By Harry Cooper
Herat — The Islamic Organization for Food Security (IOFS), with the generous support of the Government of Kazakhstan and in collaboration with the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA), has officially launched the Advancing Wheat Cultivation for Sustainable Development in West Afghanistan project. This significant initiative, focused on Zindejan Province—a region heavily affected by last year’s earthquake—targets 300 farmers, including 45 women. The project aims to boost wheat production and strengthen food security in the region through the distribution of 15 metric tons of improved wheat seed with Chont local variety, 15 metric tons of DAP fertilizer, and 30 metric tons of Urea fertilizer. Furthermore, essential agricultural machinery, including 2 tractors, 4 plows, 2 trailers, 2 threshers, and 2 harvesters, has been provided to enhance mechanization and optimize wheat cultivation ahead of the 2024 sowing season.
This intervention forms part of the broader Afghanistan Food Security Programme (AFSP), launched as a key outcome of the 17th Extraordinary Council of Foreign Ministers (CFM) on the Humanitarian Situation in Afghanistan, held on 18-19 December 2021 in Islamabad, Pakistan. Which adopted Resolution, among other tasks identified the IOFS for taking necessary efforts for the implementation of this Programme. The CFM also encouraged OIC Member States, international donors, the UN Funds and Programs and other international actors to generously contribute to the Afghanistan Food Security Programme.
As an important milestone of AFSP, the project inauguration ceremony in Herat was attended by several high-profile guests, including the Consul General of Türkiye in Herat, Dr. Sinan Ilhan; TIKA Herat Program Coordinator, Mr. Arafat Deniz; Mr. Arman Yessentayev, Head of the Kazakhstan Chamber of Commerce in Afghanistan; as well as senior officials from the Herat Governor’s Office and the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Irrigation. Representatives from Kabul were also present, including Mr. Emre Yüksek, the Humanitarian Operations Manager of IOFS.
The project beneficiaries expressed their gratitude just ahead of the sowing season, with Dr. Ilhan emphasizing the importance of the joint initiative between Kazakhstan, TIKA, and IOFS. He called for further collaboration from other Muslim countries to foster solidarity and sustainable development across the region. Mr. Deniz highlighted TIKA’s dedication to responding to the genuine needs of local farming communities through direct engagement and continuous follow-up to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project. Mr. Yüksek remarked that this initiative is a crucial milestone in replicating the wheat value chain model across other provinces of Afghanistan. He stressed that reducing dependency on imports and bolstering local production are central to the AFSP program, and IOFS is committed to encouraging partnerships to expand these efforts.
Sustainability and Capacity Building
The IOFS project is designed with sustainability at its core, incorporating a clear exit strategy that emphasizes local ownership and self-reliance. Capacity-building initiatives are a cornerstone of the project, ensuring that farmers receive the necessary training to sustain their productivity in the long term. Training programs will cover essential topics such as the correct use of fertilizers like DAP and Urea to optimize soil fertility and wheat growth, seed treatment techniques to protect against pests and diseases, and best practices for sowing to ensure optimal germination. Looking forward to 2025, the project will expand to focus on reducing post-harvest losses and implementing seed-saving practices, with input from both local and international experts, ensuring long-term agricultural sustainability.
Previous IOFS Interventions in Afghanistan
In 2022, IOFS played a pivotal role in improving access to clean drinking water through the introduction of “The Oasis Box,” an innovative solar-powered water extraction and filtration system. In collaboration with Bond-e Shams, a social enterprise from Pakistan, six Oasis Boxes were delivered to rural communities across Afghanistan in April 2022. Additionally, IOFS’s Flour for Humanity program in 2023 sent two humanitarian convoys, delivering 335 metric tons of wheat flour to 2,700 households in need, in partnership with the Afghanistan Red Crescent Society. The program also extended support to five Drug Treatment Centers (DTCs), benefiting approximately 7,000 patients in collaboration with UNAMA and UNODC.
Future Plans as Part of the West Afghanistan Project Component
The Advancing Wheat Cultivation for Sustainable Development in West Afghanistan project not only addresses immediate needs but also lays the groundwork for long-term agricultural resilience. As part of this initiative, IOFS has integrated several forward-looking components to ensure the project’s sustainability and lasting impact on local farmers.
Training and capacity-building programs are a key aspect of this project, designed to equip farmers with essential knowledge and skills for improving wheat production. These programs will cover the effective use of fertilizers, including DAP and Urea, to enhance soil fertility and maximize crop yields. Farmers will also be trained in safe seed treatment techniques to protect their crops from pests and diseases, ensuring healthier harvests. Additionally, best practices for sowing, such as correct depth, spacing, and timing, will be demonstrated to help farmers achieve optimal germination rates.
Looking ahead, the project includes plans for tackling post-harvest losses and introducing seed-saving practices by 2025. These measures will involve both local and international experts, ensuring that farmers adopt the latest techniques to preserve their harvests and sustain production levels over the long term. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce the region’s dependency on imported wheat, boost local production, and enhance food security in Afghanistan. As part of its long-term strategy, IOFS aims to replicate the success of this wheat cultivation model across other provinces in Central and West Afghanistan, building on its commitment to transitioning from relief to development