species, have been heavily grazed for generations. Unsustainable practices such as decades of overgrazing, land conversion, lack of enforcement of laws and regulations, combined with the growing impact of climate change have led to severe degradation. Nearly three-fifths of Afghanistan’s total rangelands are experiencing some form of deterioration due to overuse and environmental pressures.
Badghis province in western Afghanistan, home to 1.4 million hectares of rangelands, has been particularly affected. The deteriorating land posed a challenge to the communities relying on it.
The herders of Badghis, including Najibullah who is also a member of the Rangeland Management Association (RMA), faced uncertainty. “In the first stages, it was challenging adapting rotational grazing for local herders. However, FAO provided continuous training and guidance, which helped us to understand the benefits,” he recalled. With limited alternatives, herders worried about the sustainability of their livelihoods.,
To address this issue, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with support from the Global Environmental Facility (GEF), introduced a sustainable land management project in the Qadis district. The initiative focused on restoring 30 000-hectare rangelands through rotational grazing and establishing a
1 000-hectare quarantine zone to support vegetation recovery and prevent further soil erosion. Learn how FAO and GEF are working together to restore forests and improve rangeland management in Afghanistan.
The transition required adjustments. FAO worked closely with local communities to introduce a system that divided grazing areas into multiple blocks, allowing for rest periods that supported natural regeneration. The quarantine zone further facilitated the growth of native plants, improving habitat conditions and providing healthier fodder for livestock.
After three years, the results became evident. “The rangelands have started to recover, soil erosion has decreased, and our livestock is healthier due to improved grass quality and availability,” said Abdul Ghafar, the Head of RMA in Badghis.
To further reduce pressure on the rangelands, the project introduced additional interventions including:
- Setting up 50 solar passive houses to decrease reliance on firewood.
- Rebuilding 50 barns and stables.
- Providing 1 000 fuel-efficient cookstoves to local communities in Qadis and Abkamry districts.
- Establishing 50 small backyard poultry farms to provide alternative sources of income and food.
Since its launch in 2022, the project has worked closely with local communities, herders, and farmers to ensure its success. Looking ahead, FAO plans to restore an additional 5 000 hectares of degraded rangeland, continuing its commitment to sustainability and long-term improvements.