Afghanistan

Two decades of war coupled with a recent severe drought have devastated Afghanistan’s food production capabilities and depleted critical seedstocks, leaving the nation heavily dependent on food aid from international donors. ACIAR’s collaboration with Afghanistan, which started in 2002, provides support to wheat and maize production. Wheat is by far the most important crop, while maize is the third most important. Activities have aimed principally to import seed of suitable cultivars, establish on-farm participatory testing of imported germplasm for the identification of better adapted improved cultivars, and undertake local multiplication and distribution of selected cultivars. Particular attention is being paid to capacity building; improving rust resistance in wheat, with specific attention to the new stem race variant designated Ug99; and promoting improved crop management, along with provision of improved cultivars of both wheat and maize. The gains made with cereal-based systems will be extended through a capacity-building initiative to assist Afghani counterparts to design and implement community-based watershed programs, and provide on-the-job and external training courses and MSc programs.

ACIAR is exploring future program options with the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock; CGIAR partners; and AusAID around capacity building in watershed management. Community-based watershed development provides an entry point for transfer of many improved agricultural technologies and for cropping diversification. This watershed focus will also strengthen on-farm engagement through the current project (CIM/2007/065) for cereals, as well as further legume research linked to cereal-based systems, conservation agriculture, weed control, water-use efficiency of cropping systems, and higher value crops for sale to enhance farmers’ livelihoods. ACIAR’s project partners will work with in-country organisations who have established programs in agricultural extension and community development.