USAID/AFGHANISTAN VOUCHERS FOR INCREASED PRODUCTION IN AGRICULTURE (AVIPA) PLUS

USAID/Afghanistan Vouchers for

Increased Production in Agriculture

(AVIPA) Plus program

Implemented in cooperation with

.

OBJECTIVES

To increase rural family farm production and productivity To strengthen links between the Government of the Islamic

Republic of Afghanistan and its people

BACKGROUND

2008/09: distributed 10,300 metric tons of high quality wheat seed and 33,000 tons of fertilizer at a reduced cost to nearly 297,000 farmers in 18 provinces of Afghanistan

2009/10: distributed 18,000 tons of certified and quality-declared seed and 55,000 tons of fertilizer to 350,000 farmers

Stabilization operation in Helmand and Kandahar provinces in close collaboration with ISAF – part of the COIN strategy: o Cash for Work activities stimulate local economies and

provide income for local communities drawing away the population from the insurgency

o Small Grants Program supports in-kind grants consisting of tractors, tools and implements for MAIL-approved farmer’s cooperatives

o Agricultural Vouchers focus on seeds, fertilizer, tools, greenhouses, water pumps and storage bags offered to farmers at a subsidized price

o Training and Capacity Development focuses on voucher and small grants program beneficiaries and MAIL extension agents. The training courses include modern propagation methods, animal husbandry, orchard management, integrated pest management, as well as operation and maintenance of farm machinery

2010/11: National Seed Distribution Program (NSDP) supplies 13,000 tons of certified wheat seed and 39,000 tons of fertilizer to 260,000 farmers in 31 out of the 34 provinces of Afghanistan

The Mechanization Program offers up to 6,000 two-wheel tractors and implements for purchase by commercial farmers with medium-size land holdings

RESULTS AS OF NOVEMBER 15, 2010

583,000 agricultural voucher packages distributed to farmers throughout Afghanistan

240,500 graduates have completed various modules of agricultural training

826 Cash for Work projects have been completed employing over 106,000 laborers

373 small grants valued at $16 million awarded to 58,600 beneficiaries

Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and

Livestock (MAIL) – Afghanistan

info@ird-av.org

AVIPA Plus is funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and implemented by International Relief and Development (IRD) in 32 provinces in Afghanistan.

November 15, 2010