PROJECT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVATION OF ...PROJECT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC ACTIVATION OF RURAL...

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PROJECT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC

ACTIVATION OF RURAL AFGHANISTAN

FINAL REPORT

SEPTEMBER 2013

JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY

ORIENTAL CONSULTANTS CO., LTD.

MINISTRY OF RURAL REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT (MRRD) ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN

PROJECT FOR SOCIO-ECONOMIC

ACTIVATION OF RURAL AFGHANISTAN

FINAL REPORT

SEPTEMBER 2013

JAPAN INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION AGENCY

ORIENTAL CONSULTANTS CO., LTD.

MINISTRY OF RURAL REHABILITATION AND DEVELOPMENT (MRRD) ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF AFGHANISTAN

Preface

In response to the request from the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Government of Japan

decided to conduct the Project for Socio-economic Activation of Rural Afghanistan (SEARAP)

in Bamyan Province and entrusted the Project to the Japan International Cooperation Agency

(JICA).

JICA dispatched a Project Team for SEARAP, led by Mr. Atsuhiko Yamamoto of Oriental

Consultants Co.,Ltd. to Afghanistan from August 2011to June 2013.

Under the initiative of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, the SEARAP

Team, held a series of interviews and discussions with the officials of Provincial Governor’s

Office, Provincial office of Rural Rehabilitation and Development, Department of Agriculture,

Irrigation and Livestock and other concerns departments as well as farmers in Bamyan. The

Team, in collaboration with these partners, also conducted pilot projects for verifying potential

methodologies for economic activation.

As a result of the intensive study and the pilot projects, the SEARAP Team prepared this final

report containing the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation Plan and the Action Plan

for Bamyan Province. Beside this final report, a report for pilot projects and a manual for

formulating a provincial rural development plan were submitted.

I hope that these outputs of the SEARAP will contribute to the acceleration of

development and better livelihood in Bamyan Province, and also to the enhancement of friendly

relations between the two countries.

Finally, I wish to express my sincere appreciation to the concerned officials and stakeholders for

their active engagement in this study and their dedication to the development of the Province.

September 2013

Toshiyuki Kuroyanagi

Vice President

Japan International Cooperation Agency

Location Map of the Project Area

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Photographs of the Project Area (1/4)

The Steering Committee on the Inception Report was held in September 2011, chaired by the Deputy Minister of

Programmes of MRRD

The Inception Report was also explained in a meeting with relevant officers from the Provinces of Ghor and Daykundi and the seven districts of Bamyan Province.

A problem analysis workshop was held with the participation of district-level government officers to

analyze the current situation of the Province.

Comparative analysis was also conducted with district level officers to gain a rough understanding of the

potentials of the respective districts.

A Progress Report was prepared based on the findings of the site surveys and was shared with the Counterparts in

the Second Steering Committee.

The Steering Committee on the Interim Report was held with the participation of representatives from relevant

National Programs.

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Potato filed in Bamyan Center District. Potato planted in large areas bloom in the early summer and are harvested

in Autumn (August)

Fields sown with potatoes in Shibar District. The district, along with Bamyan Center, forms the major potato

production areas of the Province (April)

A scene from Yakawlang district. The abundant water of Band-e-Amir River has potential for irrigation

development (April)

Wheat fields in Sayghan District. Agricultural production in the water-poor district is centered on wheat for

self-consumption (April)

Wheat field awaiting harvest in Panjab district. The district is mainly comprised of mountainous areas and agricultural land is usually of small-scale (September)

Waras district has relatively abundant water resources but there are no farmlands developed along the rivers due to

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Plows widely used in Bamyan Province. Plowing is generally done using draft cattle. A basket of seed

potatoes can be seen on the left (April)

Situation of irrigation canal. Most canals are earthen structures and frequently have leakage of irrigation water

and are damaged by floods.

Animal droppings used for domestic fuel. With high demand for fuel, particularly for heating during winter,

animal droppings are seldom applied to farmlands.

A donkey carrying bushes that are used for domestic fuel. A large quantity of fuel is required to survive the harsh

winter.

A scene from the livestock promotion zone. Because crop cultivation is difficult due to the harsh climate, most

farmers depend on livestock for their livelihood (September)

Livestock promotion zone in winter. Significant losses of livestock body-weight are observed during winter due to

difficulty in securing feed (January)

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Summary 1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Following the period of post-war reconstruction, Afghanistan is now in a period of transition to

development heading towards a stable and sustainable growth, with economic development

holding a key factor. Though economic investment is currently prominent in major cities,

economic activation in rural areas is also essential from the perspective of uplifting the national

economy, taking into consideration that more than 75% of the population live in these areas. Since

2002, the National Programs under the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development

(MRRD) have functioned as the driving force for rural development in the country, implementing

significant number of sub-projects to support the rural population. Such sub-projects were

identified by the communities themselves based on individual development needs. However, when

approaching development from the perspective of rural economic activation, there is need for a

comprehensive framework that overviews regional development potentials and constraints, and

indicates the direction towards which investment should be made in order to efficiently attain its

effects.

Given such background, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has requested the

support of the Government of Japan in formulating a model for developing and implementing a

provincial level plan for comprehensive rural socio-economic activation in the central highlands

and northern regions of Afghanistan. In response, the Government of Japan examined various

factors including security conditions and agreed to provide the support targeting the central

highlands. Based on this decision, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), together

with MRRD has signed the Scope of Works (S/W) regarding the Project for Socio-Economic

Activation of Rural Afghanistan (SEARAP) on June 1, 2011.

Based on the S/W, the Project Team for SEARAP started its work in Afghanistan on August 20,

2011.

1.2 Objective and Main Outputs of SEARAP

SEARAP aims to formulate a Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation for Bamyan

Province, which is prepared based on logical analysis of local characteristics and indicates an

efficient and effective approach for socio-economic development. In the planning process,

potentials and constraints for socio-economic development are analyzed area-wise and sector-wise,

and a logical sequence is examined between the findings of such analysis and approaches for

socio-economic development.

The Plan, indicating a logical development model that can substantiate the priorities of individual

development needs (wish list), will contribute to efficient resource mobilization to obtain funds

from central government (MOF, funds of Sector-Ministries to provincial departments, National

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Programs) as well as donors. Furthermore, the planning process can be referred to as a model for

provincial development planning that can also be applied for provinces with characteristics similar

to Bamyan.

The outputs of SEARAP comprise of the following:

1) Formulation of a Promotion Plan and Action Plan for Rural Economic Activation in

Bamyan province based on analysis of development potentials and impact.

2) Implementation of small-scale pilot projects to verify the validity of approaches for

improving farmers’ livelihoods and adaptability of new skills for production and

processing of agricultural products.

3) Strengthening of the capacity of local government staff for planning and implementing

practical works as well as the capacity of central staff for the management of provincial

development, through the process of plan development, implementation of small-scale pilot

projects, and modeling of 1) and 2) above.

4) Development of a provincial planning manual based on the process of planning, that can be

used for the development of rural development plans in the provinces of the central

highland region (prepared in a separate volume).

Out of the above, this Final Report mainly describes the contents of the Promotion Plan for Rural

Economic Activation and its Action Plan. In concrete, development potentials and constraints

were analyzed area-wise and sector-wise in order to examine development issues that should be

tackled in short-term (2-3 years) and mid- to long-term (5-10 years). Subsequently, zone-wise and

sector-wise development strategies are proposed based on the results of analysis. The planning

process applied in SEARAP is indicated in Figure S 1-1.

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Figure S 1-1 Planning Process for the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation

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2. Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation (Development Scenario)

2.1 Vision of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation

Blessed with water resources and cool climate, Bamyan Province is well known for its potato

production, with around 50% of potatoes in the national market is produced in the Province. In the

northern district of Kahmard, dried apricots with high quality are produced and exported to

domestic and foreign markets. Traditional dairy products such as chaka and qorot are also famous

throughout the country. Through having such economic potentials, Bamyan is still suffers as one

of the most depressed areas in the country due to numerous constraints: inappropriate farming

practices resulting in low yield and occurrences of pest and diseases; rugged terrain and under

development of road infrastructure hampering socio-economic activities in the province, including

merchandise of local products, particularly in remote areas; inefficient irrigation systems

preventing effective use of abundant water resources; lack of secondary industries to absorb local

agricultural production, etc.

Under such circumstance, the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation focuses on the

development of crop farming, livestock production and production of non-farm products, as the

key growth sectors that directly contribute to the economy of farmers. Enhancement of production

and distribution of local products and formulation of value chains is considered as the driving

power for socio-economic activation in the Province. The plan will also aim at further enhancing

the activities of the key growth sectors by strengthening their foundations through development of

irrigation and road infrastructure, as well as strengthening the capacity of government and

promoting farmer’s organizations.

In addition, taking into consideration general underdevelopment of social infrastructure and

geographically peripheral and remote locations of Bamyan Province and the Central Highlands,

the Plan not only emphasizes investment efficiencies and economic potentials, but also considers

issues such as low food self-sufficiency, food security and poverty reduction. Furthermore, the

plan attaches priority to proposing activities making the best use of conventional technologies and

knowledge in the country, in order to propose practical and sustainable interventions for

socio-economic activation in Bamyan Province.

2.2 Zone-Wise Development Scenarios

Current conditions in Bamyan Province were examined in order to divide the Province into areas

sharing common characteristics in terms of socio-economic development. As a result, the Province

was divided into seven comprehensive development zones from the viewpoints of natural

conditions, situations of agriculture, situations of livestock, and socio-economic conditions (Figure

S 2-1). Potentials and constraints for socio-economic development were further identified for each

comprehensive development zone, and directions towards which the zone should be developed

were determined based on their characteristics.

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Figure S 2-1 Comprehensive Development Zones

Zone (1): Orchard Production Promotion Zone

Location: Areas in Kahmard district with altitude lower than around 3,100 m

Development Potentials: - Though the land is arid and temperature is high, there are available water resources in the area and

rainfall is also abundant - Orchard production is active and dried apricots are particularly well known as products for export - There are various crops cultivated and harvest period is about two months earlier than the other

districts of Bamyan Province - Practice of beekeeping is active under the support of NGOs and other organizations

Development Constraints: - Canals are not developed and rainfed agriculture is practiced in some lands that could be developed

as irrigated farmlands - Low awareness of the prevention of pests and diseases results in the occurrence of such problems

Proposed Direction of Development:

(a) Strengthening of orchard production and value adding - Introduction of improved varieties and appropriate farming management - Organizing seedling producers’ groups - Establishment of orchard production and sales unions - Promotion of establishment of agricultural processing business

(b) Promotion of Apiculture - Improvement of measures for passing winters - Sanitation measures (fumigation of beehives) - Collaboration with fruit production

(c) Improvement of livestock raising - Improvement of feeding management, disease prevention, reproduction control, etc.

(d) Development of roads in the district - Focus on enabling shipments toward outside of the district

(e) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using river water

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Zone (2): Drought Adaptive Agriculture Development Zone

Location: Sayghan district and areas north of Ghandak in Shibar district

Development Potentials: No major potential

Development Constraints: - Water resources are limited due to arid weather, high temperature and small catchment area for the

river basin; rainfall, which is observed during the period of late March to late April, is very limited - Flood damages occur when there is rainfall during snowmelt season - Production of agricultural products to achieve food self-sufficiency is difficult due to droughts in

recent years - In some cases, wheat cultivated for own consumption has to be sold as forage because it is damaged

by drought before heading season. - In the northern parts of Shibar district, there is abundant water in the low-lying rivers. However,

such water cannot be utilized because farmlands are located on the hillsides. Proposed Direction of Development:

(a) Introduction of drought-adaptive agriculture - Introduction of early- to mid-maturing varieties with cold-resistant characteristics - Improvement of soil water retention capacity by use of plant residues - Introduction of crop rotation

(b) Improvement of livestock raising - Improvement of feeding management, disease prevention, reproduction control, etc.

(c) Development of roads in the district - Focus on securing transportation of materials within district

(d) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from springs and snowmelt - Installation of retarding basin to secure water for agriculture

Zone (3): High Value-Added Crop Cultivation Promotion Zone

Location: Areas south of Ghandak in Shibar district and areas east of Sebartu in Bamyan Center district with altitudes lower than around 3,100 m

Development Potentials: - There are abundant river flows, and irrigation facilities are relatively developed - The area producing half of the national production has a national reputation as a major potato

production base - The 80 km road section between Bamyan Center and Yakawlang has been improved with the

support of ADB, and inter-provincial access to Kabul, and access within the Province, has largely improved

Development Constraints: - Deterioration of land, as well as pests and diseases are likely to occur, due to intensive potato

production and inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers Proposed Direction of Development:

(a) Improvement of income by adding value to potatoes - Introduction of improved varieties and appropriate farming management - Introduction of crop rotation - Establishment of potato production and sales unions - Promotion of establishment of agricultural processing business


(c) Development of roads in the district - Focus on connecting production sites to main roads that function as distribution (collection /

shipping) base

(d) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using river water - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from springs and snowmelt

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Zone (4): Livestock Promotion Zone

Location: Areas from west of Sebartu in Bamyan Center district to Hawdi Shah of Yakawlang district (at altitude between around 3,100 – 3,500 m)

Development Potentials: - Abundant river waters are available - Qorot and chaka produced in the area are well known throughout the country due to the pure

quality, where the products are made from only salt and milk - The 80 km road section between Bamyan Center and Yakawlang has been improved under the

support of ADB, and inter-provincial access to Kabul, and access within the Province has largely improved

Development Constraints: - Crop cultivation is difficult due to high altitude and cold climate - Winter feed is cultivated in the area, but is of low quality and amount, thus animal weight loss

during winter is significant Proposed Direction of Development:

(a) Improvement of animal feed - Introduction of improved varieties of feed crops - Introduction of crop rotation - Improvement on feed preparation methods


(c) Strengthening of milk processing - Establishment of milk processing unions - Introduction of small-scale milk processing facilities

(d) Development of roads in the district - Focus on connecting production sites to main roads that function as distribution (collection /

shipping) base

(e) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using river water - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from springs and snowmelt

Zone (5): Crop Diversification Encouragement Zone

Location: Areas west of Hawdi Shah, Yakawlang district with altitudes lower than around 3,100 m

Development Potentials: - There are abundant river waters - The dry and alluvial soils are suitable for agriculture - Vegetables, including beans and potatoes, are cultivated as cash crops. Due to cold climate, the

area has advantage to provide fresh vegetables to the markets of Kabul during off-crop season of other production areas (July - August)

- Incubators for chick production have been introduced to some of the farmers by DAIL - The 80 km road section between Bamyan Center and Yakawlang has been improved with the

support of ADB and inter-provincial access to Kabul, and access within the Province has largely improved

Development Constraints: - Deterioration of soil and occurrences of pests and diseases are common due to monoculture of

wheat Proposed Direction of Development:

(a) Introduction of crop rotation of wheat and cash crop - Introduction of improved wheat varieties - Introduction of vegetables with market demand - Establishment of vegetable production and sales unions

(b) Promotion of poultry raising - Establishment of a base for chick supply - Feed improvement

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- Disease prevention measures - Measures for passing winters

(c) Improvement of livestock raising - Improvement of feeding management, disease prevention, reproduction control, etc.

(d) Development of roads in the district - Focus on connecting production sites to main roads that function as distribution (collection /

shipping) base

(e) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from springs and snowmelt

Zone (6): Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening with Preference to Cash Crop Zone

Location: Mountainous areas in Panjab district and the southern part of Yakawlang district

Development Potentials: - Broad beans are produced as cash crops and some of them are shipped to Kabul as dried beans - Road improvement works are being implemented for the section between Panjab and Yakawlang.

When this work is completed, access to Bamyan Center will be improved and there will be an alternative route for inter-provincial access that connects the area with Kabul, instead of Behsud road

Development Constraints: - Although water sources such as rivers and springs are present, such water is not utilized due to

underdevelopment of irrigation facilities Proposed Direction of Development:

(a) Introduction of crop rotation of wheat and cash crop - Increase in production of marketable beans and livestock feed - Introduction of improved wheat varieties


(c) Development of roads in the district - Focus on securing accessibility from production sites of beans to the district center

(d) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from springs and snowmelt

Zone (7): Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone

Location:

Waras district

Development Potentials: - Poultry production has larger potential compared to other districts of the Province. Beekeeping is

practiced in some areas - Handicrafts such as embroidery and tailoring of Namado (small cushions) and Barak (wool vests)

have been traditionally carried out. - Improved varieties of late-maturing wheat with high yield can be introduced if irrigation facilities

are installed

Development Constraints: - Available water sources such as rivers and springs are not utilized due to underdevelopment of

irrigation facilities - The average area cultivated by one farm household is significantly small - Number of livestock raised is low compared to other districts

Proposed Direction of Development:

(a) Introduction of improved wheat varieties suitable for the production environment - Introduction of late maturing varieties of wheat - Introduction of crop rotation

(b) Promotion of poultry raising - Feed improvement

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- Disease prevention measures - Measures for passing winters

(c) Promotion of apiculture - Improvement in measures for passing winters - Sanitation measures (fumigation of beehives) - Collaboration with fruit production

(d) Promotion of handicrafts - Establishment of production system - Promotion of business establishment

(e) Development of roads in the district - Focus on securing transportation of materials within the district

(f) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from springs and snowmelt

2.3 Sectoral Development Scenarios

Many of the development issues that need to be tackled in order to realize the direction of

development identified in “Section 2.2 Zone-Wise Development Scenarios” are common between

multiple zones or for the whole province. In order to tackle these development issues in an

efficient and comprehensive manner, sector based actions (sectoral development scenarios)

covering a whole area sharing common development issues should be examined instead of

separately examining actions for individual zones. Therefore, zone-wise development scenarios

are redefined into sectoral development scenarios by putting together the development issues

identified in the respective zones. In addition, formulation of sectoral development scenarios also

results in easier setting-up of actual implementation structures.

2.3.1 Crop Farming Development Plan

The Crop Farming Development Plan aims at ensuring stability in food supply and agricultural

income by promoting agricultural production adaptive to the existing environment.

Taking into consideration that there are regional differences in environments surrounding

agricultural production, separate approaches are determined for crop farming development in the

following three areas.

(1) Areas Focusing on Subsistence Crop Agriculture as Main Vocation:

[Zone (2) and (7) indicated in Figure S2-1]

Agricultural production in these areas is centered on cultivation of subsistence crops, with sales of

surplus crops in small amounts. Farmers in these areas generally practice inappropriate farming

techniques because agricultural extension services are not sufficiently provided due to difficult

access. Furthermore, agricultural production in these areas is frequently hampered by droughts

and floods. As a result, wheat production is reported to decline by 30 to 50% of normal production

every 3 to 4 years.

In consideration of such situations, productivity of subsistence crops shall be stabilized by

mitigating flood damage through improvement of water management, and by reducing drough

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damage through introducing water-saving technology and crop varieties adaptive to the natural

environment.

(2) Areas Conducting Small-Scale Cash Crop Farming in Addition to Subsistence

Agriculture


Though cash-crops such as vegetables and beans are produced in small-scale, practice of

agriculture in these areas are basically primitive, mainly due to geographically isolated locations.

Furthermore, the areas are prone to soil degradation and occurrences of pests and diseases due to

common practices of monoculture of wheat or barley. On the other hand, with suitable natural

conditions, the areas have potential for further enhancing the production of vegetables and beans.

In these areas, strengthening of cash crop production should be promoted in parallel to

stabilization of subsistence crops through installing / rehabilitating water management facilities

and introducing crop rotation that combine subsistence crops with cash-crops.

(3) Areas Actively Producing Cash Crops


A certain level of agricultural income is obtained in these areas through the sales of apricots and

potatoes, which are the main cash-crops of the Province. However, quality and productivity of

potatoes are recently lowering due to repeated use of seed potatoes harvested from the same fields,

as well as application of other inappropriate farming practices. The situation is also similar for

apricots due to the aging of orchards and occurrences of pests and diseases. Still yet, the

cash-crops of these areas have considerable market potential: potatoes with high market demand

are reported to be traded at prices 1.2 to 1.5 times higher than normal prices, while dried apricots

have high demand in both domestic and foreign markets.

Agricultural profitability shall be improved in these areas through: introduction of improved crop

varieties with high market value and appropriate farming techniques; improvement of technologies

including agro-processing for adding value to agricultural products; and strengthening the capacity

of farmers for management of farm economy.

2.3.2 Livestock Development Plan

With around 93% of the farmers raising ruminant animals and domestic poultry, stockbreeding not

only functions as a source of income, but also as an important source of nutrition. Moreover, the

livestock sector is of vital importance to farmers, as it also functions as a safety-net for small-scale

farmers in times of urgent needs for cash.

The core theme in the Livestock development plan is to increase livestock productivity and to

generate income by introducing appropriate techniques and management knowledge through

extension services. Key factors of livestock development in Bamyan Province are husbandry of

ruminant animals (cattle, sheep, and goats), poultry farming, and apiculture. The basic

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development concept for each of the factors is outlined below.

(1) Ruminant Livestock

Forms of stockbreeding in Bamyan Province can be largely divided into two areas: areas where

livestock is the main source of income due to unsuitable natural conditions for crop farming [zone

4, indicated in Figure S2-1], and areas where farmers are mostly engaged in crop farming and

livestock is recognized as a complementary means of livelihood [areas other than zone 4, indicated

in Figure S2-1].

In areas where livestock is the main source of income, productivity of livestock shall be increased

through a comprehensive approach including enhancement of feed-crop production, feed

management, disease control, and breeding management. Traditional techniques for stockbreeding

shall be replaced with appropriate low-cost methods in order to expand production of meat, skins

and wool by lowering the age of the animal’s first conception, ensuring the healthy growth of

infant livestock, reducing diseases, and improving nutrition and rearing environment.

In areas where farmers are mainly engaged in crop farming, farmlands are occupied by cash-crop

and subsistence crop. Since it is difficult to enhance the production of feed-crop in these areas,

traditional techniques for stockbreeding shall be improved in order to reduce the mortality of

ruminant livestock through ensuring healthy growth of infant livestock, reducing diseases and

improving rearing environment.

(2) Poultry Farming

Poultry farming has a potential to play an important role in the life of poor farmers with little land,

in ways of nutrition supply and cash income, because chickens can be easily raised in their

backyards without special feeding requirements. Furthermore, demands for local chicken meat and

eggs are very high, because imported products, such as those from Iran and Pakistan, often have

low quality due to long transportation and insufficient cold chain. However, expanding of poultry

production has not seen major development due to factors such as: chicks brought from major

cities are often weakened or dead due to long travel, and high mortality of chickens due to

insufficient wintering measures and occurrences of diseases.

The Plan aims to reduce the mortality rate of chickens to around 5% by introducing vaccines and

appropriate feed management. In addition, a chick supply system shall be established within the

Province in order to replace the current supply of weakened or dying chicks due to long travel

from Kabul and other large cities.

(3) Apiculture

Apiculture production in Bamyan Province is growing with the assistance of AKF and other

NGOs. Aside from the production of honey, beekeeping can bring synergetic effects to the

production of orchards, especially in fruit production areas.

The expected outcome in apiculture development is to lower the bee mortality rate to around 10%

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by implementing appropriate winter management and fumigating beehive boxes.

2.3.3 Rural Infrastructure Development Plan

The Rural Infrastructure Development Plan aims to underpin delivery of agro-products of crop and

livestock farming, necessary materials and equipment for farm management as well as ordinary

transportation.

In other words, the Plan proposes to establish a transportation network within the Province that

stimulates production and sales activities for crop and livestock farming, and ensures shipping at a

necessary (appropriate) timing. The Plan also aims to reduce the transportation time and cost as

well as damage in handling and delivery by improving road conditions. For these purposes, the

plan specifically proposes to: (i) improve district roads connected to major roads; (ii) improve

village roads to secure access from villages to the inter-provincial traffic network via district

roads; and (iii) strengthen the system to appropriately maintain the functions of the road network.

Since it is unrealistic to expect a budget allocated to Bamyan Province large enough to invest in

new roads, a realistic approach for road network improvement would be to concentrate on

maintaining the network through improvement and rehabilitation of existing roads as well as

application of appropriate maintenance. Improvement of inter-provincial road networks to access

major markets outside the province is carried out under Ministry of Public Works.

Authority over inter-district roads falls under the DPW and maintenance works are carried out

with budgets from MPW and PGO. On the other hand, the responsibility for village roads is under

PRRD, and maintenance works are carried out through National Programs of MRRD. In order to

promote rural socio-economic development effectively and efficiently with available financial

sources, improvement of roads should be well coordinated through a holistic approach based on

the intended direction of development of the Province. For this reason, close coordination between

PRRD and related National Programs and DPW is essential.

2.3.4 Irrigation and Drainage Development Plan

Though there are abundant water resources that can be used for irrigation in Bamyan Province (e.g.

rain-fed, river water, spring water, snow melt water, karez), irrigation efficiency remains low and

considerable amounts of water is discharged without being used due to underdevelopment of

irrigation facilities. Efficient utilization of such water resources is essential for increasing and

stabilizing agricultural production in the Province.

The basic direction of the irrigation and drainage development plan shall be to appropriately

maintain farmlands by securing safe drainage of flood water in the basin, and to increase the

amount of water that can be utilized per unit area of irrigated plot by realizing stable supply of

irrigation water based on modernized water management and effective use of excess water

available in the area. Such direction shall be realized through the following:

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(1) Utilization of Unused Water Resources

As mentioned above, water resources are not efficiently utilized due to underdevelopment of

irrigation facilities. Lack of structures to maintain water level hampers water intake from rivers,

while excessive water from springs and snowmelt are simply discharged into river systems.

Furthermore, flood water is not only discharged without being used, but also damages farmlands

along rivers.

In consideration of such conditions, creation of an environment enabling the efficient use of

unused (excess) water resources will be targeted through installation of new water management

structures as well as rehabilitation of those existing, and by installing structural measures for

prevention and utilization of floods.

(2) Securing Irrigation Water through Improving Water Conveyance Efficiency and

On-Farm Water Management

Water collected from their sources are normally delivered to farmlands through headrace channels.

However, in many cases, large amounts of water are lost due to leakage from earthen canals.

Furthermore, traditional water distributions systems are not based on actual water demands of

respective crops, and sometimes result in excess application of irrigation water.

In order to improve the situation, the plan aims to increase the amount of water utilized for

irrigation through reducing the loss from water conveyance by the application of structural

measures for canals, and through improving the efficiency of on-farm water use by disseminating

appropriate water management technology to facilitate the application of appropriate amounts of

irrigation water based on the water requirements of crops.

The irrigation systems utilizing spring water and water from snowmelt in the Subsistence

Agriculture Strengthening with Preference to Cash Crop Zone and Subsistence Agriculture

Strengthening Zone indicated in Figure S2-1 are generally scattered and small in terms of irrigated

areas and benefitting households. In this regard, the risk of decrease or depletion of water is

currently borne by individual irrigation systems. For such irrigation systems, reducing drought risk

as well as effective use of excess water in individual systems will be targeted, through connecting

several systems located in the same watershed.

(3) Reduction of Damage to Farmlands through Flood Prevention and Effective Use of

Flood Water

Particularly in Sayghan district, where drought damages frequently occur, agricultural production is

hampered by two extremes: inundation of farmlands during spring floods, and depletion of river

waters after the end of the flooding season. Flood damages occur in other areas as well, damaging

farmlands and canals, when water from intensive rainfall or from snowmelt exceeds the capacity of

the irrigation canals, which also functions as drainage systems.

In terms of flood protection, the plan aims at reducing damages to farmland as well as utilizing flood

S - 14

water currently discharged downstream through structural measures, such as installation of flood

retarding basins and enhancement of drainage systems.

(4) Priorities for Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems and the Order of Implementation

Priorities shall be attached to rehabilitation works of existing irrigation systems that are expected

to bear larger impacts in terms of extended irrigated area per amount of investment, regardless of

the type of crops cultivated. In other words, priority will be attached to irrigation systems in

farmlands that have accessible water resources, but suffer low productivity due to water deficiency

caused by the deterioration of irrigation and drainage systems.

2.3.5 Non-Farm Products (Handicrafts) Promotion Plan

Production of non-farm products (handicrafts) should be promoted as an economic activity that

can be done in the winter season, when intensity of agricultural labor is less. Such practices will

complement agricultural production through creation of new income generating activities, and will

function as a positive coping strategy in subsistence agriculture. Furthermore, participation of rural

women in economic activities will also be promoted.

Production and sales of traditional products such as embroidery, carpets, clothing, leather, have

potential of generating cash income, supplementing the farmers’ economy. It may take time for the

Province to introduce and develop thread spinning and leather dyeing industries, and therefore,

promotion of crafts and handmade products, mainly focusing on embroidery and weaving as

non-farm products, is prioritized, for the time being.

2.3.6 Plan for Strengthening the Functions of Rural Administration and Society

Currently, development projects are planned and implemented based on the intentions of

individual donors and line ministries, and coordination is generally limited to sharing information

through the Provincial Development Committee (PDC) chaired by the Provincial Governor. In

order to realize proactive coordination of such development projects, the Provincial Governor’s

Office (PGO) is expected to play a vital role.

This plan proposes to strengthen the functions of PGO in coordinating individual development

projects, in order to promote a holistic and efficient approach for provincial development. In order

to do so, interventions for capacity building should be implemented at both institutional and

individual levels, and a mechanism for proactive coordination utilizing the functions of PDC shall

be formulated together with a system for efficient information sharing among the relevant

government offices, donor organizations and NGOs.

On the other hand, government support for institutionalizing farmers should be strengthened in

order to efficiently carryout the activities proposed under the Crop Farming Development Plan and

Livestock Development Plan. Interventions to realize this approach are proposed under individual

development projects under the Action Plan indicated in the following section.

S - 15

3. Action Plan

3.1 Action Plan

The Action Plan consists of twenty-two development projects based on the six sectoral

development plans, proposing the activities to be implemented for the first ten years to materialize

the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation.

Many of the development projects are interrelated within and between the sectors and are designed

to bring synergetic effects. At the same time, attention has been paid to design the development

projects so that they will also bring certain results even when implemented individually, taking

into consideration possible budgetary restraints as well as the possible need for flexible

implementation of the Action Plan. The sector-wise breakdown of the development projects and

their distribution in the Province (development zones) are indicated in Table S 3-1 and Figure S

3-1 while their interrelation is indicated in Figure S 3-2.

Table S 3-1 Individual Development Projects of the Action Plan and Targeted Zones

Development Plan Development Projects

Target Zone

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Orc

hard

Pro

duct

ion

Pro

mot

ion

Zon

e

Dro

ught

Ada

ptiv

e A

gric

ultu

re

Dev

elop

men

t Zon

e

Hig

h V

alue

-Add

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rop

Cul

tiva

tion

Pro

mot

ion

Zon

e

Liv

esto

ck P

rom

otio

n Z

one

Cro

p D

iver

sifi

cati

on E

ncou

rage

men

t Z

one

Sub

sist

ence

Agr

icul

ture

Str

engt

heni

ng

wit

h Pr

efer

ence

to C

ash

Cro

p Z

one

Sub

sist

ence

Agr

icul

ture

Str

engt

heni

ng

Zon

e 1. Crop farming

development plan 1-1 Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution Targeting Entire Province

1-2 Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System Targeting Entire Province

1-3 Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales

○

1-4 Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales ○

1-5 Project for Strengthening Vegetable Production and Sales

○

1-6 Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment ○ ○

2. Livestock development plan

2-1 Project to Strengthen Veterinary Field Units (VFUs) Targeting Entire Province

2-2 Project to Improve Ruminant Livestock Feeding System

Targeting Entire Province

2-3 Project for Improvement of Feed for Ruminant Livestock

○

2-4 Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center Targeting Entire Province

2-5 Project for Improving Milk Processing ○

2-6 Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology

○ ○

2-7 Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center ○ ○

2-8 Project for Promotion of Apiculture ○ ○

S - 16


Target Zone

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Orc

hard

Pro

duct

ion

Pro

mot

ion

Zon

e

Dro

ught

Ada

ptiv

e A

gric

ultu

re

Dev

elop

men

t Zon

e

Hig

h V

alue

-Add

ed C

rop

Cul

tiva

tion

Pro

mot

ion

Zon

e

Liv

esto

ck P

rom

otio

n Z

one

Cro

p D

iver

sifi

cati

on E

ncou

rage

men

t Z

one

Sub

sist

ence

Agr

icul

ture

Str

engt

heni

ng

wit

h Pr

efer

ence

to C

ash

Cro

p Z

one

Sub

sist

ence

Agr

icul

ture

Str

engt

heni

ng

Zon

e

3. Rural infrastructure development plan

3-1 Project to Improve Inter-District Roads Targeting Entire Province

3-2 Project to Improve Village Roads Targeting Entire Province

4. Irrigation and drainage development plan

4-1 Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List


4-2 Project for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems

(1) Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using River Water

○ ○

(2) Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using Water from Springs and Snowmelt

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

(3) Development of Flood Retarding Basin for Irrigation

○

4-3 Project for Capacity Development for Effective On-Farm Water Management


5. Non-farm product (handicraft) promotion plan

5-1 Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women ○ ○

6. Plan for strengthening the functions of rural administration and society

6-1 Project for Improvement of PGO’s Development Coordination Capacity


6-2 Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity Targeting Entire Province

S - 17

Figure S 3-1 Distribution of Development Projects by Zone

Figure S 3-2 Interrelation of Individual Development Projects

1. Crop farming development plan 2. Livestock development plan 5. Non-farm product (handicraft)promotion plan

1-6 Project for of agro-processing business establishment

Project for strengthening vegetable production and sales

Project for strengthening potato production and sales

Project for strengthening fruit production and sales

1-1 Project to systematize quality seeds distribution

1-2 Project to strengthen agricultural extension system

2-5 Project for improving milk processing

Project for promotion of

apiculture

Project for improvem

ent of feed for rum

inant livestock

Project to improve rum

inant livestock feeding system


ent of poultry-raising technology

2-4 Project to establish feed analysis center

2-7 Project for establishment of chick supply center

2-1 Project to strengthenVeterinary Field Units（VFUs）

Project for promoting handicraft am

ong villages wom

en

4. Irrigation and drainage development plan4-1 Project for preparation of district irrigation system inventory list

4-2 Project for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems4-3 Project for capacity development for effective on-farm water management

3. Rural infrastructure Development plan3-1 Project to improve inter-district roads 3-2 Project to improve village roads

6. Plan for strengthening the functions of rural administration and society6-1 Project for improvement of PGO’s development coordination capacity 6-2 Project for improvement of SDGO’s information collecting capacity

1-3 1-41-5 2-22-3 2-62-8

5-1

S - 18

3.2 Activity Costs for the Development Projects

The costs for the activities proposed in the Action Plan are summarized as follows. The costs are

calculated by roughly estimating the necessary costs for individual activities under the

development projects. Therefore, the costs do not include the operational costs for government

staff or the costs for their new appointments.

Table S 3-2 Activity Costs for the Development Projects

Development Plan Development Project Activity

Costs (1,000 USD)

Expected Input of Specialists Apart from

Activity Costs(Man-months)

1. Crop farming development plan

1-1 Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution 2,128 123

1-2 Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System 3,835 188


3,208 235

1-4 Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales 1,142 168


703 103

1-6 Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment 1,002 209


2-1 Project to Strengthen Veterinary Field Units (VFUs) 370 301


439 430


230 282

2-4 Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center 1,534 352

2-5 Project for Improving Milk Processing 586 440


417 301

2-7 Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center 348 258

2-8 Project for Promotion of Apiculture 633 301


3-1 Project to Improve Inter-District Roads 5,310 -*

3-2 Project to Improve Village Roads 30,611 -*



1,068 688

4-2 Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems

21,337 891


1,494 356


5-1 Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women

176 36



376 82

6-2 Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity

388 59

Total 77,335 5,803**

*: Input of specialists not considered because the scope is within the regular works of DPW and MRRD

**: Specialists are expected to serve concurrently for several development projects. Thus the total man-months of input is expected to become smaller when multiple projects are implemented.

S - 19

3.3 Prioritization of the Development Projects

The proposed development projects were prioritized by applying a multi-criteria analysis method,

with the participation of the counterparts in Bamyan Province. The results of prioritization are

shown in Table S 3-3. Initially, prioritization was planned to be done by economic analysis and

cost / benefit analysis: however, this could not be done because credible data necessary for

conducting analysis could not be obtained. The Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) was applied as

the method for multi-criteria analysis. AHP is a method by which relationships between final

purposes of development projects (effects), evaluation criteria, and planned development projects

are hierarchically structured in advance. Weights of importance between the evaluation criteria are

calculated by conducting pair-wise comparison, and the priorities of the planned development

projects are determined by applying these weights for the scoring of each project.

Considering the vision of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation, the following

evaluation criteria have been determined with the counterparts in Bamyan, in order to

comprehensively assess the development projects.

Criterion ①: Impact on livelihood improvement

Criterion ②: Contribution to self-sufficiency

Criterion ③: Compatibility with farmers’ technical level

Criterion ④: Benefitted area coverage

Criterion ⑤: Inclusion of marginalized population

Criterion ⑥: Time required for attainment of goals

Criterion ⑦: Size of fund

Table S 3-3 Priority Order of Proposed Development Projects Priority Order

Proposed Development Project PriorityOrder

Proposed Development Project

1 Project for Improvement of Feed for Ruminant Livestock

13 Project for Promotion of Apiculture

2 Project to Strengthen Veterinary Field Units (VFUs)

14 Project for Capacity Development for Effective On-Farm Water Management

3 Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales

15 Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment

4 Project for Improving Milk Processing 16 Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center

5 Project to Improve Ruminant Livestock Feeding System

17 Project for Improvement of PGO’s Development Coordination Capacity

6 Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales

18 Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity

7 Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution

19 Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List

8 Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center 20-1*Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using River Water

9 Project for Strengthening Vegetable Production and Sales

20-2*Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using Water from Springs and Snowmelt

10 Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System

20-3* Development of Flood Retarding Basin for Irrigation

11 Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women

23 Project to Improve Inter-District Roads

12 Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology

24 Project to Improve Village Roads

*: These three projects are considered as one project.

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S - 20

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S - 21

(2) Recommendation for Securing the Implementation Budgets

Considering the characteristics of the Action Plan, with most of its activities centered on those

related to agriculture, PGO and MRRD are expected to take the initiative to appeal to donors for

assistance. On the other hand, some of the activities included in the proposed development

projects can be covered by on-going programs and projects. Such schemes also should be utilized

in a flexible manner to promote the implementation of the proposed activities.

i

Table of Contents

Preface

Location Map of the Project Area

Photographs of the Project Area

Summary

Abbreviation List

Pages

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Background ..................................................................................................................... 1-1

1.2 Contents of SEARAP ...................................................................................................... 1-1

1.3 Rationale and Limitations of SEARAP .......................................................................... 1-3

Chapter 2 Characteristics of Rural Socio-Economic Conditions in Bamyan Province

2.1 Present Conditions of the Project Area ........................................................................... 2-1

2.1.1 Natural Conditions ......................................................................................................... 2-1

2.1.2 Socio-Economic Conditions ........................................................................................... 2-3

2.1.3 Agriculture ...................................................................................................................... 2-6

2.1.4 Livestock ........................................................................................................................ 2-8

2.1.5 Local Industries ............................................................................................................ 2-11

2.1.6 Distribution of Agricultural Products ........................................................................... 2-11

2.1.7 Rural Infrastructure ...................................................................................................... 2-13

2.1.8 Administrative Underpinnings ..................................................................................... 2-16

2.1.9 Rural Society ................................................................................................................ 2-19

2.2 Regional Characteristics ............................................................................................... 2-20

2.2.1 Natural Conditions ....................................................................................................... 2-20

2.2.2 Situation of Farming Conditions .................................................................................. 2-22

2.2.3 Situation of Livestock .................................................................................................. 2-24

2.2.4 Socio-Economic Conditions ......................................................................................... 2-25

Chapter 3 Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation (Development Scenario)

3.1 Framework of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation ............................... 3-1

3.2 Zone-Wise Development Scenarios ................................................................................ 3-5

3.3 Sectoral Development Scenarios .................................................................................. 3-12

3.3.1 Crop Farming Development Plan ................................................................................. 3-12

3.3.2 Livestock Development Plan ........................................................................................ 3-23

3.3.3 Rural Infrastructure Development Plan ........................................................................ 3-31

3.3.4 Irrigation and Drainage Development Plan .................................................................. 3-36

3.3.5 Non-Farm Products (Handicrafts) Promotion Plan ...................................................... 3-41

ii

3.3.6 Plan for Strengthening the Functions of Rural Administration and Society ................ 3-44

Chapter 4 Action Plan

4.1 Overall Action Plan ........................................................................................................ 4-1

4.2 Sector-wise Development Projects ................................................................................. 4-4

4.2.1 Development Projects Under the Crop Farming Development Plan .............................. 4-4

4.2.2 Development Projects Under the Livestock Development Plan .................................. 4-26

4.2.3 Development Projects Under the Rural Infrastructure Development Plan ................... 4-53

4.2.4 Development Projects Under the Irrigation and Drainage Development Plan ............. 4-60

4.2.5 Development Projects Under the Non-Farm Product Promotion Plan ......................... 4-72

4.2.6 Development Projects Under the Plan for Strengthening the Functions of Rural

Administration and Society .......................................................................................... 4-75

4.2.7 Activity Costs for the Development Projects ............................................................... 4-81

4.3 Points to be Considered for the Implementation of the Action Plan ............................ 4-82

4.3.1 Prioritization of the Development Projects .................................................................. 4-83

4.3.2 Proposed Structure for Implementation of the Action Plan ......................................... 4-91

4.3.3 Environmental and Social Considerations .................................................................... 4-94

Chapter 5 Conclutions and Recommendations

5.1 Conclusions ..................................................................................................................... 5-1

5.2 Recommendations ........................................................................................................... 5-2

Separate Volume

Annex 1 Present Rural Socio-Economic Conditions of Bamyan Province

Annex 2 Analysis of Development Needs and Priority

Annex 3 Prioritization of the Development Projects

Annex 4 Environmental and Social Considerations

Annex 5 Potential Organizations for Collaboration

Annex 6 Steering Committee Members

Annex 7 SEARAP Project Members

iii

List of Figures and Tables

<List of Figures>

Figure 2.1-1 Topography of Bamyan Province .............................................................................. 2-1

Figure 2.1-2 River Basin Map of Bamyan Province ...................................................................... 2-2

Figure 2.1-3 Major Administrative Organizations Related to Rural Development ...................... 2-17

Figure 2.2-1 Zoning by Natural Conditions ................................................................................. 2-22

Figure 2.2-2 Zoning by Situation of Farming Conditions ............................................................ 2-23

Figure 2.2-3 Zoning by Situation of Livestock ............................................................................ 2-25

Figure 2.2-4 Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions ................................................................... 2-26

Figure 3.2-1 Comprehensive Zoning in Bamyan Province ...................................................... 3-5

Figure 3.3-2 Breeding Cycle of Ruminant Livestock .................................................................. 3-26

Figure 3.3-2 Breeding Cycle of Chickens .................................................................................... 3-29

Figure 3.3-3 Access Route from each District to Kabul........................................................... 3-32

Figure 4.1-1 Distribution of Development Projects by Zone ......................................................... 4-3

Figure 4.1-2 Interrelation of Individual Development Projects ..................................................... 4-4

Figure 4.3-1 Evaluation Process of Multi-Criteria Analysis ........................................................ 4-84

Figure 4.3-2 Evaluation Criteria in Multi-Criteria Analysis ........................................................ 4-85

Figure 4.3-3 Overall Management Structure ................................................................................ 4-92

<List of Tables>

Table 2.1-1 Classification of Topographic Gradient in Bamyan Province (km2) ......................... 2-1

Table 2.1-2 Outline of Climate Conditions by District ................................................................. 2-2

Table 2.1-3 Basic Data of Bamyan Province ................................................................................ 2-3

Table 2.1-4 Economic Activities in Bamyan Province ................................................................. 2-4

Table 2.1-5 Food Self-Sufficiency Rate in the Districts of Bamyan ............................................ 2-5

Table 2.1-6 Public Primary, Secondary and High Schools in Bamyan Province ......................... 2-5

Table 2.1-7 Land Ownership and Farmland Scale ........................................................................ 2-6

Table 2.1-8 Cultivation Area and Percentages of Major Crops of Bamyan in 2011 .................... 2-7

Table 2.1-9 Productivity in Bamyan in Comparison to the National Average ............................. 2-7

Table 2.1-10 Number of Animals in Districts of Bamyan (2011) .................................................. 2-8

Table 2.1-11 Number of Beehives in Districts of Bamyan ............................................................. 2-9

Table 2.1-12 Animal Varieties in Bamyan and in Afghanistan ...................................................... 2-9

Table 2.1-13 Production Indicator of Ruminant Animals ............................................................. 2-10

iv

Table 2.1-14 Production Indicators of Poultry .............................................................................. 2-11

Table 2.1-15 Situation of Markets in the Districts of Bamyan Province ...................................... 2-13

Table 2.1-16 Situation of Electrification in Districts .................................................................... 2-15

Table 2.1-17 Access to Safe Water According to DDP ................................................................ 2-15

Table 2.1-18 Scale of Irrigation Systems in Bamyan Province .................................................... 2-16

Table 2.2-1 Zoning by Natural Conditions ................................................................................. 2-21

Table 2.2-2 Zoning by Situation of Farming Conditions ............................................................ 2-22

Table 2.2-3 Zoning by Situation of Livestock ............................................................................ 2-24

Table 2.2-4 Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions ................................................................... 2-25

Table 3.1-1 Estimated Cultivated Areas in Each District for an Average Year, 2000-2011 ........ 3-3

Table 3.2-1 Comprehensive Zoning and Direction of Regional Economic Development ........... 3-8

Table 3.3-1 Goals of Productivity for Enhancement for Ruminant Farming

(Primary Livestock Production Area) ...................................................................... 3-24

Table 3.3-2 Goals of Productivity for Enhancement of Ruminant Farming

(Outside the Primary Livestock Production Area) .................................................. 3-25

Table 3.3-3 Direction of Road Network Improvement in Each District ..................................... 3-33

Table 3.3-4 Priority Order for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems ..................................... 3-38

Table 3.3-5 FAO Data on Conveying Efficiency ........................................................................ 3-40

Table 4.1-1 Individual Development Projects of the Action Plan and Targeted Zones ................ 4-2

Table 4.2-1 Works Implemented at the Agricultural Research Center in Relation to the

Distribution of Improved Seeds ................................................................................. 4-5

Table 4.2-2 Activity Costs for the Development Projects .......................................................... 4-82

Table 4.3-1 Scoring by Evaluation Criteria ................................................................................ 4-85

Table 4.3-2 Results of Pair-Wise Comparison of Evaluation Criteria ........................................ 4-87

Table 4.3-3 Score and Weights of Evaluation Criteria Based on Pair-Wise Comparison .......... 4-88

Table 4.3-4 Evaluation Results of Development Projects by Multi-Criteria Analysis ............... 4-89

Table 4.3-5 Implementation Agency of Development Projects .................................................. 4-93

Table 4.3-6 Development Projects Expected to Require EIA Process in Reference to EIA

Regulations (Schedule 1) of Afghanistan ................................................................ 4-96

Abbreviation List

ACE : Agricultural Credit Enhancement

AGCHO : Afghan Geodesy and Cartography Head Office

AHP : Analytic Hierarchy Process

AKF : Aga Khan Foundation

ANSF : Afghan National Security Forces

ARC : Agricultural Research Center

AREDP : Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Programme

CDC : Community Development Council

CSO : Central Statistics Organization

DAIL : Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock

DC : District Council

DCA : Dutch Committee for Afghanistan

DCC : District Coordination Council

DDA : District Development Assembly

DDP : District Development Plan

DEW : Department of Water and Energy

DoE : Department of Economy

DPW : Department of Public Works

DSO : District Social Organizer

EIA : Environmental impact assessment

FAO : Food and Agriculture Organization

IEE : Initial Environmental Examination

IDLG : Independent Directorate of Local Governance

ISAF : International Security Assistance Force

JICA : Japan International Cooperation Agency

MAIL : Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock

MEW : Ministry of Energy and Water

MHP : Micro-Hydro Power

MoE : Ministry of Economy

MPW : Ministry of Public Works

MRRD : Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development

NABDP : National Area Based Development Programme

NASA : National Aeronautics and Space Administration

NEPA : National Environmental Protection Agency

NGO : Non-Governmental Organization

NRAP : National Rural Access Programme

NRVA : National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment

NSP : National Solidarity Programme

PC : Provincial Committee

PDC : Provincial Development Committee

PDP : Provincial Development Plan

PGO : Provincial Governor’s Office

PRRD : Provincial office of Rural Rehabilitation and Development

RuWATSIP : Rural Water Supply, Sanitation and Irrigation Programme

S/W : Scope of Work

SEARAP : Socio-Economic Activation of Rural Afghanistan Project

SRTM : Shuttle Radar Topography Mission

UNAMA : United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan

UNDP : United Nations Development Programme

UNFPA : United Nations Population Fund

UNICEF : United Nations Children's Fund

VC : Village Council

VFUs : Veterinary Field Unit

1 - 1

Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Background

Following the period of post-war reconstruction, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, (hereinafter

“Afghanistan”) is now in a period of transition to development heading towards a stable and

sustainable growth, with economic development holding a key factor. Though economic

investment is currently prominent in major cities, economic activation in rural areas is also

essential from the perspective of uplifting the national economy, taking into consideration that

around 80% of the population live in these areas. Since 2002, the national programmes under the

Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) have functioned as the driving force

for rural development in the country, implementing significant numbers of sub-projects to support

the rural population. Such sub-projects were identified by the communities themselves based on

individual development needs. However, when approaching development from the perspective of

rural economic activation, there is need for a comprehensive framework that overviews regional

development potentials and constraints, indicating the direction towards which investment should

be made in order to efficiently attain its effects.

Given such background, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan has requested the

support of the Government of Japan in formulating a model for developing and implementing a

provincial level plan for comprehensive rural socio-economic activation in the central highlands

and northern regions of Afghanistan. In response, the Government of Japan examined various

factors including security conditions and agreed to provide the support targeting the central

highlands. Based on this decision, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), together

with MRRD has signed the Scope of Works (S/W) regarding the Project for Socio-Economic

Activation of Rural Afghanistan (SEARAP) on June 1, 2011.

Based on the S/W, the Project Team for the SEARAP has started its work in Afghanistan on

August 20, 2011.

1.2 Contents of SEARAP

(1) Objectives and Main Outputs of SEARAP

SEARAP aims to formulate a Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation for Bamyan

Province, which is prepared based on logical analysis of local characteristics and indicates an

efficient and effective approach for socio-economic development. In the planning process,

potentials and constraints for socio-economic development are analyzed area-wise and sector-wise,

and a logical sequence is examined between the findings of such analysis and approaches for


The Plan, indicating a logical development model that can substantiate the priorities of individual

development needs (wish list), will contribute to efficient resource mobilization to obtain funds

1 - 2

from central government (MOF, funds of Sector-Ministries to provincial departments, National

Programmes) as well as donors. Furthermore, the planning process can be referred to as a model

for provincial development planning that can also be applied for provinces with characteristics

similar to Bamyan.

The outputs of SEARAP comprise of the following:

1) Formulation of a Promotion Plan and Action Plan for Rural Economic Activation in Bamyan

Province based on analysis of development potentials and impact.

2) Implementation of small-scale pilot projects to verify the validity of approaches for improving

farmers’ livelihoods and adaptability of new skills for production and processing of

agricultural products.

3) Strengthening of the capacity of local government staff for planning and implementing

practical works as well as the capacity of central staff for the management of provincial

development, through the process of plan development, implementation of small-scale pilot

projects, and modeling of 1) and 2) above.

4) Development of a provincial planning manual based on the process of planning, that can be

used for the development of rural development plans in the provinces of the central highland

region (prepared in a separate volume).

Out of the above, this Final Report mainly describes the contents of the Promotion Plan for Rural

Economic Activation and its Action Plan. In concrete, development potentials and constraints

were analyzed area-wise and sector-wise in order to examine development issues that should be

tackled in short-term (2-3 years) and mid- to long-term (5-10 years). Subsequently, zone-wise and

sector-wise development strategies are proposed based on the results of analysis.

(2) Location of SEARAP Activities

Project activities are carried out in Bamyan province and in Kabul city.

(3) Relevant Organizations of the Recipient Country

Implementing agency: Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD) and the

Bamyan Provincial Department of Rural Rehabilitation and

Development (PRRD)

Relevant organizations: Provincial Governor’s Office of Bamyan; Bamyan Provincial

Development Committee (PDC); Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation

and Livestock (MAIL); Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and

Livestock of Bamyan Province of Bamyan Province (DAIL); Ministry

of Energy and Water (MEW); Department of Energy and Water of

Bamyan Province (DEW)

1 - 3

(4) Steering Committee

A steering committee chaired by the Deputy Minister of Programmes of MRRD has been

established to facilitate effective and efficient commencement of the project. The first meeting of

the Steering Committee was held on September 13, 2011, and recorded in the Minutes of Meeting

of the Inception Report. The members of the Steering Committee are as indicated in ANNEX 6.

1.3 Rationale and Limitations of SEARAP

This report has been prepared based on data and information obtained through: a survey on rural

socio-economic conditions that was subcontracted to a local consultant firm, site surveys

conducted by the Project Team members under the support of the counterpart organization, and

the results of small-scale pilot projects. In other words, the report presents the Promotion Plan and

Action Plan for Rural Economic Activation in Bamyan Province of the above “(1) Objectives and

Main Outputs of SEARAP,” while results of the small-scale pilot projects and the provincial

planning manual are presented in separate volumes: Pilot Project Report and Development

Planning Manual.

The survey on rural socio-economic conditions, as well as the site surveys by the Project Team

members, was implemented with the aim of obtaining statistical data to quantitatively understand

the characteristics of Bamyan province. However, basic information such as population and

numbers of villages showed significant inconsistencies depending on their sources, and

information that can reliably describe the actual situation of the province could not be identified.

Furthermore, although fragments of numerical data were available, it was found that there has not

been any survey that comprehensively collected and statistically analyzed information on the

actual state of agriculture in the province. Under such situation, attempts were made to supplement

the lack of quantitative information by collecting and cross-checking as much qualitative

information as possible through interviews with local stakeholders.

Though on-site surveys were limited to a certain extent by the travel restriction instructed by the

Japanese Government, efforts were made to correctly understand the rural socio-economic

conditions by collecting information through interviews with local stakeholders, such as DDA

members, DSOs, DAIL extension officers and farmers of the districts, who kindly traveled to the

project office to participate in the interviews.

In preparation of this report, the Project Team would like to express its gratitude to the

compassionate support of the counterpart organization and relevant stakeholders.

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Chapter 2 Characteristics of Rural Socio-Economic Conditions in Bamyan Province

2.1 Present Conditions of the Project Area

2.1.1 Natural Conditions

(1) Geographical Features

The Province extends 160 km from east to

west and 155 km from north to south, with

a total area of 17,878.33 km2 accounting

for 2.7% of the total surface of the country

(652,000 km2). The provincial capital of

Bamyan is located 240 km northwest of

Kabul with a latitude of N34°49’ and a

longitude of E67°49’.

The Province is administratively divided

into seven districts: Kahmard, Sayghan,

Shibar, Bamyan Center, Yakawlang,

Panjab, and Waras, from northeast to

southwest.

According to the general topographic information of Bamyan Province, 93.6% of the area is

mountainous (77.5% is mountainous area and 16.1% is semi-mountainous area 1 ) and the

percentage of flat lands is 0%; however, the standards for this topographical classification are not

clear. The Japanese standards for land improvement define common uplands with inclinations less

than 5% (3°) as flat land and those with more than 5% as sloped land. Within the category of

sloped land, any incline up to 14% (8°) is defined as mild slope. The topographical features of

Bamyan Province were analyzed by estimating the classifications of the topographic gradients

based on the digital elevation model (DEM) of the geo-surface observed by NASA’s SRTM

(Shuttle Radar Topography Mission). As shown in Table 2.1-1, areas with gradients up to 8°

correspond to approximately one third of the Province’s surface and the remaining two thirds

correspond to sloping land, thus not necessarily “unsuitable” to cultivation.

Table 2.1-1 Classification of Topographic Gradient in Bamyan Province (km2)

Gradient Kahmard Sayghan ShibarBamyan Center

Yakawlang Panjab Waras Total

0 - 8° 272.1 683.0 160.5 693.7 2,985.0 496.9 723.7 6,014.9

≥ 8° 1,135.2 1,040.1 1,137.9 1,103.6 3,793.6 1,391.8 2,249.1 11,863.4

Total 1,407.3 1,723.1 1,298.4 1,797.3 6,778.6 1,888.7 2,975.8 17,878.3

Source: SEARAP Project Team

1 CSO/UNFPA Socio Economic and Demographic Profile


Figure 2.1-1 Topography of Bamyan Province

2 - 2

(2) Climate

Afghanistan belongs to the continental climate zone with a great annual range. The climatic zones

according to Köppen classification within Afghanistan are the dry zone with a desert climate

(BWk) in the central part of the country and the semi-arid zone with a steppe climate (BSk) in the

surrounding areas. Bamyan Province, the Project Area, belongs to the desert climate (BWk).

In order to identify the climatic outline by district, annual records have been organized as shown

in Table 2.1-2.

Table 2.1-2 Outline of Climate Conditions by District

District Annual

Rainfall (mm)Annual Snowfall

Volume (cm3) Annual Average Temperature (°)

State of Climate

Relative Humidity

Kahmard 237.5 56.2 12.0 Mild 53.7

Sayghan N/A N/A N/A Mild N/A

Bamyan Center 142.4 58.1 7.7 Cold 56.1

Shibar 146.6 150.7 N/A Cold N/A

Yakawlang 210.5 84.7 7.4 Cold 44.0

Panjab 409.7 245.7 N/A Severe cold N/A

Waras N/A N/A N/A Severe cold N/A

Provincial Average

(2003–2012) 213.2 106.8 9.5 - 47.5

(1960–1983) 133.0 N/A 6.9 - N/A

Source: SEARAP Project Team (based on interviews with DDA members and DAIL extension officers)

(3) River Basin

There are six basins in the province, namely the

Kunduz basin, Balkh Ab basin, Upper Helmand

basin, Ghorband wa Panjsher basin, Khulm basin

and Upper Hari Rod basin. Out of these, three

basins, Ghorband wa Panjsher, Khulm and Upper

Hari Rod are very small with 5 km2 (0.03% of the

total area of the province), 18 km2 (0.10%), and

151 km2 (0.80%), respectively. Major basins of

Bamyan Province are classified as the Kunduz

basin in the North, the Balkh Ab basin in the central

area and the Upper Helmand basin in the south.

(4) Flood

Main causes of floods in Bamyan Province are: 1) overflow due to low capacity of streams/rivers

and 2) seasonal increase of spring water and snowmelt runoffs from the slopes. Little vegetation

coverage along the river basins causes a low water-holding capacity, which makes the areas prone

to flooding from rainfall and snowmelt runoff. Preventive measures for flood management are

taken in all districts but are limited to select areas that are frequently damaged. There is no

comprehensive flood management plan that indicates an overall drainage network for the basins,

and thus, the effect of measures for flood management is limited.

Source: The University of Melbourne

Figure 2.1-2 River Basin Map of Bamyan Province

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2.1.2 Socio-Economic Conditions

(1) Basic Data of Bamyan Province

The provincial population of Bamyan varies depending on the source. According to the

Afghanistan Statistical Yearbook 2010–11 (CSO), the total population of Bamyan Province is

411,700, of which females are 49.3% and males are 50.7%. The population in rural areas accounts

for 97.2% and the urban population is only 2.8%. The size of the population that SEARAP

obtained through interviews at district offices was about 568,400, much larger than the CSO

statistic. The observed discrepancies of population indicate that due attention should be paid in

handling these data.

Among the seven districts, populous districts are Waras, Yakawlang and Bamyan Center. The

population density is high in Bamyan Center and Waras, whereas it is quite low in Yakawlang as

shown in Table 2.1-3 below.

The major ethnic group in Bamyan Province is Hazara (including Sadat), which accounts for 83%

of the population, with a variety of other ethnicities living in the area2. According to data

published by UNAMA in 2009, Kuchi nomads account for 2.2% of the total population, and often

have disputes with local residents over pasture grass in summer in Waras and Yakawlang districts.

Basic data for Bamyan Province is indicated in Table 2.1-3.

Table 2.1-3 Basic Data of Bamyan Province

District Item

Bamyan Center

Kahmard Panjab Sayghan Shibar Waras Yakawlang Total

Area *(km2) 1,797 1,407 1,889 1,732 1,298 2,976 6,779 17,878

Altitude at district center **(m)

2,500 2,100 2,800 2,100 2,600 2,800 2,500 -

Population 100,104 57,685 87,266 28,196 35,110 147,395 112,601 568,357

Population density (people/km2)

55.7 41.0 46.2 16.3 27.0 49.5 16.6 31.8

Number of households

16,612 8,436 19,158 4,910 7,017 29,650 20,742 106,525

Villages*** 175 49 442 62 132 649 353 1862

Ethnicity

Hazara 60% 7% 90% 20% 80% 97% 94% 75%

Tajik 20% 85% - 80% 20% - - 17%

Pashtun 10% 8% - - - - - 3%

Others 10% - 10% - - 3% 6% 5%

Source: Unless specifically indicated, sources are interviews at the District Governors' Office (2011).

*: SEARAP (based on analysis of 1:250,000 topographic map by AGCHO), **: Interviews with DDAs, ***: DDPs (2007)

(2) Overview of Economic Activities

The main economic activities in Bamyan are agriculture and livestock, while a few other activities

2 Programme for Culture and Conflict Studies Web site, 2002

2 - 4

are undertaken. Agriculture is the major source of household income, accounting for 86% of total

households, followed by livestock (36%), trade and services (8%), and industry, which only

accounts for 1% (the figures duplicate across sectors). Reliance on agriculture further increases in

the rural areas where 92% of the rural population is engaged in agriculture, while 8% receives

income from trade and services. Around half of the households in the rural areas earn income

through non-farm labor.3 Characteristics of economic activities in Bamyan Province are shown in

Table 2.1-4.

Table 2.1-4 Economic Activities in Bamyan Province

Economic Activities Percent

Agriculture 86

Livestock 36

Trade and Services 8

Manufacturing 1

Non-farm labor 47

Cooperatives and Industries Numbers

Numbers of Agriculture Co-operatives 19

Agriculture Co-operatives-Memberships 2,438

Number of Small-Scale Production Industries / Number of Villages 17/1,839

Number of Small-Scale Processing Industries / Number of Villages 237/1,839

Handicraft Observed across

the region

Source: NRVA 2005

Although the unemployment rate in Bamyan Province is only 7.8%, the underemployment rate is

as high as 48.1%, which indicates that nearly half of the population has an insecure income source.

There are also statistics that show 85% of the total households in Bamyan province have debt, of

which loans for economic investment are only 5%, consisting of 1% for land purchase, 3% for

other agricultural investment and 1% for business. 4

Bamyan Province also has potential for tourism, including Lake Band-e-Amir and ancient

Buddhist cave temples. However, these areas need a great deal of investment to generate economic

benefit and contribute to the socio-economy. Similarly, the abundant underground resources need

sufficient investigation and investment to become an engine of development in the region. Rather

than investing into these sectors, this report attaches priority to improvement of transportation

network, namely better roads, in order to stimulate the local economy and promote development.

(3) Food Security

The staple crop of Afghanistan is wheat, which accounts for approximately 80% of the grains of

the country. According to the CSO, annual grain consumption per capita is 180 kg, of which wheat

accounts for 160 kg (89%).

3 National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment, NRVA, UNDP, 2005 4 Agriculture and Rural Development Potentials in 8 Development Regions of Afghanistan, JICA, October 2010

2 - 5

The majority of agricultural practices in Bamyan Province are categorized as subsistence

agriculture. Except for Panjab, district-wise food self-sufficiency rates (mainly of wheat) obtained

through interviews with DDAs in 2012 are lower than 50% (Table 2.1-5). It is presumed that this

rate is calculated based on the actual wheat consumption in each district.

Table 2.1-5 Food Self-Sufficiency Rate in the Districts of Bamyan

District Content

Bamyan Center

Kahmard Panjab Sayghan Shibar Waras Yakawlang

Food self-sufficiency rate (mainly wheat) (%)

30 50 80 40 30 15 40

Source: SEARAP Project Team (based on interviews with DDA members), 2012

Over 60% of wheat in Bamyan comes from outside the province. Other imported agricultural

products are rice, vegetable oil, cereals, sugar, vegetables and fresh fruits. The province has

achieved self-sufficiency only in potatoes, which are also shipped to other provinces. According to

the Bamyan Provincial Profile 2007, published by MRRD, 30% of the households in Bamyan

Province experience food shortages at least 3–6 times a year and 37% experience the same

situation up to three times a year. Moreover, it is said that about 25% of the population does not

meet daily caloric requirements. About 77% of the population in the province has to live with a

very poor diet with no diversity (NRVA, 2005). Under such circumstances, 28% of the population

in the province received food assistance in 2005.

(4) Education

The literacy rate in Bamyan province is 29–41% among men and 12% among women. Of children

aged 6 to 13, 39% attend school: 46% of boys and 28% of girls.5 According to the Statistical

Yearbook 2011–2012, the province has 221 public primary and secondary schools with 116,122

students and 2,019 teachers, as shown in Table 2.1-6. There are also 115 public high schools and

one private high school.

Table 2.1-6 Public Primary, Secondary and High Schools in Bamyan Province

Type of school

No. of schools No. of students No. of teachers

Mixed Boys’ school

Girls’ school

Total Male Female Total Male Female Total

Primary school

66 2 6 74 46,552 42,890 89,442 791 201 992

Secondary school

109 16 22 147 15,973 10,707 26,680 916 201 1,117

High school

59 28 28 115 9,096 4,218 13,314 869 209 1,078

Source: Statistical Year Book 2011/2012

About half of the primary and secondary school students in the province live within five

kilometers of their schools while the other half live ten or more kilometers away.

As for higher education institutions, the province has Bamyan University, which has departments

5 Provincial Development Plan of Bamyan, 2007

2 - 6

of agriculture and education. Of the 287 students who graduated in 2012, 227 (79%) were male

and 60 (21%) were female.

2.1.3 Agriculture

Agriculture is a key industry in Bamyan Province. Major crops are wheat and potatoes. While

wheat is grown for self-consumption, potatoes, which are one of the major cash crops in the

province, are grown for both self-consumption and selling. Potatoes grown in Bamyan hold a

share of over 50% of the domestic potato market. Other cash crops include fruits (apples, apricots,

etc.) and beans. Farmers in Bamyan rely on traditional farming and cultivation methods that are

not effective in responding to the changes in the agricultural environment, such as droughts, floods

and soil degradation. Consequently, agricultural outputs have recently been unstable and the level

of income from agriculture remains lower than in other provinces.

(1) Land Ownership

Over 80% of farmers in the Province are peasants with less than 2 ha of land. A survey on land

tenure in Afghanistan was conducted with the support of the USA from 1969 to 1975, during the

reign of Mohammed Zahir Shah up to the new government of Daoud. This survey covered some

33% of the Afghan territory, excluding the mountain areas. But, due to the political turbulence

after this period, the survey for the remaining areas was not continued. There was also no progress

in the measurement and registration of land in Bamyan and there is no reliable information on land

tenure. The percentage of farmers by size of land ownership based on information obtained from

DAIL and its extension officers is shown in Table 2.1-7.

Table 2.1-7 Land Ownership and Farmland Scale

District

Percentage of Farmers by Size of Farmland (%) Average Farmland

(per household)Big (> 2 ha) Medium

(1 ha – 2 ha)Mid-Small

(< 1 ha) Landless

Kahmard 10 30 50 10 0.8 – 1.2 ha

Sayghan 10 30 40 20 0.8 – 1.2 ha

Shibar 12 35 47 5 0.8 – 1.2 ha

Bamyan Center 8 30 37 25 0.6 – 0.8 ha

Yakawlang 20 25 50 5 0.8 – 1.2 ha

Panjab 15 30 25 30 1.0 – 1.4 ha

Waras 10 20 20 10 0.6 – 1.0 ha

Average 12 29 38 15 0.7 – 1.1 ha

Source: DAIL

(2) Crop Production

Reportedly, 33 types of agricultural crops are cultivated in Bamyan Province, including the two

significant crops: wheat and potatoes. The area of cultivation and the percentages of the major

crops in 2011 are shown in Table 2.1-8.

2 - 7

Table 2.1-8 Cultivation Area and Percentages of Major Crops of Bamyan in 2011

District

Crops Kahmard Sayghan Shibar

Bamyan Center

Yakawlang Panjab Waras Total

ha % ha % ha % ha % ha % ha % ha % ha %

Winter wheat

1,599 34.3% 2,973 52.0% 5,101 45.0% 2,173 25.0% 7,913 44.1% 4,858 45.0% 8,956 51.2% 33,573 42.4%

Spring wheat

699 15.0% 1,143 20.0% 2,834 25.0% 895 10.3% 3,607 20.1% 2,461 22.8% 5,895 33.7% 17,534 21.0%

Barley 93 2.0% 229 4.0% 227 2.0% 174 2.0% 251 1.4% 1,026 9.5% 857 4.9% 2,857 3.7%

Pulse crops 135 2.9% 51 0.9% 204 1.8% 174 2.0% 682 3.8% 1,177 10.9% 997 5.7% 3,420 4.0%

Potato 932 20.0% 343 6.0% 1,700 15.0% 4,780 55.0% 3,589 20.0% 497 4.6% 473 2.7% 12,314 17.6%

Vegetables 252 5.4% 114 2.0% 102 0.9% 87 1.0% 251 1.4% 65 0.6% 87 0.5% 958 1.7%

Fruits 559 12.0% 292 5.1% 283 2.5% 148 1.7% 807 4.5% 65 0.6% 35 0.2% 2,189 3.8%

Fodder crops

392 8.4% 572 10.0% 884 7.8% 261 3.0% 843 4.7% 648 6.0% 193 1.1% 3,793 5.9%

Total 4,661 100% 5,717 100% 11,335 100% 8,692 100% 17,943 100% 10,797 100% 17,493 100% 76,93 100%

Source: DAIL

Table 2.1-9 shows the yield of main crops by district in Bamyan Province in 2011. According to

the data, the average yield of wheat was 1.9 t/ha and the average yield for potatoes was

approximately 16 t/ha. The national average yield is 1.9 t/ha for wheat and approximately 12 t/ha

for potato, and the productivity in Bamyan Province is more or less comparative to its national

average. By district however, the yield of wheat and barley in Yakawlang district and potato yield

in Sayghan and Panjab districts are remarkably low.

Table 2.1-9 Productivity in Bamyan in Comparison to the National Average (Unit: t/ha)

Kahmard Sayghan ShibarBamyan Center

Yakawlang Panjab WarasProvincial Average

National Average*

Winter wheat

2.6 1.8 1.8 1.9 1.1 1.9 2.3 1.9 1.9**

Spring wheat

2.2 1.5 1.8 1.8 0.8 1.9 2.2 1.7

Barley 1.9 1.8 0.8 0.8 0.4 1.1 2.5 1.3 2.0

Potato 12.3 7.0 11.9 21.0 24.5 7.0 17.5 15.8 12.0

Source: SEARAP Project Team (based on interviews with extension officers and farmers at each district)

*Afghanistan Statistical Year Book 2010–11, yield in 2010–11

** Data was only available for wheat as a whole.

(3) Agricultural Research and Extension System

1) Research on Agricultural Technology

Agricultural research is conducted in the DAIL agricultural research center in Mullah Ghulam, in

the northwest of Bamyan Center district. Major functions of the center are germination tests,

certification of seeds, growth tests and research on pests, etc., for wheat and potatoes. According

to interviews with the center staff, they have the following issues in their research activities: 1)

shortage of funds, 2) shortage of manpower, 3) shortage of research equipment and materials and

4) underdevelopment of facilities and exhibition farmland.

2 - 8

2) Agricultural Extension

The Research and Extension Department of DAIL is in charge of distribution of qualified seeds

and fertilizers, development of farmland, activities related to awareness raising and dissemination

of appropriate farming management techniques. Agricultural extension services are managed

under the leadership of the head of the Research and Extension Department of DAIL who oversees

the whole Province of Bamyan, with three other officers of the extension section, who cover

Bamyan Center district, and other extension officers in each district.

Extension officers have difficulties in adopting and introducing new techniques and crop varieties,

as they do not have enough opportunities for training to handle updated methodologies due to

financial limitations. The lack of experimental materials and equipment for extension activities

also hinders them from working effectively. In particular, their accessibility to the farmers in need

is limited due to the lack of transportation means to remote mountainous areas where most of the

district centers are located.

2.1.4 Livestock

With 93% of farmers raising domestic ruminants and/or fowl in Bamyan Province, livestock plays

an important role as a source of income and nutrients and becomes a means of survival for farmers

in case of emergencies when cash is needed. Major livestock are domestic ruminants including

cows, sheep and goats. Chickens are also raised in densely populated areas, where demand is high

in the market. Apiculture is also spreading with support from NGOs, etc.

(1) Area-Wise Characteristics of Livestock Rearing

The numbers of domestic animals are currently increasing thanks to the improvement of living

conditions after the civil war and the drought that continued until the early 2000s. The following

Table 2.1-10 shows area-wise livestock statistics of 2011 obtained in a survey by SEARAP in

comparison with the statistics in 2003.

Table 2.1-10 Number of Animals in Districts of Bamyan (2011)

Livestock Bamyan Center Sayghan Kahmard Panjab Waras Yakawlang Shibar

Total

2011 2003*

Cattle 57,600 22,200 25,000 38,318 14,500 98,300 40,000 295,918 77,893

Horse 2,061 150 180 400 310 200 500 3,801 2,691

Donkey 48,210 1,210 1,360 20,000 5,050 20,000 5,000 100,830 49,905

Sheep 28,800 3,820 4,209 200,000 102,000 294,900 20,000 653,729 227,650

Goat 46,080 18,730 8,480 5,000 20,500 N/A 6,000 104,790 60,143

Poultry 120,960 25,000 28,000 40,000 50,000 78,640 15,000 357,600 123,432

*FAO (2008) Afghanistan National Livestock Census 2002–2003 (Final Report)

Source: SEARAP Project Team (based on results of subcontracted “Survey on Rural Socio-Economic Conditions”)

A large number of cattle are reared in Yakawlang and Bamyan Center, while numbers of sheep are

high in Yakawlang and Panjab. Goat is mostly seen in Bamyan Center, followed by Waras.

Though data was not available for Yakawlang, interviews with agricultural extension officers and

2 - 9

local farmers indicate that a significant number of goats are reared in the district. Poultry is widely

seen in Yakawlang and Bamyan Center.

The prevalence of apiculture is demonstrated by the number of beehives set in the districts as

shown in Table 2.1-11 below. Among the seven districts, Kahmard is well advanced in terms of

beehive installment and apiculture.

Table 2.1-11 Number of Beehives in Districts of Bamyan

Districts Number of beehives

Bamyan Center 250

Sayghan N/A

Kahmard 700

Shibar 95

Yakawlang N/A

Panjab 158

Waras 368

Source: Aga Khan Foundation, Bamyan Office

(2) Variety and Production Indicators

1) Varieties of Animals

Table 2.1-12 shows the varieties of animals bred in Bamyan and in Afghanistan.

Table 2.1-12 Animal Varieties in Bamyan and in Afghanistan

Animal Variety Characteristics

Cattle Watani* Hybrid of Kandahari and Kunari

Kandahari Larger than other varieties, Suitable for hot regions

Kunari Small sized, High adaptability, Rich in milk fat, Bred in mountainous areas

Sistani Heat resistant, Requires 3 to 4 years to mature

Sheep Arabi* Large-sized, Mainly kept in northern areas

Hazaragie* Small to middle-sized, Kept in central highland areas

Karakul Most popular variety, Suited for arid and hot regions

Ghalijai Mainly kept in southern areas, Suitable for hybridizing with Merino

Turki Large sized, Adaptive to desert areas, Tolerant to frugal diet

Baluchi Middle-sized, Kept in areas from Pakistan to Iran

Goat Watani (Badakhshani)*

Small-sized, Reared for three purposes: farm-work, milk production, and meatproduction

Asmari (Gujeri) Reared for three purposes: farm-work, milk production, and meat production

Paroni Reared for three purposes: farm-work, milk production, and meat production

Cheeli Suitable for milk production

Poultry Sabzwari* Reared for egg production, Kept mainly in northern areas

Khasaki* Reared for egg production, Kept across the country, Disease resistant, Suitable for hybridizing with improved varieties

Kulangi Reared for meat production, Similar characteristics with Malay variety

Pusti Small-sized, Reared for egg production

Honey bee

Apis mellifera* Improved variety introduced from Europe, high honey productivity

Apis Cerana Local variety, Tolerant to cold climate compared to introduced varieties but lower honey productivity, Situation of beekeeping with this variety could not be identified

* Variety mainly reared in Bamyan Province

Source: Country report on the status and perspective of the animal genetic resources development and conservation in Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (First Draft), National Livestock Production Office (FAOAFG), Mestafa Zajar, 2006

2 - 10

2) Production Indicators

2)-1 Ruminant animals

While production indicators for ruminant animals specific to Bamyan are not available, production

indicators for Afghanistan describe the general tendencies of animal productivity (including

varieties raised in Bamyan) as shown in Table 2.1-13. Compared to improved varieties reared in

other countries, all varieties tend to require a longer time to reach maturity. Such tendencies are

assumed to be the results of factors such as shortage of feed (particularly during winter),

unbalanced mineral intake and infectious diseases. In addition, there is also a possibility that a

slow growth speed is necessary for the animals to maintain their nutritional balance.

Table 2.1-13 Production Indicator of Ruminant Animals

Indicator Cattle* Sheep Goats

Body weight of adult (kg) 250 – 350 45 – 50 (Arabi**) 28 – 35 (Hazaragie**)

50 – 90 (Asmali, Male) 45 – 60 (Asmali, Female)

Time required for sexual maturation (months)

36 – 48 (Watani**) 38 – 48 (Kunari) 36 – 48 (Sistani)

5-6 5-6

Birthrate (%) 70 - 80 65 – 80 (Arabi**) 65 – 75 (Hazaragie**)

70 – 85 (Karakul) 70 – 75 (Ghaljai)

70

Age of first labor (months)

36 – 60 5–6 17–18***

5–6 17–18***

Labor interval (days) 350 – 380 (Watani) 380 (Kunari)

448 (Kandahari)

360 360

Weaning age N/A N/A N/A

Milk volume during lactation period (kg)

1,000 – 1,500 (Kunari) 1,200 – 2,000 (Kandahari)

45 – 55 (Arabi**) 40 – 45 (Karakul) 55 – 65 (Turki)

90

Milk fat rate (%) 3.5 – 4.0 (Watani) 4.0 – 4.5 (Kunari)

3.4 – 4.0 (Kandahari)

N/A N/A

Wool production (kg/year)

― 1.2 – 1.7 (Arabi**) 0.8 – 1.0 (Turki)

1.5 – 3.0 (Ghaljiai)

0.75

* Age of first labor of Holstein raised by standard feeding: 25 – 29 months, labor interval (days): 400 (E. Hare, et al., 2006)

** Main varieties raised in Bamyan Province

*** If the nutrient state of ewes and does is bad, these animals will conceive in the autumn of the next year.

Source: Zestafa Zajar (2006); Country report on the status and perspectives on the animal genetic resources development and conservation in Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

2)-2 Poultry

As shown in the poultry production indicators (Table 2.1-14) Sabzwari and Pusty, which are

dominant varieties in Bamyan, are small-sized and weigh from 1 to 2 kg at their fully-grown stage.

All local varieties produce between 60 and 150 eggs per annum, which are considerably small

compared to improved varieties which usually lay more than 300.

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Table 2.1-14 Production Indicators of Poultry

Indicator Breed

Sabzwari* Pusty Kulangi

Body weight of adult (kg) 1 – 2 1 – 1.5 4

Annual number of eggs 100 – 150 80 – 100 60 – 90

* Main variety raised in Bamyan Province

Source: Zestafa Zajar (2006); Country report on the status and perspectives on the animal genetic resources development and conservation in Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

2)-3 Honeybee

The improved western breed; Apis mellifera, is known to produce more honey compared to Asian

breeds, which include the oriental breed Apis cerana. Apis mellifera has a productivity of 20–50

kg/colony compared to Apis cerana at 8 kg/colony.

(3) Veterinary Services

Veterinary Field Units (VFUs), set up in each district under DAIL, have been providing veterinary

services that range widely from training of primary-level veterinary practitioners and inseminators,

technical guidance for livestock rearing, vaccination, traveling clinics, guidance for nutritional

improvement and breeding. However, VFUs currently face difficulties to respond to farmers’

needs in a timely manner due to shortages of funds, manpower, equipment and materials, since the

Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and other organizations terminated their support for VFUs.

2.1.5 Local Industries

Handicrafts are widely made in the Province, especially in the districts of Waras (821 villages

engaged in production), Panjab (496 villages) and Bamyan Center (146 villages). The most

popular item is rugs, which are produced in half of the villages in Waras and Panjab, followed by

jewelry (295 villages), shawls (189 villages) and carpets (178 villages).

Bamyan Province does not have many agricultural businesses, with only 17 villages having

small-scale enterprises. The breakdown is: honey production in three villages, silk production in

three villages, candy production in three villages, caracal leather production in four villages and

production of sweets with sugar in four villages.

2.1.6 Distribution of Agricultural Products

(1) Distributed Products

Supplies of agricultural products at local markets consist of local products and products imported

from outside of the region. The major agricultural products exported from and imported to

Bamyan are as follows:

Exported products: potatoes, dried fruits, livestock products (leathers and wool), etc.

Imported products: rice, wheat flour, vegetable oil, grain, sugar, vegetables, fresh fruits, etc.

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Concerning potato, which is one of the major cash crops in Bamyan, issues on market distribution

are the following6:

In Bamyan, potatoes are normally harvested in August and September and are usually sold at

around 60 Afs per sier (7 kg) to traders in September. However, if these potatoes are stored

and sold at off-peak harvest season, they could be sold at 90 Afs. Off-season sales generating

additional income requires proper storage systems to ensure the quality of potatoes. It is

difficult to guarantee the quality with the traditional means of storage using underground

cellars that are easily affected by frost and dry air.

Small-scale farmers are in a weaker position than traders as they do not have their own

means to transport produce.

(2) Agro-Processing and Storage

The storage facilities for potatoes constructed by DAIL under the support of international donors

are basically the only storage available for agricultural products.

Such products as qorot, chaka and raw butter are also produced in the areas where livestock

rearing is widely practiced. Qorot and chaka made in Bamyan are especially famous in the country

as they are additive-free and inexpensive; thus, they have a high potential for wider marketing and

sales. Currently, without any cold chain available, the products are sold within the Province; but,

once a cold chain network is developed to deliver fresh dairy products, qorot and chaka could also

be traded in Kabul and other markets as a Bamyan brand.

In terms of adding value to other raw products, capacities for processing leather and other material

are limited to preliminary processing with existing facility and techniques. Raw materials are

usually exported to neighboring countries such as Pakistan at a cheap price, processed there and

sold at a higher price. As a result, this is a lost opportunity for Bamyan and Afghanistan to add

value on domestically-produced materials and gain benefit from it.

(3) Market Status

Each district has several markets, both wholesale and retail, including those in the district center,

even though the volume of trade is not large. Most of the products pass through Kabul; thus, the

economic influence of Kabul market is significant. There are few local trading firms, and

distribution facilities, such as the road network, are not well developed. When goods are imported

to Bamyan Province, several shopkeepers usually collectively hire one truck for transportation. On

the other hand, when exporting agricultural products, the shopkeepers often visit the farmers to

purchase the goods, and transport them with trucks. The situation of markets in the districts of

Bamyan Province is as follows.

6 JICA Project Formulation Study Report “Support for Socio-Economic Activation in Rural Communities,” March 2009

2 - 13

Table 2.1-15 Situation of Markets in the Districts of Bamyan Province

Bamyan Center There are five markets. One of them is a wholesale/retail market, and four are retail markets. Shahr-e-GhulGhula is the biggest market. There is a wholesale market, a retail market and warehouses, and the area functions as a distribution hub for goods from other districts of the Province. Goods are also exported to countries such as India, Arab countries, Pakistan and Tajikistan. In some cases, goods are shipped directly to Kabul from local areas without passing Bamyan Center.

Sayghan There is only one small market: Shahr-e-GhulGhula market (retail market).

Kahmard There is only one market: Kohmard bazaar (retail market).

Panjab There are eight markets, which are all retail markets. The major commodity is potato, which is shipped directly to Kabul. Eggs and wool are also traded.

Waras There are three markets, which are all retail markets. Besides these, there are two seasonal markets in summer. Major commodities are potato and cheese.

Yakawlang There are ten markets, which are all retail markets. The Nike market is large in scale.

Shibar There are seven markets. Three of them are wholesale/retail markets and four are retail markets. All markets are of small scale.


(4) Distribution Routes

The majority of agricultural products and food items that are transported to Bamyan Province pass

through Kabul. Distribution channels of main products from overseas to Kabul are as follows:

commodities from countries other than those adjacent to Afghanistan once stored in Dubai are sent

from Dubai to Karachi by ship and then transported to Kabul by road. Although a small amount of

commodities arrive directly to Bamyan from the northern neighbors of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan,

most goods are brought into markets in Bamyan Province through Kabul via Mazar-e-Sharif and

Kunduz. The majority of the imported products are from Pakistan, which are brought in to

Bamyan through Peshawar, Jalalabad and Kabul. Though smaller in amount, imported goods from

Iran come through Kandahar and Kabul.

The export route from Bamyan is the other way around and locally-made goods are shipped to

foreign countries via Kabul.

2.1.7 Rural Infrastructure

(1) Road Network

1) Inter-Provincial Access

There are two access routes from Bamyan Center to Kabul: one is the route running through

Parwan Province passing over the Shibar Pass to connect Kabul - Mazar-e-Sharif Highway, and

the other is the route running through Maiden Wardak province crossing the Hajigak Pass. The

route through Parwan Province is considered as the main route due to its better road conditions.

The distance between Bamyan city and Kabul by the Parwan route is approximately 240 km, of

which 200 km is paved and the remaining 40 km is unpaved. It takes approximately 6 hours to

reach Kabul. Even though the Wardak route is shorter at approximately 180 km, it takes 8~9 hours

due to poor road conditions. Both routes are accessible by heavy vehicles throughout the year.

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2) Inter-District Access

The road network connecting Bamyan Center with other district centers is accessible for heavy

vehicles, but road conditions significantly vary by route. It is reported that all district centers have

traffic access with the exception of tentative closures due to winter snow; however, there are some

sections where only small vehicles can go through or are often closed by snow for a long duration

due to the lack of snow removal. In particular, the road accessing Panjab and Waras is frequently

closed due to snow in the section after Yakawlang. To reach Kahmard, the main access route is Do

Abe-Shibar because the route through Sayghan district is closed during winter.

3) Village to District Center and Village-to-Village Access

According to the Bamyan Provincial Development Plan (PDP), transport infrastructure in Bamyan

is not well developed; only 21% of roads in the Province are accessible all year round by car, 36%

are accessible by car except in winter and another 21% are inaccessible by car. There is no

available data on rural road facilities indicating reliable and accurate information on village roads,

and neither PRRD, which is responsible for village road management, nor the sub-district

governor’s office, which is expected to support PRRD on rural road management, have sufficient

information. As a result, development actors and organizations often have contradicting

information on the same road.

In terms of accessing CDCs within the Province, it is reported through the SEARAP interviews

that all CDC centers except Waras district are accessible by car in principle. However, in reality,

some of the village roads are difficult to access by car and have limited access due to snowfall as

well as flood damage during winter and spring. It seems that many CDCs are only reachable by

small vehicles during certain periods.

(2) Electricity

In Bamyan Province, there are no services providing electricity through public power grids. The

use of electricity is limited to private power generation at some houses and facilities and

small-scale power supply at the community level. Small engine generators and solar systems

(combination of solar panels and batteries) are generally used for in-house power generation. Most

in-house power generation is introduced through self-financing, while some in-house solar

systems are supported by national programmes such as NSP. Micro hydropower systems (MHP)

are used for power supply at the community level and national programmes such as NSP and

NABDP as well as other donors have supported their introduction. At present, a public power

supply with a 600 kW diesel generator is planned for development in Bamyan city, which covers

Jagrakail, Zargaran, Dawoodi and Joyeshahr villages. It was supposed to be installed by the end of

2011, but has not yet been completed as of July 2013.

The situation of electrification in districts is summarized below. There is neither inventory nor

accurate information on rural electrification and related facilities available at districts level.

2 - 15

Table 2.1-16 Situation of Electrification in Districts

Infrastructure Bamyan Center Sayghan Kahmard Panjab Yakawlang Shibar Waras

No. of villages receiving electricity

93 22 24 29 N/A 10 N/A

Households receiving electricity

13,330 2,763 3,844 5,08290%

(Dams/Solar/Generator) N/A N/A

Number of total households

16,612 4,910 8,436 19,158 20,742 7,017 29,650

Share of households receiving electricity

80.2% 56.3% 45.6% 26.5% 90% N/A N/A


(3) Potable Water

Though various reports indicate data on access to safe water in the respective districts of Bamyan,

it is difficult to verify the information and identify the actual situation since the figures show

significant discrepancies. The PDP of Bamyan indicates that 8% of the households in the province

have access to safe drinking water, while 91% have sources of water in their villages. The

remaining 9% of the households have to travel outside of the village in order to access water for

their daily use. On the other hand, the rates of access to safe drinking water indicated in the

District Development Plans (DDPs) prepared in 2007 range between 15 to 20%, and indicate that

there are no significant differences among the respective districts (Table 2.1-17).

Table 2.1-17 Access to Safe Water According to DDP

District Ratio of Household Access to Safe Water

Kahmard N/A

Sayghan N/A

Shibar 20%

Bamyan Center 20%

Panjab 15%

Waras 20%

Yakawlang 15%Source: DDP, 2007

(4) Irrigation Facilities

The number of irrigation systems in Bamyan Province was identified by the National Irrigation

Survey conducted by the FAO in October 2003. Although this survey was not completed due to

security issues and a lack of information regarding the systems, 127 surface water and 27 spring

water irrigation systems were identified in Bamyan Province. The list of existing irrigation

systems in Afghanistan has not been updated since 2003, which makes it impossible to certify all

existing facilities, including those in Bamyan Province.

SEARAP carried out interviews with DDA members and agriculture extension officers in order to

capture average conditions and the scales of existing irrigation systems. The Table 2.1-18 is a

rough estimate of irrigation conditions and scales of existing irrigation systems in each district. It

should be noted that scales described below are based on personal observations of interviewees

and are not scientific-based measurements.

2 - 16

Table 2.1-18 Scale of Irrigation Systems in Bamyan Province

Source: SEARAP Project Team (based on results of interviews with DDA members and DAIL extension officers)

2.1.8 Administrative Underpinnings

The administrative structure of Bamyan Province consists largely of three pillars. These are: 1) the

Provincial Governor’s Office, 2）the Provincial Council and 3) the Departments and Management

Offices of Line Ministries.

Kahmard Sayghan Shibar Bamyan C. Yakawlang Panjab Waras

1. Rainfed Land

(1) No. of Household (Nos.) 120 30 15 120 100 8 8

(2) Area of Land (ha) 84 10 80 48 28.8 8 2.4

(3) Facilities 1) Water Tank (dim. m) - - - - 20 x 20 x 4 - -

2) Conduction Canal (m) - - - - 500 - -

3) Irrigation Canal in the Sy stem (m) - - - - - - -

(4) Mirab No No No No No No No

2. Irrigated Land

2.1 by Spring water

(1) No. of Household (Nos.) 20 200 - - 150 15 3

(2) Area of Land (ha) 10 50.0 - - 60.0 1.6 1.0

(3) Facilities 1) Water Tank (L x B x H m) - - - - 20 x 20 x 4 20 x 15 x 1.5 3 x 3 x 1

2) Conduction Canal (m) 20 0 - - 500 200 100

3) Irrigation Canal in the Sy stem (m) 1,500 300 - - 1000 - 1500 250 20

(4) Mirab y es No - - No No No

2.2 by Snow Melting Water

(1) No. of Household (Nos.) - - 15 - 54 13 -

(2) Area of Land (ha) - - 5 - 80 5.0 -

(3) Facilities 1) Water Tank (L x B x H m) - - 45 x 45 x 2 - 70x 45x 2.5 400 x 100 x 3.5 -

2) Conduction Canal (m) - - 2,000 ~ 10,000 - 300 250 -

3) Irrigation Canal in the Sy stem (m) - - 100 ~ 800 - 2000 350 -

(4) Mirab Yes and No y es No No

2.3 by Karaze

(1) No. of Household (Nos.) - - - - 32 25 10

(2) Area of Land (ha) - - - - 20 3.2 2.0

(3) Facilities 1) Water Tank (L x B x H m) - - - - - 20 x 30 x 1.8 4 x 4 x 1.5

2) Conduction Canal (m) - - - - 600 200 120

3) Irrigation Canal in the Sy stem (m) - - - - 500 250 20

(4) Mirab - No No No

2.4 by River Water

(1) No. of Household (Nos.) 400 300 55 100 50 120 25

(2) Area of Land (ha) 200 51.2 20 80.0 20.0 60.0 10.0

(3) Facilities 1) Water Tank (dim. m) - - - - - - -

2) Conduction Canal (m) 0 0 20 1,000 - 5,000 800 0 200

3) Irrigation Canal in the Sy stem (m) 3,000 2,500 1,500 500 1,200 1,500 300

(4) Mirab No No No y es y es y es No

2 - 17


Figure 2.1-3 Major Administrative Organizations Related to Rural Development

(1) Provincial Governor’s Office and Sub-District Governor’s Offices

The Provincial Governor’s Office (PGO) is set up under the Independent Directorate of Local

Governance (IDLG) and is functioning under the leadership of the Provincial Governor, who is

appointed by the President of Afghanistan. The PGO consists of: 1) Technical Services

Department, 2) Administrative Department, 3) Office Department and 4) Secretariat of the

Governor.

The roles of the PGO in provincial development are: providing guidance to and coordination

among the relevant organizations, preparation of the Provincial Development Plan, monitoring and

supervision of budget execution, commenting on allocation of donors support in the Province, and

indicating a vision and directionality of provincial development. The PGO in Bamyan, in reality,

seems to be mainly engaged in coordination of ministerial and donor organizations. Budget

allocated to PGOs for development activities is limited, and is usually allocated only for

emergency responses such as for clearing roads blocked by natural disasters.

The main coordination mechanism among PGO and relevant organizations is the Provincial

Development Committee (PDC). The PDC, with the Provincial Governor as chairperson, was

established by the Presidential Decree of 2005. The main objectives of the PDC are to: coordinate

and monitor the activities of the departments and management offices of the line ministries, donor

agencies and NGOs; prepare the Provincial Development Plan (PDP); and improve the

administrative capacity to provide public services. PDC meetings are held every month with the

Department of Economy as its secretariat, functioning as a platform for sharing information. The

Provincial Governor’s Office

Departments/ Management

Offices

Independent Directorate of

Local GovernanceLine Ministries

Sub-District Governor’s Office

District Offices

Central

Provincial

District

: Guidance / Instruction

: Liaison / Coordination

District Council*2

(not established)

Village / Community

Provincial Council

Village Council (not established)

Provincial Development Committee

District Coordination Meeting*1

District Development Assembly*3

Community Development

Council*3

: Participate *3 These organizations are established based on Programmes by MRRD and

do not necessarily have the status as administrational units

*1 Coordination meeting conducted by invocation of the sub-district governor

*4 Informal representative of the community appointed by the Sub-district Governor under the instruction of the IDLG

Arbab/ Qaryadar*4

: Establishment / Support

*2 District Coordination Council planned to be established as transitional body

2 - 18

main participants in PDC meetings are the representatives of the PGO, ministerial departments /

management offices and donor organizations.

There is one Sub-District Governor’s Office (SDGO) in each district of the Province, excluding

Bamyan Center. The SDGOs consist of the sub-district governors and several staff. Bamyan

Center district, the capital of the Province, is classified as a municipality,7 where a mayor is

designated instead of the sub-district governor to govern district administration. In Kahmard

district, there is also a municipality8 within the district, which is in charge of the administration of

Kahmard Center.

The PGO plays a key role to collect information related to development projects and to coordinate

various actors in the phase of planning and implementation. However, in reality, the actual

functions of the PGO are limited due to insufficient human resources and technical expertise to

harmonize planning and implementation of development actions as well as development budgeting

at the provincial level. Currently, designing and implementation of development actions are

conducted individually through the departments of line ministries and/or concerned offices/units

of programme management with the support of donor agencies and NGOs. Information regarding

the progress of individual projects is collected at the PGO through monitoring to some degree.

However, it needs further improvement to achieve strategic planning for development and

streamlining the individual projects under a shared strategy and plan.

(2) Provincial Council

The Provincial Council (PC) is established based on the Constitution of Afghanistan and consists

of council members selected though a provincial election. The main objectives of the PC are to

reflect the public opinion on the provincial administration and to monitor the progress of

provincial administration. Currently, there are eight members of the council, supported by a

secretariat consisting of five administrative staff. Meetings are regularly held twice a month to

discuss provincial development issues. Their substantial input on development management is yet

to come. Although the Constitution prescribes the establishment of District Councils (DCs) and

Village Councils (VCs), their establishment and a sub-governance system as a whole have been

under discussion among concerned bodies including IDLG and MRRD.

(3) Ministerial Organizations

Development activities in Bamyan Province, including those supported by donor organizations,

7 Areas that fulfill certain conditions, like being capitals of the district or province, having a population higher than a certain

number, etc., are designated as municipalities and have rights to collect their own tax revenues and execute their own budget. According to the Municipal Law, 2000, the operational budget (expenses for personnel, maintenance of installations, etc.) is to be covered basically with the tax revenues, while a part of the development budget is to be financed by national taxes, based on the approval of the Ministry of Finance. However, in case local taxes are not sufficient, the operational budget is supplemented with national taxes. Development projects under the responsibility of each ministry are executed with the budget of the ministries, even when located in an area under the jurisdiction of municipalities.

8 The Municipality of Bamyan Center has the same position as the provincial government but the municipality of Kahmard is positioned below the provincial government. Legally, both municipalities are in the jurisdiction of the PGO. SEARAP has not yet confirmed if municipalities have been established in other districts.

2 - 19

are basically implemented by ministerial organizations under the coordination of the PGO. The

central line ministries usually maintain departments or management offices in the provinces.

Decision-making of the ministries regarding development projects is conducted under a

centralized system, and the departments or management offices do not have much influence on

decisions related to the planning, selection or implementation of the projects. In most cases, their

activities are limited to the collection of information based on the instructions from the ministry or

from the donor-supported project offices. Their main function so far observed is to act as

facilitators for the implementation of the projects.

Currently, there are 18 Departments and 11 Management Offices operating in relevant sectors

under the line ministries. The departments directly related to socio-economic activation of the

mainly agrarian Bamyan Province are the Provincial Department of Rural Rehabilitation and

Development (PRRD), the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL), the

Department of Energy and Water (DEW) and the Department of Public Works (DPW).

(4) Other Organizations

At the district level, there are various coordination assemblies under the SDGO. DDA, which has

the function of connecting communities to district administration, is a relatively new structure

formulated by the National Area Based Development Programme (NABDP) under the Ministry of

Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD). DDA meetings are held one to two times a

month at the SDGO, with the representatives of the CDCs, district-level ministerial organizations,

donor organizations and NGOs as participants. According to interviews with district government

officers and local residents, not all stakeholders are currently participating in the DDA; and

besides CDCs, only the entities directly concerned with the issues to be discussed at the DDA are

invited.

Besides DDA, District Coordination Meetings (or District Shuras) and Coordination Meetings

organized by the UNAMA take place, for information exchange regarding issues on development

and security. Basically, the concerned administrative entities, NGOs and donor organizations

participate in such meetings but the participants of the communities are not fixed. The CDCs,

Arbabs/Qaryadars, elders of the villages, or others are selected according to the necessity.

Moreover, regular sector meetings are held with the participation of the sub-district governor and

the offices of line ministries in the districts.

Currently, MRRD and IDLG are working together to establish a framework for District

Coordination Councils (DCCs), which are new structures that represent local communities at the

district level. At this point, it is assumed that DCCs in the future may take over the functions of

present DDAs to facilitate development as well as the functions as a local governance body.

2.1.9 Rural Society

Afghanistan has never had any “official” village administration in the past. Autonomy has

prevailed in rural society and village-level decision-making has been done by groups of people

2 - 20

sharing the same interests and forming a village or community in a certain geographical areas. In

this regard, villages are not usually very keen to follow any uniform regulations defined by the

central government for decision-making. Rather, the methods of decision-making and local

governance in reality are at the discretion of each village/community reflecting its village history,

ethnicity, natural conditions, religious background and influence of neighboring villages.

In the context of Bamyan as well, careful observation of rural dynamics in decision-making,

management and local governance on development issues is necessary. Even though many of their

villages share similar characteristics such as geographical conditions in remote mountainous areas,

livelihoods relying on agricultural and livestock, and the ethnic majority of Hazaras, each

community/region has a unique set-up. Therefore, sufficient communication with local population

as well as contextual facilitation among local stakeholders are essential when launching any new

development activities.

2.2 Regional Characteristics

In order to design a realistic development plan capturing diverse locality, it is essential to diagnose

area-based development conditions, potentials and obstacles. Based on the analysis of regional

characteristics, the SEARAP Team sets zones for better understanding of development profiles of

regions. Firstly, zones are identified at each major sector, such as national conditions (water

resources/climate), situations of farming practices, livestock breeding, and social conditions.

Secondly, the sector-zones are combined into a comprehensive zoning plan as presented in

Chapter 3. The Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation is proposed based on analysis of

the regional characteristics, including development potentials and constraints, of these

comprehensive zones.

2.2.1 Natural Conditions

Because there is no consolidated system to observe and record meteorological and hydrological

data, accurate diagnoses of area-wise weather conditions and volumes of water resources are

impossible. Therefore, the SEARAP Team analyzed the natural conditions of the Province based

on the information obtained in field surveys and interviews and identified four zones that share

common features and conditions of water sources, weather and irrigation systems. Together with

soil and geographical conditions, the following table and map summarizes the results.

2 - 21

Table 2.2-1 Zoning by Natural Conditions

Zone River Names Relevant Areas Natural Conditions

High temperature area with relatively large amount of water resources

Sorkh Ab River

Kahmard district, northern part of Yakawlang district

Being a mountainous area with few villages, there is almost no data regarding natural conditions of the northern part of Yakawlang district. Agricultural land is located along steep slopes, and soil is categorized as dry mountainous soil. Kahmard district has hot weather and arid land, but has affluent water sources and rainfall. The agricultural lands spread along gentle slopes to plains, with sandy and alluvial soils.

Arid high temperature area

Sayghan River and downstream area of Syakhtdar River

Sayghan district and areas north of Ghandak in Shibar district

Dry and high temperature area, with limited water sources due to its small catchment area. There is little rainfall, which is mostly observed from the end of April to the end of May. In springtime when snow melts, floods cause severe damage, especially when it rains. The agricultural land of Sayghan district spreads along gentle slopes to plains, with sandy and alluvial soils. The agricultural land in the north of Ghandak spreads along steep to gentle slopes with clay soil.

Low temperature area with large amount of water resources

Syakhtdar River

Bamyan Center district, areas south of Ghandak in Shibar district

Abundant river water and relatively well-maintained irrigation facilities exist. The weather in the areas from the east of Sebartu to the south of Ghandak is cool, while it becomes very cold in the west of Seburtu. Agricultural lands spread along gentle slopes to plains from the east of Sebartu to the south of Ghandak. In the west of Seburtu, farmland is mainly located on slopes. As for the nature of soils, alluvial soil covers the south of Ghandak, while sandy and alluvial soils are found in the east of Sebartu. Dry mountainous soils are seen in the west of Sebartu.

Band-e-Amir River

Southern part of Yakawlang district

The area has abundant river water. The climate ranges from mild to cool on the western side of Hawdi Shah in Yakawlang District, while it gets cold on the eastern side. The agricultural lands along the riversides are flat, and those found in the east of Hawdi Shah are located on slopes. As for the soil, dry to alluvial soils are found in the west of Hawdi Shah. The soils along rivers are suitable for agriculture, but salt accumulation is observed in some areas. The soils in the east of Hawdi Shah are categorized as dry mountainous soil.

Area with relatively large amount of water resources but with less developed irrigation facilities

Qarghajoi River

Western part of Panjab district, western part of Waras district

Both districts of Panjab and Waras possess water resources such as river water and spring water, but their irrigation facilities are either underdeveloped or developed with insufficient technology. Therefore, the water resources in the districts are not effectively utilized. While Panjab district is regarded as the coldest area in the Province, the climate of Waras is cold in the north, but relatively mild in the south. The agricultural lands in both districts spread from slopes to plains with mountainous soil.

2 - 22

Figure 2.2-1 Zoning by Natural Conditions

2.2.2 Situation of Farming Conditions

According to farming conditions and major crops that are already cultivated in the area and have

growth potential, farming zones are categorized into the following seven groups. Detailed

information on area-wise farming was collected through field surveys and a literature review by

the SEARAP Team. The results are summarized in the following table.

Table 2.2-2 Zoning by Situation of Farming Conditions

Zone Relevant Areas Situation of Farming Conditions

Orchard production area

Areas lower than an altitude of around 3,100 meters in Kahmard district

A wide variety of crops can be cultivated by rainfed and irrigated agriculture using river water. Out of these, orchard production is particularly active. The timing of harvest for crops such as potatoes is earlier than other districts, such as Bamyan Center, by two months. Feed crops such as clover are produced and sold. Currently, farming activities are practiced mainly along Sorkh Ab River and its branches.

Area prone to drought damage

Sayghan district and the area north of Ghandak in Shibar district

Due to recent years of drought, agricultural production is becoming difficult even for self-supply. Orchards, which produce cash crops in the area, are also being damaged by drought. Furthermore, there are cases where wheat for self-consumption is damaged by drought before the heading stage, and has to be sold as forage.

Cash crop production area

Areas lower than an altitude of around 3,100 meters in the south of Ghandak in Shibar district and the east of Sebartu in Bamyan Center district

Production of cash crops, centered on potato production with application of chemical fertilizers, is commonly practiced. Soil deterioration and frequent occurrences of pests and diseases are observed. Currently, irrigated agriculture is mainly practiced, with irrigation facilities installed along the Syakhtdar River and its tributaries.

2 - 23

Zone Relevant Areas Situation of Farming Conditions

Feed crop production area

Areas covering from the west of Sebartu in Bamyan Center district to Hawdi Shah in Yakawlang District (Altitude from around 3,100 to 3,500 meters)

Mostly covered by grassland with cold climate and heavy snowfall. Barley, which is the only food crop that can be cultivated in the area, is produced for self-consumption and for animal feed. Other crops are used only for animal feed. Uncultivated lands are used for grazing.

Subsistence agriculture area with partial production of cash crops

Areas lower than an altitude of around 3,100 meters in the west of Hawdi Shah in Yakawlang district.

Production is mainly wheat, with some vegetables (including beans and potatoes) being cultivated as cash crops. Problems due to continuous cropping are observed widely in wheat cultivation. With the use of abundant river water, other new crops can also be introduced. Currently, the farming activities are practiced mainly along the Band-e-Amir River and its tributaries.

Mountainous areas in Panjab district and in the southern part of Yakawlang district

Cultivation of wheat and potatoes are mainly practiced. Some broad beans are also produced as cash crops and part of them are sold to Kabul as dry beans.

Subsistence agriculture area

Waras District Agriculture is being practiced mainly for subsistence purposes. If there is any surplus in production, some products are brought to market. The main cash income sources are livestock and their by-products. Apple is grown in some of the areas, while there is potential for cherry cultivation in terms of climatic conditions.

Natural meadow

Mountainous areas of Kahmard district, Bamyan Center district, Yakawlang district, and Shibar district (the altitudes are between around 3,100 to 3,500 meters)

Natural grasslands spread throughout the area and are utilized for grazing during the summer season.

Figure 2.2-2 Zoning by Situation of Farming Conditions

2 - 24

2.2.3 Situation of Livestock

Major indicators for livestock categorization and zoning in Bamyan are the sizes and methods of

rearing ruminant animals, poultry farming and beekeeping. The results are summarized in the

following table.

Table 2.2-3 Zoning by Situation of Livestock

Zone Relevant Areas Situation of Livestock

Primary livestock production area

Areas covering from the west of Sebartu in Bamyan Center district to Hawdi Shah in Yakawlang district (altitudes from around 3,100 to 3,500 meters)

Livestock rearing is practiced in the flat highlands where crop cultivation is difficult due to the high altitude. Livestock is a major source of income in the forms of sales of meat, dairy products, wool, leather, etc. Prevalent processing techniques for milk, meat and leather are traditional ones. Besides barley, which is used for both self-consumption and animal feed, beans are cultivated as feed crops for winter use. The natural meadows in the surrounding areas are used for grazing during the summer season.

Secondary livestock production area

Areas lower than an altitude of around 3,100 meters along the Syakhtdar river running through Bamyan Center District towards Shibar district; areas lower than an altitude of around 3,100 meters along Yakawlang river in Yakawlang district; areas lower than an altitude of around 3,100 meters in Sayghan District; natural grasslands in areas with an altitude lower than around 3,500 meters existing in the neighborhood of these areas.

Upland crop cultivation is actively practiced, and the introduction of tractors has been proceeding in recent years. However, the role of draft animals for plowing and harvesting is still significant. In addition, sheep and goats are also raised for self-consumption and as assets. Natural meadows in these areas are used for grazing of livestock during the summer season.

Sheep / goat raising area

Mountainous areas in Panjab district and the southern part of Yakawlang district

Main livestock in the area are sheep and goats.

Ruminant animal / apiculture combination area

Areas lower than an altitude of around 3,500 meters in Kahmard district

Beekeeping is widely practiced under the support of AKF and French NGOs. Around 70% of beekeeping activities are practiced in this area. Overwintering measures for beehives are adopted. Production is done only for honey and there are no other processed products at this stage. The number of goats is larger than that of sheep. Mulberry leaves are cultivated for use as feed for livestock.

Small-scale animal raising area

Waras district The size of livestock farming is smaller than the other districts (the number of cows and chickens per household is the least among the seven districts). Poultry is relatively active compared to other activities of livestock, and beekeeping is practiced in some areas. The area for upland crop cultivation is considerably larger than that of feed crops.

2 - 25

Figure 2.2-3 Zoning by Situation of Livestock

2.2.4 Socio-Economic Conditions

As socio-economic indicators for setting up the socio-economic zoning, the SEARAP Team uses

ethnic balance in the regions and marketing and distribution condition of agricultural products.

Information was obtained through the field surveys and literature reviews of existing materials by

the Team. The results are summarized in the following table.

Table 2.2-4 Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions

Zone Relevant Areas Socio-Economic Conditions

Northern area Kahmard district, Sayghan district

Kahmard district was separated from Baghlan Province and incorporated into Bamyan Province in 2005, while its southern part was separated as Sayghan district, the 7th district in Bamyan Province. The two districts are dominated by Tajik people. They are assumed to have stronger linkages with Baghlan Province and Samangan Province, historically and ethnically. In terms of production-marketing dimensions and trade relations with Kabul, Samangan Province and Mazar-e-Sharif via Do Abe-Shibar are the main routes for trade. In some seasons, early harvests of potatoes and apples as well as products of agro-processing such as dried apricots are sold within the Bamyan markets.

Central area Yakawlang district, Bamyan Center district, Shibar district

The area is inhibited mostly by Hazara people, with increasingly strong ties with Yakawlang and Bamyan Center owing to the rehabilitation work of the Bamyan– Yakawlang road. There are trade relations with Kabul via the route from Bamyan Center over the Shibar path.

2 - 26

Zone Relevant Areas Socio-Economic Conditions

Southern area (external market oriented)

Panjab district The majority of the population is Hazara people, who inhibit small villages scattered around. In terms of agribusiness, there are currently trade relations with Kabul via Wardak Province via the Hajigak path. No marketing channels to Bamyan Center have been observed. However, shipping to Kabul via Wardak has considerable disadvantages because of transportation costs and damage during transportation. Meanwhile, regarding the rehabilitation plan of the road between Panjab and Yakawlang, the section between Panjab and Shotu path (the district border between Panjab and Yakawlang) has already been improved with gravel, through the Bamyan Roading Project by DPW. Currently the rehabilitation of flood-damaged bridges and culverts in the remaining section between Shotu path and Yakawlang is underway. Taking into account the above situation, it is assumed that the route between Panjab and Yakawlang will be the main marketing channel in the future.

Southern area (internal market oriented)

Waras district The area is considerably populated by Hazara people, with small, scattered villages. In terms of production-marketing dimensions, there are trade relations with neighboring provinces such as Daykundi and Kabul, but the main economic zone is formulated within the district, and notions of producing and marketing cash crops outside of their district are not strong.

Figure 2.2-4 Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions

3 - 1

Chapter 3 Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation (Development Scenario)

As a result of identifying sector-wise regional characteristics of the Province based on current

socio-economic survey results described in Chapter 2 and Annex 1, the Province has been divided

into seven comprehensive development zones. The Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation

has been formulated based on these development zones, which show unique characteristics

particularly in terms of development potentials and constraints. In this chapter, the vision and

scope of the Plan are first presented as the framework. This is followed by stating the directions

toward the development of each zone, which are further described as sector-wise development

scenarios for realizing the zone-wise development under the current government structure.

3.1 Framework of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation

(1) Vision of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation

The Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation, focusing on activities that will contribute to

economic activation based on analyses of local development potentials, has been formulated by

combining various means to improve the income and livelihood at community and individual

resident levels. The plan shall regard agriculture and livestock as the main industries in rural areas,

and will also focus on its peripheral industries such as agro-processing and handicrafts. However,

Bamyan Province and the Central Highlands, to which the Plan aims to contribute, are

geographically peripheral and remote areas in the country, with their social infrastructure

generally underdeveloped. Therefore, the Plan shall not only emphasize investment efficiencies

and economic potentials, but shall also consider issues such as low food self-sufficiency, food

security and poverty reduction.

(2) Scope of Formulation of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation

Though agricultural products of Bamyan have considerable economic potential (i.e., potatoes

holding a share of over 50% of the domestic, high quality dried apricots exported to international

markets, etc.), they are not sufficiently contributing to economic development of the Province.

There are considerable drawbacks for the distribution of products, such as poor distribution due to

harsh natural conditions (e.g., heavy snow in winter and spring floods caused by snowmelt),

underdeveloped infrastructure such as road network and public power grids, and lack of secondary

industries that can absorb and process the products. As a result, Bamyan remains one of the most

depressed provinces in Afghanistan, having little capacity for new investments in economic

activities. Under current conditions, assistance from the government and donors is a prerequisite

for promoting socio-economic activation in the Province.

However, with the whole country still facing many challenges in relation to rehabilitation and

development, it is difficult to assume the actual volume of support that can be expected for

Bamyan Province because government and donors are likely to prioritize their efforts for

3 - 2

rebuilding the national economy to Kabul—the capital—and other major cities where they are

expected to have maximum desired effects.

In consideration of the above, SEARAP intends to avoid proposing activities with excessive inputs

such as large-scale modernized factories or fundamental reforms in government support systems.

The proposed activities are also intended to function under the current state of rural infrastructure,

where road networks and electric power grids are not necessarily developed at sufficient levels. In

other words, the proposed Plan shall be prepared with priority given to projects making the best

use of conventional technologies and knowledge in the country and to those that enhance the

support system for crop farming and livestock, which comprise the major industries in Bamyan

Province.

(3) Target Year and Attainment Targets

The Plan aims to cover various fields related to socio-economic activation, including crop farming

development, livestock development, agricultural and rural infrastructure development and

strengthening the functions of rural administration. It includes individual targets for each sector or

activity, as well as the period required to attain them. Subsequently, the required periods

significantly vary depending on current levels of development in the sector and technical

challenges in implementing the projects. Thus, the Plan will not specify a particular target year,

but will aim to provide a mid-term development framework that covers activities to be

implemented in the next 10 years (detailed contents are described in the following “Chapter 4

Action Plan”).

(4) Beneficiary Population

While there are conflicting figures on provincial population, as described in “2.1.2 (1) Basic Data

of Bamyan Province,” the SEARAP team sets the population benefitting from the Promotion Plan

for Rural Economic Activation as 568,000, based on information collected from the Sub-District

Governor’s Offices (See Table 2.1-3).

(5) Cultivated Areas

The Plan shall focus on improving the productivity of current agricultural areas rather than on

increasing irrigated areas.

Quantitative information on existing water resources for the Province are unavailable, hence

accurate estimation of land areas that can be irrigated was not possible. Meanwhile, it is

considered that more than 80% of the water sources in Afghanistan, including those in Bamyan

Province, rely on snowmelt water from the Hindu Kush Mountains. Cultivatable areas in each

province vary depending on the quantity of snow each year. In 2011, cultivatable land producing

main agricultural products was reported to be 76,638 hectares in Bamyan Province, according to

interviews with DAIL officers.

3 - 3

According to analysis of satellite images1, the average of annual peak figures for vegetation areas

in Bamyan Province for to period of 2000 - 2011 was 207,529 hectares, while the vegetation areas

as of 2011 covered 176,532 hectares, which accounts for 85.1% of the twelve-year average.

Considering that the total cultivated area for the production of main crops for 2011 was 76,638

hectares, the average for 2000-2011 can be estimated at 90,056 hectares. The Promotion Plan for

Rural Economic Activation has been formulated utilizing the estimates of the cultivated areas for

an average year. The following table shows the estimated cultivated areas in each district.

Adjustments were made based on the cultivated areas producing main crops in 2011, on the

assumption that there are no changes in the areas for orchard production.

Table 3.1-1 Estimated Cultivated Areas in Each District for an Average Year, 2000-2011

Items Kahmard Sayghan ShibarBamyan Center

Yakawlang Panjab Waras In total

Total for 2011 (actual figure)

4,661 5,717 11,335 8,692 17,943 10,797 17,493 76,638

Cultivated areas producing main products for an average year (Estimated figure)

Winter Wheat 1,928 3,154 6,018 2,562 9,342 5,712 10,530 39,606

Spring Wheat 843 1,364 3,342 1,054 4,281 2,895 6,928 20,707

Barley 110 272 268 205 311 1,207 1,007 3,380

Beans 159 60 241 205 822 1,385 1,172 4,044

Potatoes 1,106 403 2,005 5,630 4,238 585 555 14,522

Vegetables 301 141 120 102 295 76 102 1,137

Orchards 559 292 283 148 807 65 35 2,189

Forage crops 471 672 1,042 307 991 762 226 4,471

Estimated total for an average year

5,477 6,718 13,319 10,213 21,087 12,687 20,555 90,056


(6) Crop Farming and Livestock Farming as Key Industries for the Promotion Plan for

Rural Economic Activation

Crop farming and livestock farming are regarded as the key industries for rural socio-economic

activation of Bamyan Province.

1) Cultivation of Cash Crops and Food Crops

In order to ensure food security, improvement of productivities of staple crops such as wheat shall

be given priority in parallel to the promotion of cash crops with comparative advantage such as

potatoes and fruits. In recent years, there has been an increased trend of crop conversion in the

districts of Bamyan Center and Yakawlang – from the cultivation of wheat, a principal diet, to the

cultivation of potatoes, which does not necessarily ensure sufficient income for farmers. Farmers

cultivate wheat for household consumption and raise farm animals as an asset. Meanwhile, the

Province is not self-sufficient on wheat supply, with 60% of it coming from the outside. From the

1 Described in Table A.2.4-3 Fluctuation of Vegetation Coverage in Bamyan Province, Annex 2: A.2.4.2 Examination on

Vegetation Limits in Bamyan Province

3 - 4

perspective of food security, improvement of wheat productivity is considered essential. In

addition, wheat straw and bran produced as by-products are also considered as important for the

livestock sector, which is another main industry in Bamyan Province.

Farmers’ income from potatoes and fruits alone is not sufficient either, even in the areas where

cash crop cultivation is prevalent. Moreover, in areas where wheat monoculture is widely

practiced, production is not enough to achieve self-sufficiency, forcing the area to depend on

wheat imported from outside of the Province. Pests and diseases have occurred mainly due to

replant failure in areas where potatoes are intensively cultivated, as well as in areas where wheat

monoculture is widely practiced. From these observations, it is recommended to promote the

introduction of crop rotation consisting of both cash crops and subsistence crops avoiding

promotion of monoculture, which could be highly fragile.

The Plan shall therefore aim to achieve increased productivity through introducing effective crop

rotations rather than expanding areas cultivating cash crops or subsistence crops. The Plan will

aim for the improvement of individual crop productivity by introducing improved varieties and

appropriate farm management techniques. In addition, the Plan will also aim at improving the

economic conditions of farmers by increasing the efficiency of production activities by

establishing farmers’ organizations, and by introducing activities for adding value.

2) Improvement of Stockbreeding in Crop Farming Areas

In Bamyan Province, stockbreeding accounts for a considerable share of income and nutrition, and

functions as an asset as well, and around 93% of the farmers raise ruminant animals and domestic

poultry. Throughout the Province, traditional methods of stockbreeding are being practiced, which

clearly requires many improvements in the following; feed crop production, especially the

shortage of feed crops for winter season, feeding management, disease prevention, and breeding.

Stockbreeding in Bamyan Province is roughly divided into two types according to its

complementarity with crop farming as means of livelihood. The first type is observed in areas

where stockbreeding is the main source of income due to difficulties of crop farming under harsh

natural and geographical conditions. In such areas various problems could be comprehensively

tackled to improve their situations.

The other type is practiced in areas where the main source of income is crop farming, and raising

livestock is intended as a secondary activity or as an asset. In such areas, a different approach to

increase livestock productivity is required. For example, farmers in such areas are unlikely to

convert cultivated areas of wheat and potato to feed crop to secure sufficient feed for livestock.

For them, achieving stable income from improved crop farming is probably a higher priority than

improving livestock management. Under such circumstances, gradual but not harsh change in

livestock management is preferable even if they may need to rely on winter feed crops purchased

from other areas for the time being.

The Plan, bearing these two different natures of livestock industry in mind, aims to propose feasible

3 - 5

measures that respond to the needs in mixed farming areas of livestock and crop farming as well as

livestock dominant areas.

3.2 Zone-Wise Development Scenarios

Bamyan Province has been divided into seven comprehensive development zones (See Figure

3.2-1 and Table 3.2-1) based on the analysis of its current situations as indicated in the survey

results described in Chapter 2 and Annex 1. Each development zone shows unique characteristics

in relation to socio-economic development, as well as a number of development potentials and

constraints. The Plan has been formulated with these development zones as foundational by

examining the development scenarios for each zone, taking into account its characteristics,

potentials and constraints. In this process, particular attention has been given to the condition of

crop cultivation and livestock practices, which are regarded as the two main pillars for rural

economic activation in the Province. Furthermore, the development direction of each zone has

been examined considering conventional activities practiced as well as development potentials, so

as to identify priority actions to be implemented that are expected to concretely contribute to rural

economic activation in the shortest possible time. The identified development direction of each

zone is described below.

Figure 3.2-1 Comprehensive Zoning in Bamyan Province

3 - 6

Zone (1): Orchard Production Promotion Zone

Orchard trees will be gradually replaced with varieties that bear fruits with higher market value.

Pollination by honeybees will be increased through promotion of apiculture, which will decrease

the rate of unusually shaped fruits and increase the production of good quality apricots, a leading

export product. At the same time, business establishment for agro-processing will be promoted to

accelerate effective use of agricultural products. Roads in the districts will be developed to enable

the export of both fresh and processed agricultural products. Improvement of district roads plays

an important role in the collection and shipment of agricultural products. As for ruminant livestock,

improved feeding management will decrease the rate of animal mortality, and will secure stable

production of livestock, which function as a source of food as well as asset of farmers.

Zone (2): Drought Adaptive Agriculture Development Zone

Measures for efficient utilization of limited water resources, as well as production of early- to

mid-maturing varieties of winter wheat, which grows in the early period when water can be

secured, will be introduced to establish and stabilize agricultural production aiming at subsistence

agriculture. Considering the importance of subsistence agriculture in the zone, development of

roads in the districts will be done focusing on securing distribution of commodities within the area.

For livestock keeping, the same approach as Zone (1) will be applied.

Zone (3): High Value-Added Crop Cultivation Promotion Zone

Production of potatoes will be increased by introducing improved varieties and appropriate

farming technology. Farmers’ groups will be organized to strengthen marketing power, and

establishment of agro-processing enterprises will be promoted to efficiently use agricultural

products and obtain more benefits. Roads will be developed focusing on connecting potato

production sites to main roads, which will function as the base for collection and shipping of

potatoes. The same approach for livestock as in Zone (1) is also applicable to this zone.

Zone (4): Livestock Promotion Zone

Since it is difficult to produce food crops in this zone, milk-processing activities will be expanded

by increasing production of hygienic milk through improving animal feed and feeding practices.

District roads will be developed focusing on access to main roads, which will function as the base

for shipment of dairy products.

Zone (5): Crop Diversification Encouragement Zone

Crop rotation will be introduced to realize stable production of wheat, which is a subsistence crop.

Vegetables with high market demand will be included in the rotation, aiming at sales in local

markets, including those in district centers as well as major markets such as those in Kabul. Sales

of vegetables will aim at the off-crop season, where production of vegetables in other provinces

become low. For livestock farming, the same approach as Zone (1) will be carried out. In addition,

poultry farming will be promoted to supply chicken meat and eggs to the markets of the Province,

3 - 7

where demand is high. Furthermore, the zone has potential to be developed as a base for producing

and supplying chicks to poultry farmers within the Province. Development of roads will focus on

access to the main roads, which will function as the base for shipment of potatoes and other

vegetables. Roads will be improved to reduce transportation loss of such products.

Zone (6): Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening with Preference to Cash Crop Zone

Crop rotation will be introduced to stabilize subsistence agriculture based on wheat production.

Cash crops, such as beans and fodder crops, will be included in the crop rotation to generate

additional income. Roads will be developed focusing on securing access from the production sites

to the district center, which is the base for collection and shipment of beans. The livestock

approach taken will be similar to that of Zone (1).

Zone (7): Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone

Measures to efficiently utilize the relatively abundant water resources, as well as late-maturing

wheat varieties with high yield will be introduced in order to establish and stabilize agricultural

production aiming at subsistence agriculture. Furthermore, small-scale livestock farming such as

apiculture as well as production of handicrafts will be promoted to contribute to the stabilization

of farm household economy. Considering the importance of subsistence agriculture in the zone,

roads in the district will be developed focusing on securing distribution of commodities within the

area.

3 - 8

Table 3.2-1 Comprehensive Zoning and Direction of Regional Economic Development

Zone Region Corresponding Zones Defined by Regional

Characteristics* Development Constraints Development Potentials Direction of Development

Zon

e (1

): O

rcha

rd p

rodu

ctio

n pr

omot

ion

zone

Areas in Kahmard district with altitudes lower than around 3,100 m

Zoning by Natural Conditions:Arid land and high temperature area with relatively abundant water resources

Zoning by Farming Conditions:Orchard production area

Zoning by Situation of Livestock: Ruminant animal / apiculture combination area

Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions: Northern area

- Canals are not developed and rainfed agriculture is practiced in some lands that could be developed as irrigated farmlands

- Low awareness of the prevention of pests and diseases results in the occurrence of such problems

- Though the land is arid and temperature is high, there are available water resources in the area and rainfall is also abundant

- Orchard production is active and dried apricots are particularly well known as products for export

- There are various crops cultivated and harvest period is about two months earlier than the other districts of Bamyan Province

- Practice of beekeeping is active under the support of NGOs and other organizations

(a) Strengthening of orchard production and value adding - Introduction of improved varieties and appropriate farming

management - Organizing seedling producers’ groups - Establishment of orchard production and sales unions - Promotion of establishment of agricultural processing

business (b) Promotion of Apiculture

- Improvement of measures for passing winters - Sanitation measures (fumigation of beehives) - Collaboration with fruit production

(c) Improvement of livestock raising - Improvement of feeding management, disease prevention,

reproduction control, etc. (d) Development of roads in the district

- Focus on enabling shipments toward outside of the district (e) Development of irrigation and drainage systems

- Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using river water

Zon

e (2

): D

roug

ht-a

dapt

ive

agri

cult

ure

deve

lopm

ent z

one Sayghan

district and areas north of Ghandak in Shibar district

Zoning by Natural Conditions:Arid high temperature area

Zoning by Farming Conditions:Area prone to drought damage

Zoning by Situation of Livestock: Secondary livestock production area

Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions: Northern area

- Water resources are limited due to arid weather, high temperature and small catchment area for the river basin; rainfall, which is observed during the period of late March to late April, is very limited

- Flood damages occur when there is rainfall during snowmelt season

- Production of agricultural products to achieve food self-sufficiency is difficult due to droughts in recent years

- In some cases, wheat cultivated for own consumption has to be sold as forage because it is damaged by drought before heading season.

- In the northern parts of Shibar district, there is abundant water in the low-lying rivers. However, such water cannot be utilized because farmlands are located on the hillsides.

(a) Introduction of drought-adaptive agriculture- Introduction of early- to mid-maturing varieties with

cold-resistant characteristics - Improvement of soil water retention capacity by use of

plant residues - Introduction of crop rotation

(b) Improvement of livestock raising - Improvement of feeding management, disease prevention,

reproduction control, etc. (c) Development of roads in the district

- Focus on securing transportation of materials within district (d) Development of irrigation and drainage systems

- Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from springs and snowmelt

- Installation of retarding basin to secure water for agriculture

* Described in “2.2 Regional Characteristics” of this report

3 - 9



Zon

e (3

): H

igh

valu

e-ad

ded

crop

cul

tiva

tion

pr

omot

ion

zone

Areas south of Ghandak in Shibar district and areas east of Sebartu in Bamyan Center district with altitudes lower than around 3,100 m

Zoning by Natural Conditions:Low temperature area with abundant water resources

Zoning by Farming Conditions:Cash crop production area


Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions: Central area

- Deterioration of land, as well as pests and diseases are likely to occur, due to intensive potato production and inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers

- There are abundant river flows,and irrigation facilities are relatively developed

- The area producing half of the national production has a national reputation as a major potato production base

- The 80 km road section between Bamyan Center and Yakawlang has been improved with the support of ADB, and inter-provincial access to Kabul, and access within the Province, has largely improved

(a) Improvement of income by adding value to potatoes - Introduction of improved varieties and appropriate farming

management - Introduction of crop rotation - Establishment of potato production and sales unions - Promotion of establishment of agricultural processing

business (b) Improvement of livestock raising

- Improvement of feeding management, disease prevention, reproduction control, etc.

(c) Development of roads in the district - Focus on connecting production sites to main roads that

function as distribution (collection / shipping) base (d) Development of irrigation and drainage systems

- Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using river water - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from

springs and snowmelt

Zon

e (4

): L

ives

tock

pro

mot

ion

zone

Areas from west of Sebartu in Bamyan Center district to Hawdi Shah of Yakawlang district (at altitudes between around 3,100 – 3,500 m)


Zoning by Farming Conditions:Feed crop production area

Zoning by Situation of Livestock: Primary livestock production area


- Crop cultivation is difficult due to high altitude and cold climate

- Winter feed is cultivated in the area, butis of low quality and amount, thus animal weight loss during winter is significant

- Abundant river waters are available

- Qorot and chaka produced in the area are well known throughout the country due to the pure quality, where the products are made from only salt and milk

- The 80 km road section between Bamyan Center and Yakawlang has been improved under the support of ADB, and inter-provincial access to Kabul,and access within the Province has largely improved

(a) Improvement of animal feed- Introduction of improved varieties of feed crops - Introduction of crop rotation - Improvement on feed preparation methods


reproduction control, etc. (c) Strengthening of milk processing

- Establishment of milk processing unions - Introduction of small-scale milk processing facilities

(d) Development of roads in the district - Focus on connecting production sites to main roads that

function as distribution (collection / shipping) base (e) Development of irrigation and drainage systems

- Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using river water - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from

springs and snowmelt* Described in “2.2 Regional Characteristics” of this report

3 - 10



Zon

e (5

) : C

rop

dive

rsif

icat

ion

enco

urag

emen

t zon

e

Areas west of Hawdi Shah, Yakawlang district with altitudes lower than around 3,100 m


Zoning by Farming Conditions:Subsistence agriculture area with partial production of cash crops



- Deterioration of soil and occurrences of pests and diseases are common due to monoculture of wheat

- There are abundant river waters

- The dry and alluvial soils are suitable for agriculture

- Vegetables, including beans and potatoes, are cultivated as cash crops. Due to cold climate, the area has advantage to provide fresh vegetables to the markets of Kabul during off-crop season of other production areas (July - August)

- Incubators for chick production have been introduced to some of the farmers by DAIL

- The 80 km road section between Bamyan Center and Yakawlang has been improved with the support of ADB and inter-provincial access to Kabul, and access within the Province has largely improved

(a) Introduction of crop rotation of wheat and cash crop - Introduction of improved wheat varieties - Introduction of vegetables with market demand - Establishment of vegetable production and sales unions

(b) Promotion of poultry raising - Establishment of a base for chick supply - Feed improvement - Disease prevention measures - Measures for passing winters

(c) Improvement of livestock raising - Improvement of feeding management, disease prevention,

reproduction control, etc. (d) Development of roads in the district

- Focus on connecting production sites to main roads that function as distribution (collection / shipping) base

(e) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from


Zon

e (6

): S

ubsi

sten

ce a

gric

ultu

re

stre

ngth

enin

g w

ith

pref

eren

ce to

cas

h cr

op

zone

Mountainous areas in Panjab district and the southern part of Yakawlang district

Zoning by Natural Conditions:Area with relatively abundant water resources but with less developed irrigation facilities

Zoning by Farming Conditions:Subsistence agriculture area with partial production of cash crops

Zoning by Situation of Livestock: Sheep / goat raising area

Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions: Southern area (external market-oriented)

- Although water sources such as rivers and springs are present, such water is not utilized due to underdevelopment of irrigation facilities

- Broad beans are produced as cash crops and some of them are shipped to Kabul as dried beans

- Road improvement works are being implemented for the section between Panjab and Yakawlang. When this work is completed, access to Bamyan Center will be improved and there will be an alternative route for inter-provincial access that connects the area with Kabul, instead of Behsud road

(a) Introduction of crop rotation of wheat and cash crop - Increase in production of marketable beans and livestock

feed - Introduction of improved wheat varieties


reproduction control, etc. (c) Development of roads in the district

- Focus on securing accessibility from production sites of beans to the district center

(d) Development of irrigation and drainage systems - Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from



3 - 11


Characteristics* Development Constraints Development Potentials Direction of Development Z

one

(7):

Sub

sist

ence

agr

icul

ture

str

engt

heni

ng z

one

Waras district

Zoning by Natural Conditions:Area with relatively abundant water resources but with less developed irrigation facilities

Zoning by Farming Conditions:Subsistence agriculture area

Zoning by Situation of Livestock: Small-scale animal raising area

Zoning by Socio-Economic Conditions: Southern area (internal market-oriented)

- Available water sources such as rivers and springs are not utilized due to underdevelopment of irrigation facilities

- The average area cultivated by one farm household is significantly small

- Number of livestock raised is low compared to other districts

- Poultry production has largerpotential compared to other districts of the Province. Beekeeping is practiced in some areas

- Handicrafts such as embroidery and tailoring of Namado (small cushions) and Barak (wool vests) have been traditionally carried out.

- Improved varieties of late-maturing wheat with high yield can be introduced if irrigation facilities are installed

(a) Introduction of improved wheat varieties suitable for the production environment - Introduction of late maturing varieties of wheat - Introduction of crop rotation

(b) Promotion of poultry raising - Feed improvement - Disease prevention measures - Measures for passing winters

(c) Promotion of apiculture - Improvement in measures for passing winters - Sanitation measures (fumigation of beehives) - Collaboration with fruit production

(d) Promotion of handicrafts - Establishment of production system - Promotion of business establishment

(e) Development of roads in the district - Focus on securing transportation of materials within the

district (f) Development of irrigation and drainage systems

- Rehabilitation of irrigation systems using water from springs and snowmelt


3 - 12

3.3 Sectoral Development Scenarios

Many of the development issues that need to be tackled in order to realize the direction of

development are common between multiple zones or for the whole province. In order to tackle

these development issues in an efficient and comprehensive manner, sector based actions (sectoral

development scenarios) covering a whole area sharing common development issues should be

examined instead of separately examining actions for individual zones. Therefore, zone-wize

development scenarios are redefined into sectoral development scenarios by putting together the

development issues identified in the respective zones. In addition, formulation of sectoral

development scenarios also results in easier setting-up of actual implementation structures. In

other words, this section describes sectoral development scenarios, consisting of basic concepts

and measures to be taken, for the major sectors of crop farming, livestock, infrastructure (roads

and irrigation), non-farm products and rural administration.

3.3.1 Crop Farming Development Plan

(1) Basic Concept

The Crop Farming Development Plan shall contribute to socio-economic development by

“ensuring stability in food supply and agricultural income,” through “effective utilization of

existing environmental conditions and natural resources and realization of sustainable agricultural

production adaptive to the natural environment.”

Though crop farming has been one of the key industries in Bamyan Province, its production has

continued to be unstable in recent years. In the past, there were years when even food production

for self-consumption in some areas was difficult, and income levels have remained generally low

compared to those in other provinces. The cause of the problem has been the inability of the

existing cultivation methods and forms of agricultural management to respond to recent changes in

agricultural environments such as droughts, floods and soil deterioration.

Use of unsuitable crop varieties and inappropriate farming management techniques, as well as

underdevelopment of facilities to utilize water resources have been obstructing the full utilization

of unique advantages of natural conditions and resources of the regions. In some areas where

climate is relatively warm, crop varieties that cannot be cultivated in other areas of the Province

can be introduced to diversify agricultural production. In other areas where floods and soil erosion

are frequently observed, implementation of structural and / or farming measures may enable the

utilization of intensive rainfall and surface-flow for agricultural purposes.

Agricultural production in Bamyan could be sufficiently improved by selecting and applying

conventional technologies that are adaptable to the inherent natural environment and that enable

the sustainable use of existing natural resources. Such measures, which local farmers can practice

without excessive investment, advanced technologies or expensive materials, are proposed in the

following section “(2) Measures to be Taken.”

3 - 13

The desirable direction for crop farming is identified in the following three areas reflecting

distinctive farming characteristics of each area.

1) Areas focusing on subsistence agriculture as main vocation (Zone (2) and Zone (7))2) Areas engaged in small-scale cash crop farming in addition to subsistence agriculture

(Zone (5) and Zone (6)) 3) Areas actively producing cash crops (Zone (1) and Zone (3))

1) Areas Focusing on Subsistence Crop Agriculture as Main Vocation

(Mainly Consisting of: Sayghan, Northern Part of Shibar, Waras)

Stable production and supply of food crops is a critical issue in these areas where agricultural

production is mainly for securing self-consumption, and only surplus produce is sometimes sold

for cash income. In recent years, however, shortages in agricultural water and floods have

damaged agricultural production. In addition, its geographically remote condition has prevented

agricultural materials and improved technology from being disseminated in the area. As a result,

the quantity of wheat production, which is the staple food in the area, has been reported to have

declined by 30% to 50% of the normal quantity every 3 to 4 years.

Effective use of existing water resources and introduction of farming management technology

adaptive to local agricultural conditions will contribute to better conditions for subsistence

agriculture. Stabilized production of subsistence crops shall be realized by mitigating flood

damage to crops through improvement of water management, and by reducing the damage to

wheat in drought years through introducing water-saving technology and crop varieties that are

adaptive to the natural environment in the area.

2) Areas Conducting Small-Scale Cash Crop Farming in Addition to Subsistence Agriculture

(Mainly Consisting of: Western Part of Yakawlang, Waras)

Due to socially and geographically isolated locations, advancement in agricultural development

has not been seen in these areas so far. Currently, there is a tendency of monoculture farming of

principal crops, such as wheat and barley for self-consumption, which allows soil deterioration as

well as disease and insect damages to easily become pervasive. However, these areas are identified

as suitable for cultivating vegetables and beans due to climatic conditions and existing water

resources. Farmers in the area have been assisted by some NGOs to cultivate such cash crops. In

some areas, roads connecting to the provincial center have been improved, enabling more local

farmers to become interested in cash crop cultivation.

Strengthening of cash crop production and stabilization of wheat production for self-consumption

shall be realized through installing / rehabilitating water management facilities for the effective

use of water resources, and introducing vegetables and beans to the crop rotation cycle, and

further expanding its production in order to strengthen / stabilize production. Improvement of

agricultural productivity through optimizing the use of farmlands is a key to securing agricultural

income through cash crops and to stabilize subsistence agriculture in the area.

3 - 14

3) Areas Actively Producing Cash Crops

(Mainly Consisting of: Bamyan Center, Southern Part of Shibar, Kahmard)

A certain level of agricultural income is generally obtained in these areas through the sales of

apricots and potatoes, which are the main cash crops of Bamyan Province. Some of Bamyan

potatoes with high market demand are reported to be traded at prices 1.2 to 1.5 times higher than

normal prices. Timing adjustments for the sales of potatoes also generate some 1.3 to 1.5 times

higher profit. Dried apricots of the Province also have high demand in the national market, with

some of the products even being traded internationally. Such facts indicate that improvement of

conventional agricultural practices can lead to the improvement of farm household economy.

However, these days, lowering qualities and productivities of these cash crops have become

serious concerns in the area. Deterioration of the qualities of potatoes, caused by repeated use of

the same seed potatoes harvested from the same field, as well as other inappropriate farming

management practices, have recently been observed. Similarly, quality of apricots is lowered, due

to the aging of orchards and occurrences of pests and diseases.

Considering the above situations, enhancement of profitability through agricultural production

shall be realized through: introduction of improved crop varieties with high market value and

appropriate farming management technologies; improvement of technologies for adding value,

including agro-processing; and through strengthening the capacity of farmers for managing

farming practices from economic viewpoints.

(2) Measures to be Taken

Both cross-regional and area-specific measures for crop farming development in the areas

identified above are proposed as follows.

Crop farming in all areas of Bamyan Province have a common issue of maintaining soil fertility

for improvement of productivity, and animal droppings, which are also used as heating fuel, have

been conventionally used for homestead purposes. The proposed measures include the application

of animal droppings to agricultural fields in addition to introduction of crop rotations and other

practical technologies, while agricultural usage of animal droppings may have limited impact on

improving soil fertility when alternative fuel sources for heating are not available at households.

1) Areas Focusing on Subsistence Crop Agriculture as Main Vocation

(Mainly Consisting of: Sayghan, Northern Part of Shibar, Waras)

The approach aims to establish and stabilize subsistence agriculture through securing water for

agricultural purposes, and through introducing farming management technologies adaptive to the

agricultural environment.

1)-1 Securing of agricultural water through effective utilization of existing water sources

Depending on the causes of agricultural water shortages, different responses are necessary as

follows.

3 - 15

Type 1: areas where there is limited amount of water resources available

Region: mainly consisting of drought-affected areas in Sayghan, northern part of Shibar

Observed problems: Wheat cannot be harvested when depletion of water resources occurs due to high temperature and dry climate during the period from May to June when water is needed for heading and fruition.

Measures to be taken: Structural measures, such as installation of temporary reservoirs, will enable the use of flood waters in early spring and secure water for agriculture up to the month of June, which is the minimum requirement for the cultivation of winter wheat.

Type 2: areas where water is available in considerable amount, but is not in use for agricultural purposes due to the underdevelopment of irrigation facilities

Region: mainly consisting of Waras

Observed problems: Available water resources are wasted due to insufficient development of irrigation facilities. The lack of water for agriculture is particularly evident for small farmlands distant from river systems.

Measures to be taken: Rehabilitation of the existing irrigation systems and facilities to utilize small water resources such as springs will make it possible to distribute water to farmlands.

1)-2 Introduction of farming management technologies adaptive to agricultural environment

Introduction of improved varieties of wheat adaptive to the environment, and appropriate farming

management technologies, shall be promoted. Crop rotation shall also be introduced to maintain

soil fertility and prevent the occurrence of pests and diseases.

In the above Type 1 area, which is significantly affected by droughts, it is assumed that retaining

water will only be possible to the end of June even after the installation of facilities for water

storage. Under such conditions, the necessary strategy is to stabilize the amount of production by

focusing on production of winter wheat, which ripens somewhat earlier than spring wheat, and by

introducing early- to mid-maturing varieties as well as relevant farming management technologies.

In addition, irrigation with appropriate amounts of water shall be practiced in combination with

water-saving technologies, in order to increase the probability of harvest in the existing

agricultural environment. Plowing in plant residues or animal droppings around the plant in order

to retain soil moisture could be one of the techniques for saving water. Appropriate technology

shall be carefully examined and introduced in any case, based on close observation of farming

practices, taking into account factors such as the degree of soil dryness, soil texture and locally

available material.

The recommended crop rotation cycle in this area is a 5-year cycle centered on wheat for

self-consumption. The cycle consists of wheat – potato / vegetables – wheat – beans / fodder crop

– wheat and barley. Instead of vegetables with high water demand, those that have a certain

degree of tolerance against dry conditions such as onions, would be preferable to be included in

the rotation.

In the above Type 2 area, where irrigation facilities are underdeveloped, it is expected that water

for agriculture can be secured throughout the year by developing irrigation systems. Improved

varieties of wheat with late-maturing characteristics shall be introduced, considering that

late-maturing varieties are commonly cultivated in Bamyan Province. In order to benefit from the

3 - 16

high productivity of late-maturing wheat varieties, appropriate management of irrigation as well as

prevention of pests and diseases must be thoroughly applied. Therefore, it is important that the

agricultural extension system is strengthened,

and that the district agricultural extension

officers obtain sufficient knowledge of the

pertinent varieties so that they can provide

information on appropriate farming

management technologies to farmers.

The recommended crop rotation cycle in this area is a 4-year cycle centered on wheat for

self-consumption. The cycle consists of wheat – wheat and barley – wheat - beans and fodder

crops and potatoes / vegetables. In general,

wheat can be cultivated up to 3 consecutive

years without replant failures. However,

repeated cultivation increases the risk of pests

and diseases. Therefore, different varieties of

wheat or barley (which is also a staple food in

the area) should be combined in the cycle.

Moreover, beans, which have the effect of

increasing soil fertility, should also be introduced in the cycle.

2) Areas Conducting Small-Scale Cash Crop Farming

(Mainly Consisting of: Western and Southern Part of Yakawlang, Panjab)

The Plan aims to increase agricultural income and stabilize subsistence agriculture through

optimizing agricultural land use and strengthening marketing of agricultural products in these

areas.

2)-1 Optimizing agricultural land use

Production of cash crops shall be increased by preventing soil deterioration and controlling pests

and diseases with the application of appropriate farming management practices. Conventional cash

crops shall be introduced into the crop rotation in the area, where monoculture is widely practiced.

Conventional cash crops cultivated in the area are beans, including those for fodder, and

vegetables including potatoes. Since these crops require larger amounts of water compared to

wheat cultivation, it will also be necessary to improve efficiency of water use, by means of

rehabilitation of existing irrigation facilities and introduction of modern water management.

The kind of cash crops to be introduced, as well as the rate of cultivation to be incorporated into

the crop rotation system, shall be determined based on climatic and social characteristics of the

area. Cropping patterns can be largely categorized into two types.

Wheat Potatoes WheatBeans + fodder

cropsWheat + barely

20% 20% 20% 5% + 15% 15% + 5%

Wheat + barely Wheat Potatoes/vegetables WheatBeans + fodder

crops

15% + 5% 20% 20% 20% 5% + 10%

Beans + vegetables+ fodder crops

Wheat + barely Wheat Potatoes Wheat

5% + 15% 15% + 5% 20% 20% 20%

WheatBeans + fodder

cropsWheat + barely Wheat Potatoes/vegetables

20% 5% + 15% 15% + 5% 20% 20%

Potatoes/vegetables WheatBeans + fodder

cropsWheat + barely Wheat

20% 20% 5% + 15% 15% + 5% 20%

5th

Year

4th

Year

3rd

Year

2nd

Year

1st

Year

Wheat Wheat + barely WheatBeans + potatoes +

fodder crops

25% 20% + 5% 25% 10% + 10% + 5%

Beans + potatoes /vegetables + fodder

cropsWheat Wheat + barely Wheat

10% + 10% + 5% 25% 20% + 5% 25%

WheatBeans +

potatoes/vegetables+ fodder crops

Wheat Wheat + barely

25% 10% + 10% + 5% 25% 20% + 5%

Wheat + barely WheatBeans +

potatoes/vegetables+ fodder crops

Wheat

20% + 5% 25% 10% + 10% + 5% 25%

1st

Year

2nd

Year

3rd

Year

4th

Year

3 - 17

Type 1

Wheat or barley for self-consumption (cultivated in some 90% of the cropped area), together with fodder crop and beans, which are partially sold for cash income

Mainly practiced in the southern part of Yakawlang, Panjab

Type 2

Wheat for self-consumption (cultivated in some 66% of the cropped area), together with beans for fodder and small production of vegetables / potatoes for cash income

Mainly practiced in the western part of Yakawlang

In general, beans are most suitable where Type 1 is practiced,

generally in hilly parts of the Province with a cool climate

throughout the year. By introducing beans and fodder crops

into the crop rotation system, and by increasing the rate of

their cultivation from the current 16% to around 25%, replant

failures of wheat will be avoided and soil fertility will be

maintained through nitrogen fixation. A certain level of income will also be expected through

sales of the introduced crops. As an example, a 4-year cycle of wheat – beans and fodder – wheat

and barley – wheat and vegetable / potato can be recommended. In addition, introduction of

mulches and tunnels shall be considered for protecting the crops from the cold weather at their

seedling stage.

On the other hand, in areas where Type 2 is practiced, the abundant river water flowing from the

watershed could be used for irrigation. Moreover, some of the areas have relatively mild climates

suitable for cultivation of various vegetables such as radish, cabbage, cucumber and tomato, which

have particularly high market demand. Such vegetables should be introduced in a crop rotation

system currently centered on wheat, and their productivity should be increased. As an example, a

5-year cycle of wheat – potato – wheat – beans and vegetable and fodder crop – wheat and barley

is recommended. Through such a cycle, the share of cultivation of the vegetables can be increased

from the current 1.4% to around 10%. Produced vegetables can be sold at local markets as well as

to markets in Kabul. Taking advantage of the time gap of harvest between Bamyan and other

provinces, off-peak sales could boost up the price of these vegetables in the Kabul markets.

2)-2 Introduction of Marketing Measures

Vegetable cultivation and its sales promotion have high potential for economic activation in

Bamyan as already described, and marketing of agricultural products in Bamyan has great room to

be improved in order to maximize profit from sales of cash crops. As a means to strengthen

marketing, empowering farmers and organizing farmers’ groups / associations are essential.

Currently, farmers in Bamyan have limited experience bringing agricultural products to large

markets where the recognition and reputation of Bamyan products is low. Conventional trade of

agricultural products in the Province has been carried out on a small scale, aiming only to sell or

barter at local markets. Vegetables are sold occasionally by individual farmers without taking

WheatBeans + fodder

cropsWheat + barely

Wheat +potatoes/vegeta

bles

25% 20% + 5% 15% + 10% 20% + 5%

Wheat +potatoes /vegetables

WheatBeans + fodder

cropsWheat + barely

20% +5 % 25% 20%+5% 15% + 10%

Wheat + barelyWheat +

potatoes/vegetables

WheatBeans + fodder

crops

15% + 10% 20% + 5% 25% 20% + 5%

Beans + fodderCrops

Wheat + barelyWheat +

potatoes/vegetables

Wheat

20% + 5% 15% + 10% 20% + 5% 25%

3rd

Year

4th

Year

1st

Year

2nd

Year

3 - 18

advantage of the good quality and / or time of production.

Sales of vegetables could be strengthened by measures such as joint marketing by farmers’

organizations, agricultural cooperatives and CDCs in order to ensure a stable supply of vegetables

and to collectively negotiate for better sales conditions. Profitability from sales of vegetables shall

also be increased by producing crops strategically according to cropping plans focusing on

vegetables with higher market demands. Such plans shall be prepared by the farmers’ organization

by collecting market information and identifying vegetables with higher market demand and

profitability.

3) Areas Actively Producing Cash Crops

(Mainly Consisting of: Bamyan Center, Southern Part of Shibar, Kahmard)

Agricultural profitability shall be improved by enhancing quality and productivity of products

through appropriate farming management, by adding value through agro-processing and by

strengthening measures for marketing.

3)-1 Introduction of improved varietiesand application of appropriate farming management

In order to increase profitability from the cultivation of potato and apricot, the main cash crops in

the area, both the productivity and the quality of these crops shall be enhanced through improved

varieties and appropriate farming management technologies adaptive to the local environment.

Potato, the most important cash crop in Bamyan Province, faces occasional drawbacks in

production due to pests and diseases. One of the major reasons for this is the use of uncertified

seed potatoes harvested in the farmers’ own farmland or purchased from other farmers. Though

seed potatoes of improved varieties are currently provided on a trial basis to a limited number of

farmers, there is no system to produce and distribute certified seed potatoes in sufficient amounts.

It is therefore urgently needed to establish a system to distribute improved seed potatoes, in which

contracted farmers will constantly supply seed potatoes certified by the agricultural research

center.

Parallel to the introduction of improved seed potatoes,

appropriate farming management technology shall also be

disseminated. Furthermore, measures to prevent replant

failures, such as improvement of the soil’s physical

characteristics by deep plowing and soil dressing, and

introduction of crop rotation centered on potatoes shall be introduced. In these areas, a 4-year crop

rotation cycle, consisting of potato – wheat – potato – wheat and beans and fodder can be

recommended.

Apricots also recently faced issues of low quality due to viral diseases and low production due to

aging of trees. Profitability of apricots shall be improved by increasing productivity and market

value through: establishing a system for disseminating appropriate farming management

technologies, such as application of fertilizers, agro-chemicals for pest control, and pruning; and

Potatoes Wheat PotatoesWheat + beans +

fodder crops

25% 25% 25% 15% + 5% + 5%

Wheat + beans +fodder crops

Potatoes Wheat Potatoes

15% + 5% + 5% 25% 25% 25%

PotatoesWheat + beans +

fodder cropsPotatoes Wheat

25% 15% + 5% + 5% 25% 25%

Wheat PotatoesWheat + beans +

fodder cropsPotatoes

25% 25% 15% + 5% + 5% 25%

1st

Year

2nd

Year

3rd

Year

4th

Year

3 - 19

by introducing seedling production practices to gradually replace the aged trees with improved

varieties.

3)-2 Adding value through agro-processing centering on potatoes and fruits

Besides marketing as raw products, agro-processing to add value to potatoes and apricots shall be

introduced in order to maximize the profitability of these crops. Processing technology, in

combination with effective marketing and efficient delivery, will increase income and energize

local agro-economy when raw products are sorted out based on quality / size / grade and processed

or sold raw according to the classification to be sold at better prices.

To secure market competitiveness, processed products should be produced in sufficient amount

and quality, while continuous efforts for developing new markets and for further development of

products based on market demand are also required. Furthermore, in order to attain maximum

benefit from processing facilities, which require certain levels of initial investment and skilled

labor, processing works should be carried out year round. Such form of operation is difficult for

individual farmers or small farmers’ groups to run, as they need considerable amounts of time for

farm works. Therefore, the Plan proposes agro-processing and distribution activities to be done by

business enterprises, as they can be more devoted to agro-processing as business activities.

There are few business entrepreneurs operating agro-processing in Bamyan Province, and the

number and scale of distributors, including wholesalers and retailers, are also small and yet to be

organized. Raw products are sold cheaply, often too cheaply, to foreign brokers and buyers from

Pakistan, Uzbekistan and so on.

In general, measures to support domestic agro-industry products are taken by the central

government as national policies, including tariffs on imported goods for protecting domestic

agro-markets and subsidies to help domestic industries and entrepreneurs. In parallel with the

public support, initiative taken by the private sector, namely business entrepreneurs, is essential in

securing a constant supply of products, assuring product quality, marketing, and developing

distribution channels in better condition, etc.

In Bamyan however, the private business sector has not been full-fledged, but rather needs

significant governmental supports at various dimensions of business such as securing operational

funds, providing technical expertise on production, processing, marketing and distribution as well

as on supply-chain management, and improving distribution infrastructures, including basic roads

and a cold chain. Fostering local enterprises specialized in agro-processing and distribution is

particularly important in the context of Bamyan Province where businesses, including production

and processing of agricultural products, are traditionally run by family members or relatives.

Transforming family-oriented, small-scale business into more dynamic, commercial business

surely requires professional supports from external entities. In this regard, existing supporting

programmes play key roles such as the Microfinance Investment Support Facility for Afghanistan

(MISFA), National Area Based Development Programme (NABDP), Afghanistan Rural

3 - 20

Enterprise Development Programme (AREDP) and Comprehensive Agriculture and Rural

Development Facility CARD-F. DAIL is also a major player to boost agro-business in Bamyan.

As for processing specific products, potatoes have high potential to be processed as potato chips,

which have high market demand in the country, dried mash potatoes and potato starch. Processing

of apricots into dried fruit is widely practiced, including high-quality products called Chapanamak

which is exported not only to neighboring countries but also to Europe. With the increasing

demand for its export, profitability for apricots shall be improved by increasing production

through introducing technology such as drying in greenhouses or applying small-scale solar

heating systems. Besides these crops, other raw fruits, especially damaged or low-quality harvest,

can be processed into products such as jam and paste in order to make best use of them.

As mentioned earlier, agro-processing activities require certain levels of initial investment and

skilled labor. Securing such resources will be one of the major challenges in promoting

agro-processing activities, especially for those requiring advanced techniques. Furthermore,

introduction of new processing activities requires major efforts for developing new markets and

distribution routes, not to mention the common risks that commercial businesses may face.

Considering such issues, the Plan proposes that promotion of agro-processing should first be done

by enhancing processing activities conventionally practiced in the Province. Also recognizing the

economic potentials of processed products to be newly introduced, such practices should also be

promoted in parallel to conventional products, but with a longer time span.

3)-3 Strengthening marketing of agricultural products

Sales of agricultural products in Bamyan Province are usually done by individual farmers, either

by selling the produce to traders or to shopkeepers in local markets. Very few actions are taken by

these farmers for marketing. Under the circumstances, it is useful to organize farmers and take

collective actions in order to obtain advantageous terms for farmers against traders by relying on

the economy of scale. Following approaches may be applied:

i) Better Timing of Sales Through Proper Stock / Storage Management

Despite profitability of potatoes in Bamyan Province being low at the harvest peak, most

farmers sell potatoes at the peak with low price. Profitability from sales of potatoes shall be

improved by promoting the use of advanced storage facilities and the sale of potatoes during

the period of November to February, when the price gets generally high.

Storage facilities for fruits will require large investments because cold storage is necessary to

preserve fruits fresh.

ii) Establishment of Farmers’ Organizations to Strengthen Bargaining Power

Farmers are empowered and encouraged to establish cooperative organizations or

associations. These cooperative groups could reduce production costs and increase

productivity through group activities such as joint purchase of agricultural inputs and

equipment, collaborative farm work, joint shipment of products, etc. Cooperative marketing

3 - 21

activities could increase bargaining power when the organizations trade products in bulk

with certain quality collected from members. Improvement of packing materials to avoid

shipment loss can also be easier for such large quantities. When an organization could

guarantee to produce a certain amount of products, it also becomes possible for the

organization to make contracts with large-scale consumers to supply products regularly in

order to stabilize sales of the products. Throughout these actions, efforts shall be made at

every possible opportunity to brand agro-products of Bamyan Province–quality assurance,

designing packages, marketing and selling at retail and wholesale markets and so on.

4) Investment Funds

Existing rural credit schemes in Bamyan Province are not fully utilized by local farmers due to

reasons such as the rigidness of its conditions and difficult access from remote areas. Around 85

percent of households in the Province have debts in some form, but only 4 percent of all

households utilize public loans for investing in agriculture and business (3 percent in agriculture

and 1 percent in business). Instead of public loans, many farmers informally borrow agricultural

materials in kind or cash from acquainted shops and persons, such as fertilizer stores and

agricultural traders. Having to repay the debt, such farmers usually have no option but to sell their

products to traders or other individuals to whom they owe money. Under this practice, prices are

low because the products are mostly sold at harvest peak. To resolve this situation, creation of an

agricultural loan scheme provided by public financial institutions is necessary, for which an

initiative should be taken at the national level, rather than the Bamyan local level, to install such a

mechanism legally and make it financially sound.

In order to facilitate the agricultural investment, most of which is for agricultural input, the Plan

proposes to utilize cooperative groups. Establishment of cooperatives will enable flexible use of

existing credit schemes, as seen in the case of a potato producers’ cooperative in Bamyan Center,

where the cooperative receives a bulk loan from existing credit schemes and re-distributes the

funds to member farmers. Moreover, group purchase of agricultural inputs will reduce their costs.

Currently, AREDP’s corporate support scheme is being implemented in Bamyan Province and is

supporting the development of small and medium enterprises and community-led enterprises

through 1) development of community enterprises, 2) promotion and development of small and

medium enterprises (SMEs) and 3) improvement of access to finance. As mentioned in the Basic

Concept of the Crop Farming Development Plan, such existing supporting programmes key role is

to boost agro-businesses in Bamyan Province. In regard to investments for business activities,

close collaboration should be made with such existing programmes.

5) Agricultural Research and Extension

For better agricultural productivity and food security, selection of improved varieties and

dissemination of appropriate farming management technologies carried out by DAIL are crucial.

In this regard, improvement of the functions of the existing Agricultural Research Center and the

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agricultural extension system is a crosscutting issue for the Crop Farming Development Plan. This

shall be resolved by enhancing the capacities of human resources, improving the current activities

and methods of extension and collaborating with NGOs and other donors.

5)-1 Strengthening the Agricultural Research Center

Agricultural production in Bamyan Province shall be improved through empowering the DAIL

Agricultural Research Center to be able to adopt and procure improved crop varieties and to carry

out practical research activities on appropriate farming management technologies.

The agricultural research center located in Bamyan Center district has faced difficulty in carrying out

satisfactory research activities due to insufficient budget and personnel, as well as lack of facilities

and material. Its current activities are limited to dissemination of improved wheat seeds supported by

FAO, and selection of potato varieties adaptive to the local environment. The capacity of the

Agricultural Research Center shall be strengthened for; selection of early- to mid-maturing varieties

of wheat to introduce to areas prone to drought damage; production and distribution of seeds of

improved potato varieties; and introduction of improved varieties of pulse family fodder crops,

which will be covered in the latter section of the Livestock Development Plan.

In order to set up an environment for the Center to conduct these activities, strengthening both

hardware, namely facilities and materials, and software, namely human resources development, is

necessary.

5)-2 Agricultural extension

Farming management technology, as well as management of farm economy, shall be disseminated

through securing necessary staff and budget for DAIL, including district agricultural extension

officers, and implementing trainings to strengthen their capacities.

A common challenge in agricultural production is how to improve inappropriate farming practice

of most crops across the whole area. Under such situation, guidance on appropriate farming

management technologies has to be provided not only for the improved varieties, but also for other

crops that are cultivated in the Province. Appropriate guidance needs to be provided by extension

officers to farmers based on crop-wise and region-wise study of best-fitting farming

methodologies.

Furthermore, there are 172 agricultural cooperatives established in the Province but only less than

10% of them are considered sufficiently functioning to bring benefits of cooperative activities,

such as joint purchase of agricultural inputs and joint shipment of products, to farmers. It is also

recommended that extension officers support these inactive cooperatives to restart their activities.

Another challenge regarding agricultural extension is the limited number of extension officers.

Currently, most of the districts only have one extension officer to look over the whole area.

Though DAIL is planning to increase the number of extension officers to two persons per district,

this is yet to be realized in all districts. Supposing that one extension officer has to provide

guidance to a range of 50 to 650 villages, it is beyond the capacity of one person to provide

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guidance and services to farmers as above-mentioned and facilitate their cooperative actions. With

a limited number of extension officers, one possible approach to be taken for extension

improvement is to use demonstration plots effectively to disseminate knowledge and skills through

a farmer-to-farmer methodology from extension officers to leaders of farmers, then to their fellow

farmers. Manuals and other visual teaching materials could also be utilized.

Above all, it is necessary to provide training to DAIL officers, including district agricultural

extension officers, on farming skills and farm management, in order to expand their capacity for

providing technical guidance to improve crop productivity and for helping farmers undertake

cooperative actions.

3.3.2 Livestock Development Plan

(1) Basic Concept

The core theme in the Livestock Development Plan is to increase livestock productivity and to

generate income by introducing appropriate techniques and management knowledge through

extension services.

Farmers in Bamyan Province have strived to maintain the livestock industry, relying on traditional

low technology even though its productivity and profitability have been quite low due to the harsh

natural environment. Upgrading the traditional techniques and introducing new but low-cost

methodologies is a key to transforming the livestock sector into a more promising industry.

The key factors of livestock development in Bamyan Province are husbandry of ruminant animals

(cattle, sheep, and goats), poultry farming, and apiculture. The basic development concept for each

of the factors is outlined below. Taking regional characteristics into consideration that are

summarized in “2.2.3. Situation of Livestock,” desirable approaches for ruminant rearing are

proposed according to zones.

1) Ruminant Livestock

(Primary Livestock Production Area, Mainly Consisting of: Western Part of Bamyan

Center, Southeastern Part of Yakawlang)

Due to climatic constraints, these areas have difficulty growing wheat and potatoes, and instead

cultivate barley both for food and feed for ruminant animals. Processing of dairy products and

livestock by-products, such as skins and wool as well as trading animals, are their main sources of

income.

Since the farmlands in these areas are predominantly used to grow livestock feed, it is possible to

implement comprehensive measures for livestock development, such as fodder production, feed

control, disease control, and breeding management. Under the basic concept of improving

traditional techniques and facilitating conversion to appropriate low-cost methods, livestock

development in this zone will aim to increase production of sanitary raw milk and expand the

production of meat, skins and wool of improved ruminant breeds by lowering the age of the

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animal’s first conception, ensuring the healthy growth of infant livestock, reducing diseases,

improving nutrition and the growing environment.

Goals of the productivity enhancement through the implementation of the above measures in this

area are shown in Table 3.3-1 below.

Table 3.3-1 Goals of Productivity Enhancement for Ruminant Farming (Primary Livestock Production Area)

Item Subject Present Status Goal Remarks

Infant livestock mortality rate

Cattle 5 – 10% 2% or less -

Sheep, goat 10 – 40% 5% or less Massive deaths during drought

Growth All ruminants

Weight loss during winter Weight is maintained during winter.

-

Diseases All ruminants

Brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases and foot-and-mouth disease are prevalent.

Spread of infectious diseases is controlled by vaccination.

-

Malnutrition All ruminants

Many ruminant animals display symptoms of pica.

Pica behavior is eradicated by mineral supplementation.

-

Breeding

Cattle Average age at first conception is 36 months or older.

Age at first conception is lowered to 24 months or younger.

-

Sheep, goat Require 18 months before first conception

80% or more conceive in the autumn of the year of birth.

-


(Outside the Primary Livestock Production Area, Bamyan Province, Excluding: Western

Part of Bamyan Center, Southeastern Part of Yakawlang)

These areas are mostly engaged in crop farming. Keeping livestock is recognized as a

complementary means of livelihood and animals are kept as assets, used as work animals and to

produce meat and dairy products as nutritional sources.

Farmers in these areas grow crops for cash and for self-consumption. Since cultivation of these

crops forms the basis of their major livelihood, increasing production of feed for winter in this

area is possible only through putting the fodder cultivation into the crop rotation cycle.

In such areas where there are difficulties in maintaining the weight of ruminant livestock in winter

due to insufficient feeds, basic measures for livestock development will be improving traditional

rearing techniques and introducing appropriate and low-cost practices. Such measures shall reduce

the mortality of ruminant livestock and secure these valuable assets of the farmers through realizing

healthy growth of infant livestock, reducing diseases and improving breeding environments.

The productivity improvement targets are proposed in Table 3.3-2.

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Table 3.3-2 Goals of Productivity for Enhancement of Ruminant Farming (Outside the Primary Livestock Production Area)

Item Subject Present Status Goal Remarks

Infant livestock mortality rate

Cattle 5 – 10% 2% or less -

Sheep, goat 10 – 40% 5% or less Massive deaths during drought

Diseases All ruminants

Brucellosis and other zoonotic diseases and foot-and-mouth disease are prevalent.

Spread of infectious diseases is controlled by vaccination.

-

Malnutrition All ruminants

Many ruminant animals display symptoms of pica.

Pica is eradicated by mineral supplementation.

-

3) Poultry Farming

Many chicken eggs sold in Bamyan Province are imported from Pakistan and Iran. Most chicken

meat in the market is brought either as live chickens from Iran and Pakistan or as frozen meat from

Brazil and other countries. These imported eggs are not fresh and the quality of frozen meat is low

due to repeated freezing and thawing, thus, domestic chicken eggs and meat are in extremely high

demand. For this reason, promotion of poultry farming in Bamyan Province has an immediate

potential to vitalize the rural economy. The potential for expanding poultry farming to supply eggs

and meat to the market is especially high in Yakawlang Center and Bamyan Center, which have

relatively large populations with significant demand. Also, poultry farming could play an

important role in the life of poor farmers with little land, in ways of nutrition supply and assets in

case of emergency, because chickens are easily raised in their backyards without special feeding

requirements.

In the Plan, a goal to pursue poultry development is set that the mortality rate of chickens is

reduced from the current 65% to 5% by introducing vaccines and appropriate feed control. In

addition, a chick supply system will be locally established within the Province in order to replace

the current supply of weakened or dying chicks on the way from Kabul and other large cities. As

mentioned in the previous chapter, most chickens raised in Bamyan Province are of indigenous

breeds, which have low productivity but are resistant to diseases and cold weather. While

introducing an improved breed of chickens is one possibility to improve productivity, the

SEARAP team regards it as risky and too soon to replace indigenous breeds with an improved one

at this point, as reliable feed supply system and disease control measures for new breeds have not

been established yet.

4) Apiculture

Apiculture production in Bamyan Province is growing with the assistance of AKF and other

NGOs. Aside from the production of honey, beekeeping can bring synergetic effects to the

production of orchards, especially in fruit production areas. Pollination by bees will decrease the

number of deformed fruits, and expanded fruit production will increase the sources of nectar and

production of honey. In addition, if apiculture is promoted enough to produce royal jelly, propolis,

and other high value-added products, that would boost farmers’ income significantly.

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The expected outcome in apiculture development is to lower the bee mortality rate from the

current 50% (Waras District) to around 10% by implementing appropriate winter management and

fumigating beehive boxes. First priority for apiculture development shall be in fruit production

areas for said synergetic impacts of growing fruits and keeping bees, but it is also encouraged to

disseminate installation of beehive boxes to wider areas.


This section explains measures to be taken in each of the four proposed sub-sectors.


(Primary livestock production area)

Figure 3.3-1 shows the breeding cycle of ruminant animals. Productivity can be increased by

improving measures taken at each stage in the cycle and can accelerate the breeding cycle as a

whole.

Figure 3.3-1 Breeding Cycle of Ruminant Livestock

1)-1 Securing winter feed

Alfalfa, clover, fodder pea, and other high-nutrition fodder are already grown in Bamyan Province,

however their yields are low and not enough for winter stock due to the use of seeds harvested from

their own fields. Barley, barley straw, dried shrubs, wild grass, and other alternatives are used as

winter feeds, but their supplies are not enough for the whole winter either. As a result, livestock lose

substantial body weight causing growth retardation throughout the year and delays conception.

To counter these problems, seeds of pasture grass that are better suited to cold weather need to be

introduced to increase the production of feed crops. At the same time, measures should be taken to

Reduce mortality & morbidity rates of infant ruminants

Facilitate growth

Shorten breeding cycle

Improve conception rate

Improve birth rate

Implement rigorous sanitation control for

milking process

Overcome major constraints for production by:

a． Securing winter feed b． Improving infant animal management c． Nutrition Management d． Diseases control e． Breeding Improvement f． Improving the rearing environment g． Improving the sanitation of raw milk

Increase production of high-quality milk and meat

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improve soil conditions for better productivity; measures such as including legumes in crop

rotation and applying animal droppings to the soil for fertilization. The feed formula should also

be improved to secure sufficient winter feed, both qualitatively and quantitatively, to maintain the

weight of ruminant livestock during winter.

1)-2 Improving infant animal management

Appropriate management at the infant stage has a significant positive effect on animals’

subsequent growth, as well as on breeding and milk production during adulthood. In Bamyan,

deaths and retarded growth of baby ruminants due to umbilical cord infection and / or pests are

frequently observed, as farmers usually do not sterilize umbilical cords of newborns. Most

newborn ruminants are fed with the colostrum and milk of their mothers until they are weaned

naturally. If baby ruminants are fed with concentrated feed at earlier stages, it will accelerate the

rumen development and growth speed, and shorten the period before first conception, and increase

milk production. Current practice of feeding baby ruminants with their mother’s milk until they

naturally wean causes retardation of the rumen development. Sterilization of umbilical cords

should be applied to reduce infant mortality rate, and early weaning should be promoted to

increase the productivity of ruminant livestock.

1)-3 Nutrition management

Many ruminant animals in Bamyan show signs of pica, or mineral deficiency, causing slow

growth, reduced reproduction, and less resistance to diseases. The use of iodine salt is being

promoted in Afghanistan with the assistance of UNICEF for human nutrition, which implicates

iodine deficiency among livestock as well.

In order to assess the condition of livestock malnutrition more precisely, fodder of each region

should be analyzed to identify and supplement deficient minerals and other nutrients to improve

the nutritional intake of ruminant animals.

1)-4 Disease control

Infectious diseases are spreading among livestock in Bamyan and the rest of Afghanistan,

including highly contagious foot-and-mouth disease and brucellosis causing miscarriages. In

addition, internal and external parasites that also infect humans are prevalent in ruminant livestock.

Fasciola hepatica (common liver fluke) is one such zoonotic internal parasite.

To remedy these situations, in addition to the sterilization of newborns’ umbilical cords as

mentioned earlier, vaccination should be promoted to control the occurrence of infectious diseases,

and the importance of building strong immune systems with better nutrition, etc., should be

promoted and disseminated.

1)-5 Breeding improvement

Several factors have been identified that cause delayed breeding and a low birth rate in Bamyan

livestock. Among them are malnutrition and natural weaning that delay the first conception due to

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retarded development of the rumen, and the spread of infectious diseases that cause miscarriages

and other breeding disorders. Not weeding out inferior breeds, such as infertile or underdeveloped

cattle, is also impeding the progress of improving livestock breeding.

In parallel with taking measures to mitigate malnutrition, natural weaning, and disease control

already mentioned, measures to eliminate inferior breeds are also required. Activities to educate

and disseminate its necessity should be carried out and farmers should be encouraged to sell

inferior breeds as meat to mitigate the loss resulting from undesired selection.

1)-6 Improving the rearing environment

The current condition of livestock stalls in Bamyan Province is extremely poor in terms of

drainage and ventilation. Such condition possibly causes developmental disorders of young

animals, as well as mastitis and other diseases, and poses a threat to the health of milking females

and contamination of raw milk produced.

FAO has prepared and provided education materials to raise awareness of rearing conditions and

to explain how to improve the stall environment at low cost. It is recommended to use these

extension materials and other useful materials to carry out countermeasures to improve the rearing

environment of ruminant animals and prevent the contamination of raw milk.

1)-7 Improving the sanitation of raw milk

Bamyan Province produces large amounts of dairy products, such as yogurt, cheese, butter, chaka,

and qorot. The Bamyan-made chaka and qorot, in particular, are famous and popular among

Afghan people for their freshness and having no additives. However, there is some concern over

the contamination of raw milk due to the poor stall environments and the lack of sanitation control

during the milking process, as described above.

To solve these problems, in addition to improving the rearing environment, activities should be

carried out to advocate the importance of sanitation and to actually improve sanitary quality by

preventing the contamination of raw milk.

2) Ruminant Livestock Management

(Outside The Primary Livestock Production Area)

Areas other than the western part of Bamyan Center and the southeastern part of Yakawlang

cannot be expected to produce additional fodder for adequately feeding overwintering livestock.

Therefore, of the development strategies listed under “1) Ruminant Livestock (Primary Livestock

Production Area),” the following should be implemented: “1)-2 Improved Care for Infant

Ruminants,” “1)-3 Malnutrition Control,” “1)-4 Disease Control,” “1)-5 Breeding Improvement,”

“1)-6 Improved Rearing Environment,” and “1)-7 Sanitation of Raw Milk.” Section “1)-4 Disease

Control” includes activities for education and advocacy on the importance of nutritious feeding for

building strong immune systems in ruminants, etc. Mulberry leaves, autumn-harvest potato stalks /

leaves and other crop residues are used as household fuels in this area despite their high value as

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livestock fodder. Farmers should be encouraged to utilize these crop residues and mulberry leaves

as livestock fodder and also to put fodder crops into crop rotation.

3) Poultry Farming

The following Figure 3.3-2 represents the breeding cycle of chickens. Necessary measures to

increase productivities are examined based on this breeding cycle.

Figure 3.3-2 Breeding Cycle of Chickens

3)-1 Improving feed

In Bamyan Province, farmers usually raise several to around 100 chickens in their backyards.

Chickens are omnivorous and need to be fed with grains, greens, and live feed (meal worms) in a

well-balanced manner, which is rarely practiced by farmers in Bamyan. While the egg-laying

capacity of hens could be raised through better feed control, the actual number of eggs they

produce annually remains less than half of that usually produced by improved breeds.

Therefore, the local farmers need proper guidance and technical transfer to improve feed by using

locally available greens, such as mulberry leaves, chives and garlic, that strengthen the chickens’

immune systems, stimulate growth, and increase egg production. Chickens have short intestinal

systems and less digestive capacity than ruminants. For this reason, fermenting chicken feed to

make it more digestible is widely practiced among Japanese free-range chicken farmers. Applying

this lesson, the use of fermented feed shall also be encouraged in Bamyan to increase productivity

and reduce the feed cost of chickens.

3)-2 Measures for wintering

In Bamyan, poultry farmers are protecting chickens from the winter cold by: i) putting them in a

coop and sealing the windows with plastic sheets, or ii) putting them inside the house, where

Curtail chick mortality rate

Facilitate growth

Increase egg production

Incubation

Overcome major constraints of production by:

a. Improving feed b. Measures for wintering c. Disease control d. Establishing a chick supply system

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tandoor (traditional cook stove) heating is used. However, keeping chickens in such confined

space could cause stress and trigger abnormal behaviors such as vent pecking, therefore more

appropriate overwinter protection is needed such as improving the structure of henhouses, and

applying high-energy feed.


Infectious diseases are prevalent among chickens in Bamyan Province. It is reported that nearly

65% of traditionally raised chickens die from infection. However, the mortality rate could be

lowered to around 5% with improvement of henhouses, vaccination against New Castle Disease,

etc., and better feed control.

3)-4 Establishing a chick supply system

Poultry farmers in Bamyan Province raise chicks hatched in their backyards, as well as those

purchased from Kabul, Mazar-e-Sharif and other large cities. When buying chicks from distant

places, many chicks die or weaken during transportation.

In order to provide healthy chicks to farmers, a system for chick production and distribution,

consisting of intensive production of chicks within the province and organizing farmers for their

efficient distribution, shall be established. Organizing farmers will also contribute to increasing

productivity, as member farmers can also exchange information on appropriate techniques for

poultry farming.

4) Apiculture

Only about 1,500 beehive boxes of western honeybees (Apis mellifera) are placed in Bamyan

Province, which accounts for 1.5% of a total of 100,000 boxes in the whole of Afghanistan. The

small number of beehive boxes, despite the large numbers of fruit trees, pasture grass, and other

sources of nectar in Bamyan, can be attributed to its harsh winter weather. Besides, there is a

prevalence of diseases that threaten the lives of bees, the control of which holds an important key

to promoting apiculture in the future. Against these challenges in apiculture, the following two

measures are proposed in the Plan.

4)-1 Measures for wintering

In Bamyan Province, winter temperature can drop to -20˚C or lower. Western honeybees (Apis

mellifera), which produce larger amounts of honey, are more vulnerable to winter cold than the

indigenous bees (Apis cerana). At present, beekeepers practice such overwinter protection

measures as making beehive space smaller and wrapping the beehive boxes with cloth or plastic

sheet. When the temperature falls extremely low, additional measures, such as putting them

indoors, are taken to protect the hives. Despite these measures, efforts are not always successful

and many bees, sometimes the entire colony, do not survive winter.

Therefore, additional measures should be taken to keep the hives warm, such as joining small

colonies together and inserting newspaper or straw between the outer box and the beehive box.

Moving the boxes to other apiculture provinces with milder winter weather could be another

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option, if such inter-regional cooperation could be realized. Further study is needed regarding

more appropriate overwinter strategies for apiculture.


Diseases are likely to prevail when bees’ immune systems gets weakened in cold temperature.

Thus, overwintering measures are key to disease control. Also, fumigation, which is a common

method to sterilize hives, should be disseminated to reduce factors causing diseases.

3.3.3 Rural Infrastructure Development Plan

(1) Basic Concept

The Rural Infrastructure Development Plan is to underpin delivery of agro-products of crop and

livestock farming, necessary materials and equipment for farm management as well as ordinary

transportation.

Kabul and other large consumption areas, such as Mazar-e Sharif, are potential markets for

agricultural and livestock products of Bamyan Province. The development plan for rural

infrastructure proposes to construct and improve major roads to population centers as well as

provincial roads, with the goal of connecting to a maximum extent the effects of improved

accessibility of agricultural and dairy products to large consumption areas and vitalization of the

provincial economic activities.

The Plan also proposes to establish a transportation network within the Province that stimulates

production and sales activities for crop and livestock farming, and ensures shipping at a necessary

(appropriate) timing. The Plan also aims to reduce the transportation time and cost as well as

damage in handling and delivery by improving road conditions. For these purposes, the plan

specifically proposes to: (i) improve district roads connected to major roads; (ii) improve village

roads to secure access from villages to the inter-provincial traffic network via district roads; and

(iii) strengthen the system to appropriately maintain the functions of the road network. Since it is

unrealistic to expect a budget allocated to Bamyan Province large enough to invest in new roads, a

realistic approach for road network improvement would be to concentrate on maintaining the

network through improvement and rehabilitation of existing roads as well as application of

appropriate maintenance. Improvement of inter-provincial road networks to access major markets

outside the province is carried out under Ministry of Public Works.


Two governmental bodies administer road management in Afghanistan according to the

classification of roads: Ministry of Public Works and MRRD. The authority over village roads

falls under the PRRD under MRRD, and construction and improvement works are carried out by

national programmes such as NSP, NABDP (National Area-Based Development Programme) and

NRAP (National Rural Access Programme). Improvement of inter-district and inter-province

roads is planned by DPW under MPW and is implemented by utilizing various budgetary sources.

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In order to promote rural socio-economic development effectively and efficiently with available

financial sources, improvement of roads, including village, inter-district and inter-province, should

be well coordinated through a holistic approach based on the intended direction of development of

the Province. For this reason, close coordination between PRRD and related National Programmes

and DPW is essential to make a comprehensive road development plan in which the different

levels of inter-province roads, inter-district roads and village roads generate synergetic impacts in


1) Accessibility from Bamyan Province to Large Consumption Areas Outside the Province

This plan sets three major access

routes from Bamyan to large

consumption areas outside the

Province as follows.

(i) The core of the

inter-provincial road network

in Bamyan Province is Route

77 that runs east to west in

the central part of the

Province from Yakawlang

through Bamyan Center to

Shibar. Yakawlang, Bamyan

Center and Shibar have

access to markets in Kabul by Route 77 to Mazar-e-Sharif and Kabul High Way (Figure

3.3-1 ①). Improvement of the section between Bamyan and Yakawlang has already been

carried out with the assistance of Japan and other donors, largely contributing to the

improvement of access.

(ii) Kahmard and Sayghan are linked to the Mazar-e-Sharif - Kabul Highway via Dushi by

connecting the Dari Shiakn Road, which runs between Shibar and Do Abe, and the Dushi

Road, running between Do Abe and Dushi, and the two districts have access to the markets

in Mazar-e-Sharif and Kabul. The market in Kabul is also accessible via Shibar. The main

route to Kabul is selected from time to time in accordance with road conditions (congestion

due to construction at Salang Pass and the project to develop the Bamyan - Dushi Road) and

security situations on the way (Figure 3.3-1 ②).

(iii) As for Waras and Panjab, the main route to large markets is through the Behsud Road that

passes through Wardak Province, which takes a long time and results in higher transportation

costs (Figure 3.3-1 ③). An improvement in the Yakawlang - Panjab Road will increase

accessibility through the paved road between Yakawlang and Bamyan Center to Bamyan

Center and the market in Kabul. In addition, use of the road between Yakawlang and

Bamyan Center, where pavement work is in progress, will reduce damage in handling and

Source: SEARAP project team

Figure 3.3-1 Access Route from each District to Kabul

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transport, and will enable the shipment of agricultural products to the market in better

condition.

2) Road Network for Distribution of Commodities

It is useful to develop the road network from the perspectives of three different levels in order to

strategically design a provincial road network to support better delivery to and sales at large

markets:

(i) A road network to connect district centers to the wide-area road networks

(ii) A network to link production zones of agricultural and livestock products with the

inter-provincial road network via the district centers

(iii) A road network within each zone to ensure farmers’ access to collection / shipping points in

the zone

3) Direction of Road Network Improvement in Each District

The directions for road network improvement were chosen to address the characteristics of

agricultural and other socio-economic activities of the Province. The directions of road

improvement for the respective districts are proposed in the following table.

Table 3.3-3 Direction of Road Network Improvement in Each District

District (Zone) Direction of Road Network Improvement

Kahmard District (Orchard Production Promotion Zone)

To enable producers in the district to ship fruits and processed products out of the district by securing access to Kahmard and the Kahmard - Do Abe Road, which is the collection / shipping and processing base for production areas in the district

To improve the conditions, especially the Kahmard - Do Abe Road, in order to reduce damage to fresh fruits to be shipped

Sayghan District (Drought Adaptive Agriculture Development Zone)

To promote subsistence agriculture suitable for the natural environment of the district

To secure transportation of materials within the zone

Yakawlang District (Crop Diversification Encouragement Zone)

To connect production sites of potatoes and vegetables to collection / shipping points, Yakawlang, and the road to Bamyan Center

To reduce damage to potatoes and vegetables to be shipped by improving the road conditions

Yakawlang District (Livestock Promotion Zone)

To connect the zones to the Yakawlang - Bamyan Center Road, which is vital for shipping of milk products from villages

Bamyan Center District (High Value-Added Crop Cultivation Promotion Zone)

To secure connection between production sites of potatoes and the Yakawlang - Bamyan Center Road, which is a vital road for collection / shipping of products.

To secure accessibility for shipping potatoes, in winter, to the extent possible

Bamyan Center District (Livestock Promotion Zone)

To connect the zones to the Yakawlang - Bamyan Center Road, which is a vital road for shipping of milk products from villages. However, shipping during winter would be limited.

Panjab District (Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening with Preference to Cash Crop Zone)

To secure transportation of materials within the zone for areas where subsistence agriculture is practiced

For areas where cash crops and subsistence crops are cultivated, accessibility from production sites in the district to Panjab town, a collection / shipping base, shall be improved to reduce the delivery time and cost for shipping dried beans. Accessibility to the Yakawlang - Bamyan Center Road, as well as the current route via Behsud Road (Wardak Province), shall also be improved to reduce the time and cost for shipment of dried beans, a major product of Panjab.

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District (Zone) Direction of Road Network Improvement

Waras District (Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone)

To secure transportation of materials within the zone. In Waras District, there are many areas with poor road conditions, compared to other districts of the Province. Thus, considerations must also be taken for improvement in rural living environments when the road improvement plan is formulated.

4) Targeting Construction / Improvement Standard for Rural Economic Activation

In areas where production of crops and livestock are to be promoted as economic activities, factors

such as collection and distribution of products, as well as transportation of input materials, were

taken into consideration for determining the target level of road network improvement. As a result,

tentative target levels are proposed as follows:

(i) Roads connecting district centers to the inter-provincial road network: Secure year-round

access for large trucks for the purpose of retaining provincial-level socio-economic

activities.

(ii) Roads connecting areas producing market-oriented agricultural / livestock products to the

inter-provincial road network: Secure access of large trucks during the period when products

are shipped.

(iii) Road networks within areas producing market-oriented agricultural / livestock products:

Secure access by small vehicles in order to enable farmers to bring their produce to

collection / shipment points.

(iv) Road networks within areas producing market-oriented agricultural / livestock products and

roads for access to the inter-provincial road networks: Prompt recovery of flood damages in

springtime should be realized to retain district level socio-economic activities. Access of

vehicles during winter should also be secured in areas aiming at off-peak shipments of

potatoes.

(v) Road networks within areas where development of livestock and dairy products will be

promoted: Access by vehicles or by animals should be secured in wintertime to ship small

amounts of dairy products.

5) Strengthening Road Maintenance Mechanism

5)-1 Maintenance of inter-district roads

Maintenance of inter-district roads, excluding village roads, is under the responsibility of DPW, is

funded by MPW and PGO and works (road repairs, snow removing works etc.) are mostly

implemented by construction companies. Securing necessary budget is a basic condition for road

maintenance; however, in reality, budget allocation for maintenance is quite limited. It is therefore

necessary to prepare a road maintenance plan, from the view of making the best use of limited

funds, comprised of framework for monitoring activities and priorities and schedule for repair of

road facilities and removal of snow during winter. District offices should coordinate with local

communities (CDCs, etc.) in order to collect information on road conditions for the maintenance

plan, which will be shared with PRRD to cover all of the road categories. In addition, the road

3 - 35

maintenance plan shall contain measures to facilitate transportation of farming materials in early

spring, transportation of cash crops to mass consumption areas, wintertime transportation for

adjustment of potato shipping timing and delivery of processed dairy products, so as to respond to

logistic needs of the projects under the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation. For that

purpose, when preparing the road maintenance plan, meetings for coordinating road improvement

and maintenance activities conducted mainly by DPW shall be arranged under the leadership of

the PGO, and information sharing and coordination between concerned departments shall be

further promoted.

5)-2 Framework for village road maintenance

Maintenance of village roads is the responsibility of PRRD. The number of village roads is vast

and their length is enormous, and currently, information on conditions of roads and related

facilities are not properly accumulated. In order to properly, and in a timely manner, summarize

such information and manage it in an integrated fashion, district offices shall improve their

framework for gathering and managing information on conditions of village road facilities, and

prepare a road facilities inventory. Furthermore, information on district-level facilities and

maintenance activities shall be managed by PRRD in an integrated fashion, and shared with DPW,

as well as NSP, NABDP, NRAP and other related programmes. Annual plans for village road

maintenance shall be prepared at the district level, and the number of technical staff responsible

for roads in district offices shall be increased in order to enhance provision of information on

inter-district roads to organizations at the provincial level.

6) Promoting Community Participation in Road Maintenance

While village roads are managed by PRRD, routine maintenance activities and small-scale repairs,

as well as improvements of facilities, are carried out by local communities (CDCs, villages, etc.).

Considering the scarce public funding, such community-level activity should be incorporated in

the road maintenance system to effectively maintain the village road networks. This should be

done by clarifying the roles and responsibilities for district offices, DDAs / DCCs, CDCs and local

residents, and organizing the participation of local communities in maintenance works based on

annual work plans.

Preparation of annual work plans by CDCs on daily maintenance works and routine repair of

roads that are periodically damaged by factors such as spring floods or rainfall

Coordination by DDAs / DCCs for the responsibility of works for village roads used by

multiple CDCs

Technical guidance to CDCs on road maintenance from district offices and DDAs / CDCs

Implementation of community-level road maintenance activities by CDCs

Application by district offices and DDAs / DCCs for the support to provincial organizations

(PGS, PRRD) on maintenance / repair works that cannot be dealt with by community

participation

3 - 36

Implementation of snow-removal works at the community-level in regions that are expected

to maintain socio-economic activities during winter

3.3.4 Irrigation and Drainage Development Plan

(1) Basic Concept

Irrigation and drainage development shall be carried out in accordance with the basic direction

described earlier in the Crop Farming Development Plan. The target crops to benefit from irrigation

and drainage development are wheat for self-consumption, cash crops for improving farm income,

and legumes and vegetables that are to be introduced for stabilizing the production of such crops.

The cultivated areas are estimated to be 90,056 ha, which is the estimated average of the Province.

Sources of irrigation in Bamyan Province can be categorized into rain-fed, river water, spring

water, snowmelt, karez, etc. However, under the current situation, in which irrigation facilities are

not sufficiently developed and irrigation efficiency remains low, it is hard to say that such water

sources are effectively utilized. Under such circumstances, water deficiency is raised as one of the

constraints for agricultural production, even in areas where water resources are expected to be

relatively abundant. Floods also affect agricultural production as they occur in springtime due to

rainfall and snowmelt.

Under such circumstances, the basic direction of the irrigation and drainage development plan

shall be to “appropriately maintain farmlands by securing safe drainage of flood water in the basin,

and to increase the amount of water that can be utilized per unit area of irrigated plot by realizing

stable supply of irrigation water based on conventional water rights, and by effective use of excess

water available in the surroundings.” Such direction shall be realized through the following:

1) Utilization of Unused Water Resources

Although Bamyan Province is blessed with relatively abundant water resources, these are not fully

utilized due to underdevelopment or deterioration of water management structures. River water is

collected for irrigation mainly through the water channels built on riverbanks. However, with no

weirs at the downstream of the intake, river water cannot be utilized during periods when water

level in the rivers decreases. Although irrigation systems using spring water and water from

snowmelt in early spring usually enjoy stable amounts of flow, excess water is discharged to

nearby streams when there is no need for irrigation, depending on rainfall and crop conditions.

Rivers are inundated in the early spring flood season and large volumes of water are discharged to

the downstream areas without being utilized, causing damage to farmlands near the rivers.

Considering the above, the creation of an environment enabling the efficient use of currently

under-utilized (excess) water resources will be targeted through the installation of new water

management structures as well as rehabilitation of those existing.

3 - 37

2) Securing Irrigation Water Through Improving Water Conveyance Efficiency and


Water collected from their sources is mostly conveyed to the farmlands through canals that are

constructed by excavating gravel-like soils along the hillsides or mountainsides. Consequently,

most of the water is lost by leakage before reaching the irrigated plots. Water distribution is done

based on traditional rules whereby time for irrigation is allocated to each plot based on size. This

distribution method does not necessarily consider the characteristics of the cultivated crops, and

sometimes results in provision of more irrigation water than actually required. Considering this

situation, increasing the amount of water utilized for irrigation will be targeted, through reducing

the loss from water conveyance by the application of structural measures for canals, and through

improving the efficiency of on-farm water use by disseminating appropriate water management

technology to facilitate the application of appropriate amounts of irrigation water based on the

water requirements of crops.

On the other hand, the irrigation systems utilizing spring water and water from snowmelt in the

“Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening with Preference to Cash Crop Zone” (mainly consisting of

southern Yakawlang and Panjab) and “Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone” (mainly

consisting of Waras) are generally scattered and small in terms of irrigated areas and benefitting

households. In this regard, the risk of decrease or depletion of water is currently borne by

individual irrigation systems. For such irrigation systems, reducing drought risk as well as

effective use of excess water in individual systems will be targeted, through connecting several

systems located in the same watershed.

3) Reduction of Damage to Farmlands Through Flood Prevention and Effective Use of Flood

Water

Flood damages to farmlands during springtime are particularly significant in the “Drought

Adaptive Agriculture Development Zone” (mainly consisting of Sayghan), where snow in the

mountains tends to melt in short periods, which results in excessive amounts of water flowing

down the rivers. The rivers in the area show two extremes in characteristics: while in springtime,

water from snowmelt inundates farmlands near the narrow passes and curved reaches of the rivers.

But when the flooding period ends, the rivers become almost depleted. The irrigation canals in the

Province are generally used for dual purposes: irrigation and drainage. In areas other than the

Drought Adaptive Agriculture Development Zone, such canals are damaged when water from

intensive rainfall or from snowmelt exceeds the capacity of the canals in the downstream areas.

Considering the above, reduction of damages to farmlands brought about by floods as well as

utilization of water currently discharged downstream will be targeted, through the implementation

of structural measures.

4) Priorities for Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems and the Order of Implementation

There are vast numbers of irrigation systems in Bamyan Province, and rehabilitation of all systems

will require enormous amounts of budget. When considering from the viewpoint of the economic

3 - 38

activation of Bamyan, the most efficient approach will be to overlook the regional potentials of the

Province and to attach priority to areas suitable for cash crop production, which will directly bring

income. However, as described in “3.1 Framework of Promotion Plan for Rural Economic

Activation,” the Plan will aim at increasing the production and sales of cash crops, such as

potatoes and fruits, from economic points of views, as well as improving the productivity of

subsistence crops from the perspective of food security and poverty reduction. In this regard,

priorities shall be attached to rehabilitation works of existing irrigation systems that are expected

to bear larger impacts in terms of extended irrigated area per amount of investment, regardless of

the type of crops cultivated. In other words, priority will be attached to irrigation systems in

farmlands that have accessible water resources, but suffer low productivity due to water deficiency

caused by the deterioration of irrigation and drainage systems.

The priorities of the types of irrigation systems that were examined by district based on the present

conditions of the Province as described in Chapter 2, are indicated in the following table.

Table 3.3-4 Priority Order for the Rehabilitation of Irrigation Systems

District Rainfall Snowfall Temperature Priority order for rehabilitation

Kahmard Average Low Warm River intake type systems > Spring water and snowmelt water based systems

Sayghan ‐ ‐ Warm Setting up flood control basins > River intake type

systems > Spring water and snowmelt water based systems

Shibar Low Average Cold Spring water and snowmelt water based systems > River intake type systems

Bamyan Center Low Low Cold River intake type systems > Spring water and snowmelt water based systems

Yakawlang Average Low Cold Spring water and snowmelt water based systems >

River intake type systems > Others

Panjab High High Very cold Spring water and snowmelt water based systems > River intake type systems

Waras ‐ ‐ Very cold Spring water and snowmelt water based systems > River intake type systems


1) Utilization of Unused Water Resources

The following are proposed approaches to efficiently utilize unused water resources that are

currently discharged to downstream areas.

1)-1 Securing stable intake of surface waters

Fixed weirs need to be built on the downstream of the intake structure to maintain a certain water

level for stable intake of river water. Farmers using irrigation systems with river intakes are aware

that such a weir is required for efficient use of river water. With temporary weir structures often

being washed away by river flow, there is a strong demand to build concrete structures.

In Bamyan Province, many rivers overflow when water levels rise. Constructing robust concrete

weirs under such conditions will not only cause more flood-related damage in upstream areas but

3 - 39

also will lead to damage of bank protection near the weir. Moreover, providing protective

measures for the whole river in relation to constructing a weir for an irrigation system is obviously

too costly. Therefore, relatively simple weirs that are installed by piling up sandbags would be

suitable, as they can easily be recovered after they are washed away by river flows.

Considering that weir structures are installed with the purpose of increasing the water levels of

rivers, and that there will be risks of inducing inundation when the amount of river flow increases,

priority should be attached to weir structures not higher than half of the depth of the river at

normal times, and installed at locations at a distance of at least the flood depth multiplied by 1000

away from houses and farmlands located downstream.

1)-2 Effective usage of discharge water when irrigation is not needed

Installation of farm ponds should be proposed in order to effectively utilize excessive irrigation

water that is discharged without being used. Interviews with local residents indicate cases where a

farm pond with the capacity of 1,600 m3 (20 × 20 × 4 m) has been filled by unused irrigation water

in 24 hours. Storage of such excess irrigation in farm ponds will contribute to increasing the

applicable amount of water per unit of time when irrigation is required, and to enable irrigation

water to reach plots located in the tail end of the systems. From the viewpoint of efficiently

bringing out the effects of farm pond installation, priority should be attached to irrigation systems

where: 1) there are time periods when irrigation is not utilized by the farmers, 2) there is relatively

large water source compared to the size of the irrigated plots, and 3) multiple sources of water,

such as spring water and snowmelt water, are used. In general, the size of farm ponds should be

determined based on the amount of excess water that can be retained and the area of available land.

Therefore, the size of W 20 m × L 20 m × H 1.5 m is proposed as an average scale for the

Province.

2) Securing Irrigation Water Through Improving Water Conveyance Efficiency and


2)-1 Securing necessary irrigation water by increasing conveying efficiency of canals

The water tightness of canals shall be improved through filling of gaps in order to reduce

conveyance loss of irrigation water. The existing irrigation systems differ by main water source,

with some taking in water from rivers and some making use of spring water and snowmelt water.

In most systems, water is conveyed from the main water source to farmlands via headrace

channels, and then distributed throughout by on-farm irrigation canals. Improvement of

conveyance efficiency of both headrace channels and watercourses will contribute to maximizing

the capacity of the irrigation systems. However, when compared to improving headrace channels

that supply irrigation water to the whole system, the impact of improving water courses that

distribute water to individual plots is limited, as the number of beneficiaries is small. In this regard,

improvement of canals should be limited for headrace channels, or for waterways in irrigation

systems that do not have headrace channels.

3 - 40

The common practice for preventing leaks from earth canals is to line them with concrete.

However, as the price of cement, the basic material for concrete, is high, construction costs shall

be reduced by implementing the same method used for canal improvement by NSP, which is using

a wet stone masonry method. On the other hand, in the districts of Panjab and Waras and other

areas with poor access to farmland hindering transportation of materials, PVC pipes, thick vinyl

sheets and ready-made products shall be distributed to farmers so as to involve them in irrigation

improvement works.

Currently, it is not possible to assess the scale of leakages, but generally, as shown in Table 3.3-5,

water conveying efficiency of unlined (earth) canals is around 60%. In their current condition,

canals have many crevices between their surface materials, and it is estimated that their water

conveying efficiency is not higher that 50%. After leakage prevention measures are implemented

under this project, conveying efficiency is expected to reach up to 95%.

Table 3.3-5 FAO Data on Conveying Efficiency

Soil Type Sand Loam Clay Lined Canals

Canal Length

Long (> 2,000 m) 60% 70% 80% 95%

Medium (200 – 2,000 m) 70% 75% 85% 95%

Short (< 200 m) 80% 85% 90% 95%

Source: Irrigation Water Management: Irrigation Scheduling, FAO.

2)-2 Increasing efficiency of on-farm water usage

The conventional system for distribution of irrigation water (hourly distribution) has been passed

down for generations. In order to alter this and introduce modernized water management, it is

crucial to duly obtain appropriate understandings of the beneficiary farmers and to build consensus

on the new system. This should be realized through awareness-raising activities by DAIL and its

agricultural extension officers. It is desirable that these activities will be carried out targeting both

Water Users Associations (WUAs) and Irrigation Associations that are to be established in each

irrigation system by MEW (DEW) and MAIL (DAIL), respectively, based on the Water Law

enacted in April 2009.

2)-3 Ensuring effective usage of water through integrating small-scale irrigation systems

Irrigation systems that are dispersed in the same river basin should be integrated by utilizing check

dams and reservoirs in order to formulate one composite irrigation system. This will enable

efficient utilization of excess irrigation water and reduce the vulnerability of current individual

irrigation systems against droughts. Composite irrigation systems to be created through integrating

neighboring systems are significantly influenced by altitude and other landform features within the

sub-basins and by the location of each irrigation system. Such systems shall be set up mainly in

places with mountain streams with relatively large water sources, fitting to the above-mentioned

conditions. The works to be carried out include building a check dam on the mountain stream

coming from a relatively large water source, constructing a storage reservoir at water source that is

used by existing systems, and connecting multiple systems by headrace channels. However, as

3 - 41

each system is located between mountains or on mountaintops, transportation of construction

materials can cause problems. Therefore, it will be appropriate to construct these facilities through

participation of benefitting farmers by providing them materials, such as thick plastic sheets and

other secondary products necessary for the work.

3) Reduction of Damage to Farmlands Through Flood Prevention and Effective Use of Flood

Water

3)-1 Using river flood water retained in flood retarding basins for irrigation

Areas frequently damaged by floods should be identified and utilized as flood retarding basins for

reducing flood damage to farmlands. The water retained in the retarding basins has potential to be

used for irrigation purposes. In order to ensure balanced usage of floodwater for irrigating

farmlands located near rivers, it is important to keep flood retarding basins small while setting up

multiple basins along the whole length of rivers susceptible to flooding. With this, the water that

previously could not be used for irrigation becomes available, which leads to an increase in the

amount of supplied irrigation water per unit area of farmland.

The scope of improvement works includes setting up three types of facilities: flood-retarding

basins in flooded areas, effluent outlets and headrace channels.

3)-2 Protection of farmlands by setting up a network of canals in the basin

On-farm irrigation canals of irrigation systems are also used for drainage. However, their draining

capacity is small and, as the flow of runoff water in the basin increases, water spills from canals

and causes some damage. For this reason, drainage systems and draining routes shall be studied

for the whole basin with its multiple irrigation systems, and drainage canals shall be set up to

increase efficiency of draining excess water in the basin.

It is desirable to improve the function of the entire irrigation system by implementing the work

together with the rehabilitation works mentioned in “2)-1 Securing Necessary Irrigation Water by

Increasing Conveying Efficiency of Canals,” after identifying the systems to which excess water

should be drained. Also, if rehabilitation of irrigation systems is first carried out in upstream areas

while draining capacity of downstream systems remains the same, drainage canals that are set up

in upstream areas may increase the damage to drainage facilities of downstream systems.

Therefore, in cases where irrigation systems in upstream areas are to be rehabilitated prior to the

downstream areas, consideration should be made to protect the latter, for example, by first

draining the water to a nearby river and connecting the downstream irrigation systems after their

drainage capacities are increased.

3.3.5 Non-Farm Products (Handicrafts) Promotion Plan

(1) Basic Concept

Production of non-farm products (handicrafts) should be promoted as economic activity that

complements agricultural production and as a positive coping strategy in subsistence agriculture.

3 - 42

Such products should be developed based on regional potentials and produced by utilizing the

labor power of rural women during long winters. Considering limited accessibility, it is difficult to

promote sales of fresh produce such as potatoes and fruits to external markets in the “Subsistence

Agriculture Strengthening With Preference To Cash Crop Zone” (mainly consisting of southern

Yakawlang and Panjab) and “Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone” (mainly consisting of

Waras). Subsistence agriculture centered on wheat is widely practiced, and opportunities for cash

income from agricultural production are limited to activities such as dried beans being

merchandized in limited scales.

Production and sales of traditional products such as embroidery, carpets, clothing, leather, have

potential of generating cash income, supplementing the farmers’ economy. Currently, only

secondary fabrication is being practiced for carpet weaving and production of leather products, since

there are no processing facilities and technological assets for the spinning of threads and leather

dyeing in Bamyan Province. It may take time for the Province to introduce and develop thread

spinning and leather dyeing industries, and therefore, promotion of crafts and handmade products,

mainly focusing on embroidery and weaving as non-farm products, is prioritized, for the time being.

Rather than pursuing domestic local markets for these crafts and handmade products, it is more

practical and promising to develop the products targeting the tourists and foreign markets as well

as to widen the marketing channels. It would be unrealistic, however, for rural residents

themselves to directly approach big consumption destinations or foreign markets. In this regard, it

would be appropriate to establish collaborative relations with crafts producers, wholesale shops,

and so forth, who already have access to these markets. For this purpose, empowering and

organizing the producers (weavers) in rural areas is important for enabling effective production

and quality control, which could meet the needs of retailers and wholesale shops. It is also

important to promote development of local business groups and enterprises in order to link

producers in Bamyan with wholesalers in Kabul and other cities and to explore new markets.

Rural women would be the core actors to produce handicrafts. AREDP has been providing support

to rural women in Bamyan Province for production and sales of handicrafts. Bamyan Province has

an environment in which women are relatively active in social and economic activities. However,

significant attention still needs to be paid to how far they can participate in certain activities, such

as negotiations with male traders. In this regard, promotion of handicraft production should be

carried out by involving the whole community, in order to formulate consensus on the

participation of women in economic activities. Considerations should also be given to the creation

of an enabling environment, such as promoting due understandings of the women’s families and of

issues such as reducing the loads of housework.


1) Promoting Handicrafts Utilizing Traditional Techniques

Promotion of handicraft production will aim at developing products that are traditionally produced

in the villages, such as embroidery and textiles. Rural women already have basic skills for

3 - 43

producing such products with certain quality. In consideration of this advantage, production of

handicrafts with market competitiveness shall be promoted by providing guidance on appropriate

designs and quality control.

2) Markets to be Targeted

Considering that current domestic markets do not have enough absorption capability of handicrafts,

sales of handicrafts should target foreign tourists and international markets. Therefore, good

collaboration with crafts retailers and wholesale shops in Kabul and other cities will be needed for

promoting sales of crafts. The production should cover not only final products such as cushion

covers, luncheon mats, bags, small containers and so forth, but also materials for crafts and

handmade products such as weaving of textiles used for bags and embroidering products for

clients of handicraft producers. Also, taking into consideration that Bamyan Airport is currently

under renovation with the support of the Government of Japan, and that the number of visitors to

Bamyan will increase in the future, markets of handicrafts as souvenirs should also be developed.

3) Product Development Corresponding to Market Demands

In the initial stage, it is not practical to expect rural women themselves to design and develop

market-oriented products by collecting and analyzing information on market demands. Under a

cooperative relationship, retailers and wholesale shops in major markets should study market

demands and provide compatible designs to the rural women, who then shall prepare their

products based on them.

4) Appropriate Production Management by Organizing Producer Groups

Stable production with sufficient quality control will contribute to adding value to the products

and to securing favorable prices. Therefore, measures need to be taken to maintain stable

production and quality, through proper skill training of workers, mobilizing producers into

producer groups for establishing crafts producer associations which will enable them to supply

raw materials, standardize design and methods, ensure and stabilize production quantity, manage

the quality and deadlines, and so on.

5) Developing Business Professionals and Enterprises Based in Bamyan

There is a strong need to train professional entrepreneurs and enterprises within the Province, who

would lead market development for products made in Bamyan. At initial stages of promoting the

production of handicrafts, government organizations and NGOs are requested to link the producer

associations with shops in major markets, support sales promotion and branding of Bamyan

products. But in the future, the private sector, namely professional business entities, should take

over and promote merchandising local products. Therefore, measures should be taken to train

these business groups and enterprises to start with their business. Measures include a series of

supports such as financial procurement with soft loans, capacity development regarding business

planning and management, and introducing communities and resident groups as candidate

producers of craft products.

3 - 44

3.3.6 Plan for Strengthening the Functions of Rural Administration and Society

(1) Basic Concept

In order to promote the socioeconomic activation at the provincial level effectively and efficiently,

it is vital for the provincial administration to plan and implement development projects based on

their in-depth knowledge of the local conditions and needs.

In order to improve management of rural development, empowerment of provincial and district

administrative organizations is proposed. In particular, a major focus is on capacity building of the

administrations to coordinate development actions, manage development-related information

better and motive farmers to set up cooperative organizations for better livelihood.

Currently, development projects are planned mainly at ministries at the central level, and

provincial administration and agencies are basically not allocated with development budgets to

execute at their discretion. Moreover, District Councils and Village Councils, that would be

important mechanisms to discuss and decide basic orientation of rural development, are not yet

established and still under discussion among concerned ministries.

Apart from projects planned and implemented under government initiatives, institutionalization of

farmers in order to enhance their production and sales activities holds an important role for

promoting socio-economic activation. Therefore, the plan also proposes to strengthen the

government support system for establishment and enhancement of farmers’ organizations.

(2) Measures to be taken

1) Strengthening Coordination Function Regarding Development Projects Centered on the

Provincial Governor’s Office

The Provincial Development Committee (PDC) has been established as a coordination body for

rural development. Although the PDC is functioning as the platform of information sharing among

concerned organizations, it does not necessarily serve as a proactive project coordination body in

the absence of a comprehensive view on the provincial development. This is due to the limited

role that the provincial administration can play under the current centralized system for

development planning.

Therefore, strengthening of the coordination functions for development projects through PDC will

be targeted, by enhancing the capacity of the technical service department of the Provincial

Governor’s Office (PGO), which is responsible for monitoring development projects. Each

development project is currently planned reflecting the intentions of the central line ministries and

donor agencies, with little provincial-level inputs. Considering that decentralization of the

decision-making process can only be realized under political initiatives of the central government,

it is important for the time being to create a mechanism in which the provincial administration can

reflect local needs and concerns on the direction of provincial development as well as individual

plans of development actions, even though these are drafted in Kabul.

3 - 45

2) Information Management and Sharing

With many organizations currently implementing development projects, duplication of activities

and target areas are frequently observed. This is related to the aforementioned coordination

functions at the provincial level, and the main reasons seem to include the following: 1) segmented

operational modality of development actors in which each organization independently conducts

surveys and planning of activities, 2) insufficient information sharing on the development projects

among relevant agencies, and so forth. In order to make sound coordination possible among a

variety of development actors, the development of a system to centralize and share information

related to development projects is required. Comprehensive information on both planned and

implemented development projects, including information on their locations and target areas

should be accumulated under the PGO and be shared with relevant entities, in order to avoid

duplication and to facilitate mutually complementary implementation for synergetic outcomes.

Approaches for identifying development needs at the community-level also reflect the above

situation, where individual organizations or programmes collect relevant information separately. It

has also been observed that many communities apply for plural organizations with the same

proposals in order to increase the possibility of their proposals to be adopted. Considering that

such situations also lead to duplication of development projects, information should also be

centralized.

For this purpose, the establishment of a GIS database under the PGO shall be aimed at, which will

enable timely sharing of information and serve as a platform for efficient development.

3) Strengthening the Support to Institutionalize Farmers

MAIL has appointed cooperative officers at DAIL and in some of the districts to support

institutionalizing agricultural cooperatives. In MRRD, district social organizers (DSOs) are

appointed in each district to promote activities under its national programmes. Taking into

consideration that DSOs are mainly functioning as an interface between government and

community, their involvement in supporting the institutionalizing of farmers in close coordination

with DAIL will contribute to accurate understandings of local needs. Therefore, cooperative

officers under DAIL and DSOs of PRRD are key catalysts to facilitate cooperative management of

farming / non-farm production, processing and marketing. Experience sharing and collaboration

between cooperative officers and DSOs would increase their capacity to better respond to local

needs.

4 - 1

Chapter 4 Action Plan

This Chapter describes the Action Plan of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation,

which is presented in the form of a series of development projects that are formulated based on the

activities identified under the zone-wise and sectoral development scenarios indicated in Chapter 3

of this report. The chapter begins with the overall structure of the Action Plan, followed by the

descriptions of individual development projects, each consisting of the project outline, activities,

schedule and costs. It is expected that the Action Plan will be integrated into the Provincial

Development Plan (PDP) and that implementation will start from development projects whose

conditions for commencement are satisfied.

The Action Plan basically proposes the activities to be implemented for the first ten years in order

to materialize the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation. However, there are possibilities

of significant changes in the socio-political environment surrounding rural development, in

relation to factors such as the presidential election in April 2014, the expected withdrawal of the

International Security Assistance Force by the end of 2014, and transition to Afghan National

Security Forces. In consideration of such aspects, the Action Plan should be flexibly revised based

on future changes in the social situations, expected budget allocations and other relevant factors.

4.1 Overall Action Plan

The proposed Action Plan consists of twenty-two development projects, covering six sectors.

Many of the development projects are interrelated within and between the sectors and are designed

to bring synergetic effects in order to activate the rural economy of Bamyan Province. At the same

time, attention has been paid to design the development projects so that they will also bring certain

results even when implemented individually, taking into consideration possible budgetary

restraints as well as the possible need for flexible implementation of the Action Plan. The

sector-wise breakdown of the development projects and their distribution in the Province

(development zones) are indicated in Table 4.1-1 and Figure 4.1-1, respectively, while the

relations between individual projects are indicated in Figure 4.1-2.

4 - 2

Table 4.1-1 Individual Development Projects of the Action Plan and Targeted Zones


Target Zone

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

Orc

hard

Pro

duct

ion

Pro

mot

ion

Zon

e

Dro

ught

Ada

ptiv

e A

gric

ultu

re

Dev

elop

men

t Zon

e

Hig

h V

alue

-Add

ed C

rop

Cul

tiva

tion

Pro

mot

ion

Zon

e

Liv

esto

ck P

rom

otio

n Z

one

Cro

p D

iver

sifi

cati

on E

ncou

rage

men

t Z

one

Sub

sist

ence

Agr

icul

ture

Str

engt

heni

ng

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1-1 Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution Targeting Entire Province

1-2 Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System



○

1-4 Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales

○


○

1-6 Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment

○ ○


2-1 Project to Strengthen Veterinary Field Units (VFUs)





○

2-4 Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center Targeting Entire Province

2-5 Project for Improving Milk Processing ○


○ ○

2-7 Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center ○ ○

2-8 Project for Promotion of Apiculture ○ ○


3-1 Project to Improve Inter-District Roads Targeting Entire Province

3-2 Project to Improve Village Roads Targeting Entire Province




4-2 Project for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems

(1) Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using River Water

○ ○

(2) Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using Water from Springs and Snowmelt

○ ○ ○ ○ ○ ○

(3) Development of Flood Retarding Basin for Irrigation

○



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Target Zone

(1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) (7)

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Hig

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○ ○




6-2 Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity Targeting Entire Province

Figure 4.1-1 Distribution of Development Projects by Zone

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Figure 4.1-2 Interrelation of Individual Development Projects

4.2 Sector-wise Development Projects

4.2.1 Development Projects Under the Crop Farming Development Plan

Development projects under the crop farming development plan propose activities aiming at

improving the productivities of both cash crops and subsistence crops throughout the Province, as

well as strengthening bargaining power and adding value to cash-crops in the respective

development zones that are regarded to have particular economic potentials. Strengthening of

productivity shall be realized through introduction and dissemination of quality seeds adaptive to

the local environment and appropriate farming management techniques, while agro-processing is

proposed as to add value to cash crops. The development projects proposed under the crop farming

development plan are described in the following.

(1) Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution

1) Outline of the Development Project

This development project contributes to the stabilization of agricultural production by

systematizing measures to introduce and extend seeds adaptive to the agricultural environment in

the Province.

1. Crop farming development plan 2. Livestock development plan 5. Non-farm product (handicraft)promotion plan

1-6 Project for of agro-processing business establishment

Project for strengthening vegetable production and sales

Project for strengthening potato production and sales

Project for strengthening fruit production and sales

1-1 Project to systematize quality seeds distribution

1-2 Project to strengthen agricultural extension system

2-5 Project for improving milk processing

Project for promotion of

apiculture


ent of feed for rum

inant livestock

Project to improve rum

inant livestock feeding system


ent of poultry-raising technology

2-4 Project to establish feed analysis center

2-7 Project for establishment of chick supply center

2-1 Project to strengthenVeterinary Field Units（VFUs）

Project for promoting handicraft am

ong villages wom

en

4. Irrigation and drainage development plan4-1 Project for preparation of district irrigation system inventory list

4-2 Project for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems4-3 Project for capacity development for effective on-farm water management

3. Rural infrastructure Development plan3-1 Project to improve inter-district roads 3-2 Project to improve village roads

6. Plan for strengthening the functions of rural administration and society6-1 Project for improvement of PGO’s development coordination capacity 6-2 Project for improvement of SDGO’s information collecting capacity

1-3 1-41-5 2-22-3 2-62-8

5-1

4 - 5

As for the selection and introduction of quality seeds adoptive to the environment of Bamyan, a

part of the work is currently conducted by the Provincial Agricultural Research Center (ARC)

under the support of organizations such as FAO. However, taking into consideration that a range

of activities are yet to be started (Table 4.2-1), the development project proposes to carry out a

series of activities centered by the strengthening of the capacity of ARC, in order to select the

improved varieties adoptive to the environment of the Province for the crops suggested in the

sectoral development scenarios as well as strengthening the system for production and distribution

of their seeds.

Table 4.2-1 Works Implemented at the Agricultural Research Center in Relation to the Distribution of Improved Seeds

Items Suggested in the Development Scenario

(i) Renewal of Improved

Seeds

(ii) Trial Cultivation (iii) Seed

Production(iv) Germination, Quarantine Test

(v) Sales and Distribution

ARC**Private Farms

Wheat (late-maturing variety)*

◎ ◎ ○ ◎ ◎ ○

Wheat (early- to mid-maturing variety)*

◎ ◎ ○ ○ × ×

Potato ◎ ◎ ○ △ △ ×

Beans △ △ × △ × ×

Other vegetables × × × × × ×

◎: implemented, ○: partly implemented, △: planned, ×: not implemented

* Implemented under the Variety and Seed Industry Development Project funded by FAO. Seed multiplication and distribution are performed by private seed companies as part of the project.

** Experimental plot of the Agricultural Research Center

Among the selection of the improved varieties, trial cultivation will be conducted in the plots of

ARC, as well as the demonstration plots to be established through the later-mentioned Project to

Strengthen Agricultural Extension System in order to verify the adaptability of the crops in the

respective areas and their acceptability to local farmers. As for the seed potato whose production

system is yet to be established by DAIL, a system by which ARC will distribute (sell) potatoes

produced by contract farmers shall be established. As for early- to mid-maturing wheat varieties,

the development project aims to first establish a production system based on commissioned

cultivation, and then to distribute through strengthening the existing commercial base distribution

route. Furthermore, the establishment of a system for germination / quarantine testing within ARC

is proposed in order to assure the quality of the seeds of the selected varieties.

The project activities will be carried out by the ARC staff under the support of specialists. The

capacities of ARC staff, in terms of technical skills and project management, shall be improved

through on-the-job trainings (OJTs) conducted in the course of the development project.

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Outline of the Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution

Item Description

Objectives of the development project

The development project aims to introduce and disseminate seeds of improved varieties of major crops (wheat, potatoes, beans and other vegetables) adaptive to the local agricultural environment through: 1) selection of adaptive varieties through trial cultivation; 2) establishment of a germination and quarantine testing system; and 3) establishment and strengthening of seed production and distribution systems.

Expected outcomes - Varieties of major crops that are adaptive to the agricultural environment in the target area are selected through trial cultivation at the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) and on farmland in different regions of the Province.

- Seeds of wheat and potato are produced by contract farmers and quality seeds are distributed in a stable manner.

- The ARC has obtained the necessary facility and skills to conduct germination and quarantine tests.

- Distribution routes of improved seeds are established and farmers are enabled to easily purchase improved seeds.

- Farmers practice agriculture with quality seeds, and productivity and quality of crops cultivated in Bamyan Province are improved.

Effects / impact of the development project

- Seeds adaptive to the local agricultural environment will be widely used, and will improve the quality and productivity of agricultural products in the Province.

- Seed potatoes that are not infected by disease will be distributed and the risk of outbreaks of potato diseases will be reduced.

- Farmers using improved seeds will benefit from activities related to agricultural research on appropriate farming management, and introduction of farming management technologies appropriate for the agricultural environment.

Target area / location of major activities

The development project targets the entire Province. The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Agricultural Research Center of DAIL and nearby farmers (trial cultivation and seed

potato production) - Bamyan Center district, Yakawlang district and Panjab district (wheat seed production)

2) Activities of the Development Project

2)-1 Procurement and renewal of improved seeds

ARC will procure foundation seeds for seed production of wheat and potatoes, as well as those for

trial cultivation from MAIL. On the other hand, certified seeds will be procured for beans and

vegetables, from organizations such as private seed companies. In recent years, NGOs such as

Helvetas and Solidarities have been active in introducing vegetable seeds. Information collected

from such organizations shall also be taken into consideration when procuring the seeds for

vegetables.

The renewal of seeds for trial cultivation of wheat and potatoes will be done every three years to

reflect the actual situation of farmers, who are not likely to frequently renew their seeds. As for

beans and other vegetables, the timing of seed renewal will be decided according to the

characteristics of each cultivated variety.

The foundation seeds for wheat and potato for seed production, as well as those for beans and

other vegetables will be procured every year so that the farmers can cultivate with the same seeds

for multiple years.

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2)-2 Trial cultivation to select improved varieties

Trial cultivation of improved varieties will be implemented in two steps. The first step will be

implemented in the ARC in order to screen the improved varieties down to several varieties that

are expected to match the agricultural environment of different areas of the Province. The second

step will be trial cultivation in the districts, in order to verify the actual adaptability of the selected

varieties.

In addition to the crops that are already being selected, trial cultivation of early- to mid-maturing

varieties of wheat, potatoes, beans and vegetables will also be conducted in the ARC. The 6 ha

land area in the ARC, which is currently not utilized, will be developed in order to conduct the

trial cultivation. Daily activities for trial cultivation will be carried out by ARC researchers under

the guidance of specialists, and actual works at the field will be done by the workers of the ARC.

Periodic trainings by external specialists will be held in order to improve and maintain the

technical capacity of the relevant staff for trial cultivation. The area of 0.2 ha is assumed for trial

cultivation.

Trial cultivation in the districts will be conducted by utilizing a part of the demonstration plots,

which will be installed through the later-mentioned Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension

System. Daily activities will be carried out by the caretaker of the demonstration plot under the

monitoring and guidance of district agriculture extension officers. Furthermore, technical guidance

will also be periodically provided by provincial agriculture extension officers to maintain a certain

technical level between different plots. Training for provincial and district extension officers will

be done together with the trainings for the ARC staff, in order to improve and maintain their

technical capacity related to providing technical guidance. A total of 15 demonstration plots (0.1

ha each) in the districts of Sayghan, Yakawlang and Waras are assumed for implementation of

trial cultivation.

The results of trial cultivation in the ARC and the demonstration plots in the districts will be

compiled by the ARC researchers and extension officers under the support of specialists. Selection

of the crop varieties will be based on the results, in terms of the adaptability of each to the

agricultural and socio-economic environment of the districts, as well as popularity among the local

farmers. Concurrently, technical information such as agronomic characteristics of the crops

identified through trial cultivation will be reflected in crop-wise cultivation manuals (proposed in

the later-mentioned Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System) and will be used for

agricultural extension.

2)-3 Seed production

Seeds for wheat and potatoes (seed potatoes) will be produced to increase the amount of improved

seeds distributed in the Province. Production will be done by contracting local farmers, who will

be given necessary technical guidance.

Production of seeds for improved late-maturing wheat varieties are already carried out by private

4 - 8

seed companies under the Project for Production and Distribution of Wheat Seeds, supported by

FAO. The seed companies are currently producing seeds by contracting farmers in the districts of

Bamyan Center, Yakawlang and Panjab. The same system, by which contracted farmers produce

improved seeds, will be applied to the early- to mid-maturing varieties that will be selected

through this development project. Seed production will be done by a number of contracted farmers,

who will be periodically monitored and provided with technical guidance by agricultural extension

officers and ARC researchers. Additional farmers will be contracted after every three years during

the development project in order to increase seed production. The final production area of these

seeds is expected to reach some 120 ha. The contracted farmers are expected to further continue

seed production, selling their products to private seed companies.

Taking into consideration that no major system for seed potato production has been established up

to date, the development project aims to establish a production system based on contract farming.

Compared to other seeds, the production of seed potatoes requires careful monitoring and

guidance. In order to enable frequent monitoring and guidance, farmers to be contracted for seed

production shall be limited to those located near the ARC in Bamyan Center district. The

conditions of farmlands and the experiences of farmers will also be considered when selecting the

farmers to be contracted. External resources such as potato specialists from the ARC headquarters

of MAIL or NGOs shall also be utilized for providing technical support. In the same manner as the

seed production for wheat, the contracted farmers will be regularly monitored and guided by the

agriculture extension officers and ARC researchers. New farmers will be contracted after every

three years in order to increase the amount of seed production. The final production area of these

seeds is expected to reach some 6 ha. Produced seed potatoes will be sold to farmers through

farmers’ organizations such as existing agricultural cooperatives and production and sales

cooperatives that will be established through Project for Strengthening Potato Production and

Sales. Contracting of farmers will be continued by the ARC after the project period, in order to

maintain seed potato production in the Province.

2)-4 Germination and quarantine tests

Since tests for wheat are already practiced in the ARC, the required environment for testing other

crops will be created through the development project. Necessary facilities and equipment will be

installed and trainings will be provided for ARC researchers.

To ensure quality of seed potatoes, it is important not only to carry out germination tests, but also

to check whether the seed potatoes are infected by germs or viruses. However, conducting detailed

tests by the ARC of Bamyan alone would be difficult because they will require high degrees of

technical skills as well as expensive equipment, including electron microscopes. Therefore, more

simplified methods will be applied for this development project: visual confirmation of plants on

the plot during production, and test cultivation of samples in greenhouses during winter, etc. After

conducting such tests, potatoes assured of quality will be sold in early spring. Necessary methods

and equipment for testing beans and vegetables will be introduced as required, since they will

4 - 9

differ depending on the introduced varieties.

It is desirable that technical guidance be given to ARC researchers by external specialists every

year for the first three years of the development project, and once every three years for the

remaining period.

2)-5 Sales and distribution

Distribution routes of improved seeds differ among crops. As for wheat, the existing distribution

route of private seed companies will be utilized. For potatoes, information on necessary amounts

of seed potatoes will be first collected by district agriculture extension officers from farmers’

organizations such as potato production and sales cooperatives, and then ordered to the ARC. The

ARC, in return, will produce the amounts of seed potatoes and will sell them to individual farmers

through farmers’ organizations. Seeds for beans and other vegetables will be directly ordered to

DAIL from individual farmers or farmers’ organizations.

3) Schedule and Costs

Schedule of Activities for the Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution

Activities Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Year 7 Year 8 Year 9 Year 10

Expansion of ARC facility and equipment

Development of demonstration plots

Technical training to ARC staff

Trial cultivation of improved varieties in the plot of ARC

Technical training to caretakers of demonstration plots

Trial cultivation of improved varieties in demonstration plots

Development of farmlands for production of improved seeds

Production of improved seeds (for varieties already selected)

Production of improved seeds (for varieties to be selected in the development project)

Training on germination and quarantine tests

Sales and distribution of improved seeds

In order to implement the activities of the development project and to make routine of seed

production, distribution and sales under DAIL after the completion of the project, DAIL is

recommended to secure necessary ARC staff as well as budget for their regular activities. The

required number of ARC staff cannot be determined at the moment, since detailed project contents

such as the number of varieties to be examined are yet to be specified. Therefore, the number of

4 - 10

staff shall be clarified at the time of preparing the detailed implementation plan of the

development projects.

Expected costs for project activities (USD)

Trial cultivation at ARC and demonstration plots (preparation of cultivation plots, cost for technical training for field personnel, procurement of agricultural input, etc.): 77,000

Germination and quarantine test (installation of facility and equipment, technical training for ARC researchers, procurement of consumables, etc.): 99,000

Seed production and distribution (preparation of cultivation plots, cost for technical training for seed producers, assistance for procurement of agricultural input, distribution for seeds to promote dissemination, etc.): 1,713,000

Costs for project management and logistics (office operation, transportation costs for the above activities, etc.): 239,000

Total: 2,218,000

Expected input of specialists (Man-months)

Agricultural specialists (International): 59

Agricultural specialists (Afghan): 64

Total: 123

(2) Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System


This development project contributes to the stabilization and improvement of productivity and

quality of agricultural products by dissemination of appropriate farming management techniques,

which will be realized through strengthening of agricultural extension systems of DAIL.

Furthermore, activities for enlightening farmers on the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic

Activation will be conducted together with agricultural extension, in order to promote the series of

activities from agricultural production to market access.

Extension activities shall be conducted based on the contents of crop-specific cultivation manuals

and by utilizing the demonstration plots, which are to be installed in each district. Taking into

consideration the limited numbers of extension officers, the project adopts a “farmer to farmer”

approach, where extension activities will target representatives of farmers’ organizations such as

agricultural cooperatives, with the expectation of these representatives further extending the

obtained knowledge to other members of their organizations. Particular attention shall be paid to

production and sales cooperatives, which are to be established under the later-mentioned projects

for strengthening production and sales of cash crops, as well as CDCs, in order to attain synergetic

effects in the development projects.

The project activities will be carried out by the provincial and district extension officers under the

support of specialists. The capacities of extension officers in terms of technical and management

skills related to agricultural extension are expected to improve through on-the-job trainings (OJTs)

conducted in the course of the development project.

4 - 11

Outline of the Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System

Item Description


The development project aims to disseminate appropriate farming management techniques through strengthening DAIL’s capacity for agricultural extension. This will be realized through formulating cultivation manuals for crops cultivated in Bamyan Province as well as installation of demonstration plots for each district.

Expected outcomes - Crop-specific cultivation manuals introducing appropriate farming management techniques adaptive to the conditions of Bamyan Province are prepared and distributed to farmers.

- Agricultural extension officers have received OJTs on extension activities based on the contents of the cultivation manuals and have acquired knowledge and skills necessary for agricultural extension.

- Demonstration plots that serve as the base of agricultural extension activities are prepared in each district.

- Agricultural extension activities for farmers (including those from production and sales cooperatives established through the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation) are carried out based on the cultivation manuals.

- Farmers apply appropriate farming management techniques and agricultural productivity, and the quality of the products in Bamyan Province is improved.

- Information on the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation as well as schemes of governmental support are noted by the farmers.


- Productivity and quality of agricultural products will be improved through application of appropriate farming management techniques, and profitability of farming and the rate of self-sufficiency will be improved.

- Crops with sufficient quality will be produced and stably distributed, thus contributing to the formulation of a brand-image for crops produced in Bamyan.


The development project targets the entire Province. The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Demonstration plots of each district (around five plots per district).


2)-1 Preparation of cultivation manuals

Crop-specific cultivation manuals shall be prepared by effectively utilizing existing materials in

the Province, such as training materials individually prepared by donor organizations and NGOs.

Such information shall be supplemented with new material to cover the necessary topics. In

particular, FAO has been recently providing support to the Province in the fields of orchards,

potatoes and other vegetables. Materials prepared through these activities, including the Potato

Cultivation Manual prepared through the collaboration of Rural Business Support Project (RBSP)

and SEARAP can be utilized. The crops for which manuals should be prepared shall be selected

taking into consideration factors such as: intentions of MAIL / DAIL, crops suggested in the crop

farming development plan of this report and intentions of local farmers. Supplemental information

to be included in the manuals shall be prepared by MAIL or by other specialists. The manuals

should be prepared in forms that can be easily understood by local farmers, with use of visuals

such as pictures and photographs. Moreover, the introduced techniques must be at levels that can

be practically applied by the local farmers. The manuscripts of the manuals shall be revised when

improved crop varieties are selected in the Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution, in

order to reflect the agronomic characteristics of the varieties to be newly introduced. On-site

practical training and lectures on the contents of the cultivation manuals should be conducted

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targeting the Provincial and district agricultural extension officers, so as to attain sufficient

knowledge on appropriate cultivation techniques.

2)-2 Agricultural extension at demonstration plots

Agricultural extension activities shall be carried out as many times as practical, utilizing the

demonstration plots in each district. Extension activities shall target representatives from farmers’

organizations, and be conducted with considerations given to facilitate farmer to farmer

dissemination of the trained techniques.

Several locations shall be selected for each district with considerations on accessibility to the plots

in the district. At this point, installation of around five demonstration plots for each district is

deemed reasonable. Daily management as well as works for cultivation shall be entrusted to the

land owner (caretaker) of the plot. Each plot shall cultivate selected crops in order to demonstrate

the effectiveness of agricultural practices such as: introduction of improved varieties, application

of appropriate farming management techniques, and contribution of crop-rotation to improving

and maintaining productivity. Technical guidance on cultivation of the plots shall be provided to

the caretakers through regular trainings held by provincial and district agricultural extension

officers, as well as through daily on-site monitoring and follow-up by the district extension

officers.

OJTs shall be conducted for extension officers prior to the actual extension activities, in order to

standardize the level and content of the techniques to be disseminated. This shall be done under

the support of specialists on extension, by gathering the extension officers to demonstration plots

in Bamyan Center and Yakawlang. District agricultural extension officers will then conduct

extension activities in the demonstration plots of their own districts, inviting the representatives of

farmers and farmers’ organizations. Extension activities shall be conducted several times for each

crop, as appropriate to cultivation cycles and based on cultivation manuals. In addition,

information on existing schemes that can support farmers, as well as basic knowledge for

improving farm economies will also be provided at the times of extension activities. Upon

implementation of extension activities, detailed extension plans should be prepared, taking into

consideration factors such as the needs of local farmers receiving extension and the technical

capacities of the extension officers. The extension plan shall specify items such as the target of

extension activities, procedures for extension, and annual schedules. It is desirable that extension

activities are monitored by provincial extension officers and specialists in order to identify points

to be improved and reflect them in the detailed extension plan as required.

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Schedule of Activities for the Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System


Preparation of cultivation manuals

Revision of cultivation manuals

In-class training for DAIL officers based on the contents of the cultivation manuals

Preparation of detailed extension plans

Installation of demonstration plots (Bamyan Center district and Yakawlang district)

Installation of demonstration plots (districts other than Bamyan Center and Yakawlang)

On-site training at demonstration plots for DAIL extension officers and caretakers of demonstration plots

Continuation of extension activities using the demonstration plots (Bamyan Center district and Yakawlang district)

Continuation of extension activities using the demonstration plots (districts other than Bamyan Center and Yakawlang)

In order to implement the activities of the development project and to maintain the activities after

the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary staff as well as budget

for their regular activities. The required number of staff for this development project is: three

extension officers at the provincial level and three extension officers in each district.


Preparation of extension tools including cultivation manuals (needs survey, preparation of manuscripts for manuals, printing of manuals, etc.): 1,405,000

Installation of demonstration plots (field survey, plot installation, lease of demonstration plots, commissioning cultivation, agricultural input, etc.): 143,000

Extension activities (conducting OJTs, conducting extension activities, transportation of farmers, etc.): 1,886,000


Total: 3,835,000

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Total: 188

(3) Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales


This development project aims to improve productivity and quality of potatoes produced in the

target area. Groups of potato-producing farmers (potato production and sales cooperatives) shall

be organized to formulate recipient bodies for technical extension and sales of quality seed

potatoes. Formulation of production and sales cooperatives also enable group sales activities

which will contribute to stabilization of sales and strengthening of bargaining power.

Agricultural extension services to individual farmers shall be carried out targeting farmers’ groups.

Appropriate farming management techniques as well as knowledge on farm management will be

efficiently shared among group members. Guidance shall be provided to the farmers’ groups so

that they can determine the amount of required seed potatoes based on their cultivation plan and

function as focal points for procurement of seed potatoes from the Provincial Agricultural

Research Center. If agricultural knowledge and skills of individual farmers are enhanced and

improved varieties adaptive to the local environment are cultivated with appropriate farming

management techniques, productivity and quality of potatoes can be improved for the whole target

area. In addition, group purchase of agricultural input by farmers’ organizations will contribute to

purchase at better prices.

The cooperatives will collect price information from different traders and potatoes will be sold to

traders proposing better prices. Sales through cooperatives will not only increase the efficiency for

collecting market information, but will also increase sales opportunities by being able to respond

to demands for large quantities. The harvested potatoes will be primarily sold to obtain necessary

cash such as those to liquidate debts, and the remaining amounts will be sold aiming at higher

prices by regularly checking market prices. Collection of market information and adjustments of

sales amounts will also be done through the cooperatives. To date, various donors have been

providing support for the construction of potato storage facilities in Bamyan Province, including

the RBSP which have installed storage facilities and has promoted better storage techniques and

shipping adjustment, funded by Japanese assistance. A USAID programme titled “Local

Governance and Community Development – North and West (LGCD-NW)” has indicated that one

unit of modernized potato storage can improve the farmers’ income by USD 1,200 per year.

Improvement of profitability from potato production is further expected through coordinating with

such existing development schemes.

Actions for adding value to potatoes as well as developing new marketing routes are also expected

for the cooperatives in the future. These include sales of high quality potatoes in higher prices by

4 - 15

grading them, and sales to potato processing enterprises that will be established through the

Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment.

Activities of the development project will be implemented by the provincial and district

cooperative officers of DAIL under the support of external specialists. Technical capacities of the

cooperative officers in establishing and supporting the operation of farmers’ organizations are

expected to be improved through On the Job Trainings (OJTs) conducted in the implementation of

project activities.

Outline of the Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales

Item Description


The development project aims to increase farmers’ incomes through improving the productivity and quality of the potatoes produced, as well as strengthening the bargaining power of the farmers. This will be realized through organizing of farmers, who will function as recipient bodies for agricultural extension activities and distribution of improved seeds, and will enable group sales of products.

Expected outcomes - A model cooperative for potato production and sales is established. - Potato production and sales cooperatives are established by replicating the model

cooperative. - Appropriate farming management technologies are disseminated to the model

cooperative and other cooperatives, and productivity and quality of potatoes are improved.

- The model cooperative and other cooperatives carry out activities including group purchase of agricultural input and group sales of products, based on their business / production plans.

- Prices of potatoes sold by potato production and sales cooperatives, including those of the model cooperative are stabilized and profitability from farming is improved.


- The regional economy will be activated through increased production and sales of potatoes.

- The agro-processing enterprises to be established in the Project for Agro-Processing Businesses Establishment will benefit from the stable supply of raw material.

- Potato producing farmers from areas other than the target area are expected to benefit in the future, as the development project will contribute to the establishment of a brand image of “Bamyan Potatoes” by constantly producing and distributing high quality products.


The development project targets the High Value-Added Crop Cultivation Promotion Zone (mainly consisting of Bamyan Center and southern Shibar). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Model cooperative established in Bamyan Center district (1 cooperative)


2)-1 Support for the establishment and operation of a model cooperative

Out of numerous attempts made by government and other organizations, such as Solidarités, for

organizing potato producing farmers, few organizations are reported to be still active. In

promoting the formulation of potato production and sales cooperatives, careful attention is

required so that farmers can duly understand their benefits, and that their own commitment to

cooperative activities is indispensable for receiving these benefits. In this regard, it would be

effective to establish a model cooperative that demonstrate the actual benefits and showing

farmers directions for future development. The experience and know-how that will be obtained by

the cooperative officers through this process will further contribute to extending the establishment

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of production and sales cooperatives in the area. Within the target area (High Value-Added Crop

Cultivation Promotion Zone: Bamyan Center district and the southern part of Shibar district), one

model cooperative shall be established in Bamyan Center. This is in consideration that there is

good access between the two districts, and it is easier for DAIL provincial officers to access.

Particular attention shall be paid to the selection of participant farmers: carefully confirming their

sense of ownership and their willingness to participate and to contribute both physically and

financially.

After participants are selected, regular meetings will be held with provincial and district

cooperative officers to formulate a detailed business plan, indicating the responsibilities, methods

and procedures, for activities such as purchase of material and sales of products. Study tours to

observe advanced cooperatives in other provinces will also be held to facilitate the participants to

obtain a vision of what they may accomplish through cooperative activities.

After the establishment of the model cooperative, its representatives shall participate in

agricultural extension activities currently conducted by DAIL and NGOs such as AKF. The

obtained knowledge and skills shall be further shared among other cooperative members.

Coordination with the earlier mentioned Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System and

Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution shall also be considered. If these projects are

implemented, the cooperative shall participate in their activities apply appropriate farming

management techniques for the production of potatoes with improved seed varieties. Provincial

and district cooperative officers will regularly monitor their activities and provide technical

guidance as required.

2)-2 Expansion of production and sales cooperatives by replicating the model cooperative

After the model cooperative starts its operation, provincial and district cooperative officers will

replicate the procedures adopted for the model cooperative in order to further extend support for

establishment and operations of production and sales cooperatives. Establishment of around 180

cooperatives is expected for the target area. Establishment of production and sales cooperatives

shall be widely announced to the potato producing farmers in the area, including those in existing

agricultural cooperatives established by DAIL. Support shall be provided to groups of farmers

showing spontaneous willingness towards establishing and operating cooperatives. One

cooperative shall basically cover one CDC or a group of farmers sharing common land resources.

However, the range of coverage shall be individually determined by examining social

characteristics of the local communities, in regard that easiness of consensus building within the

cooperatives is a critical factor for successful operation. Furthermore, the sense of ownership and

willingness of farmers to provide physical and financial inputs will be confirmed prior to the

establishment of cooperatives. Study tours to the model cooperative will be conducted to facilitate

the farmers in obtaining future visions for their cooperatives, as well as to refer to the model in

preparation of their business plans.

4 - 17


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales


Establishment of a model cooperative

Support procurement of agricultural inputs for the model cooperative

Technical guidance for the model cooperative

Expansion of production and sales cooperatives by replicating the model cooperative


the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary cooperative officers as

well as budget for their regular activities. The required number of cooperative officers is two at the

provincial level and one each in the districts of Bamyan Center and Shibar.


Support for establishment and operation of the model cooperative (preparation for establishment, conducting of study tour, technical support for operation of the cooperative, support for agricultural input, etc.): 213,000

Expansion of production and sales cooperatives by replicating the model cooperative (preparation for establishment, conducting of study tour, technical assistance for operation of the cooperative, etc.): 2,360,000


Total: 3,208,000


Agricultural specialists (International) 79


Total: 235

(4) Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales


This development project aims to promote improvement of productivity and quality of

apricots-which are the main cash crop of the orchard production promotion zone-by organizing

groups of fruit-producing farmers (fruit production and sales cooperatives) and formulating

recipient bodies for technical extension. Formulation of production and sales cooperatives also

enable group sales activities which are expected to contribute to stabilization of sales and

strengthening of bargaining power.

4 - 18

Like the former mentioned potato production and sales cooperatives, the fruit production and

sales cooperatives will function as a recipient body for agricultural extension by DAIL. Thus,

establishment of the cooperatives shall contribute to the improvement of productivity and quality

of fruits produced in the area, through dissemination of appropriate techniques such as application

of fertilizers, pest control with agro-chemicals, and pruning. In addition, cooperatives will be able

to purchase agricultural input at better prices through group purchase. Seedlings of improved

apricot varieties will be produced by establishing a seedling production group, which will provide

required amounts based on actual requirements.

The harvested apricots will be sold through the production and sales cooperatives. The

cooperatives will collect price information from different markets (local markets, markets in major

cities, markets for export), in order to determine to whom the apricots should be sold, as well as in

what form (fresh or dried), based on the qualities of the produced apricots. Selling through the

cooperatives is expected to increase bargaining power as they can benefit from the economy of

scale by trading larger batches of products than individual farmers can. Furthermore, development

of new marketing routes, such as selling apricots to processing enterprises that will be established

through the Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment, can also be expected for the

cooperatives in the future.

Actual project activities will be implemented by the provincial and district cooperative officers of

DAIL under the support of specialists. Technical capacities of the cooperative officers in

establishing and supporting the operation of farmers’ organizations are expected to be improved

through On the Job Trainings (OJTs) conducted in the implementation of project activities.

Outline of the Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales

Item Description


The development project aims to increase farmers’ income through improving the productivity and quality of the apricots produced, as well as strengthening the bargaining power of the farmers. This will be realized through the organization of farmers, who will function as recipient bodies for agricultural extension activities and will enable group sales of the products.

Expected outcomes - A model cooperative for production and sales of apricots is established. - Fruit production and sales cooperatives are established by replicating the model of the

model cooperative. - Appropriate farming management technologies are disseminated to the model cooperative

and other cooperatives, and the productivity and quality of apricots are improved. - The model cooperative and other cooperatives carry out activities including group

purchases of agricultural input and group sales of products, based on business / production plans that are prepared for each cooperative.

- Prices of apricots sold by fruit production and sales cooperatives including that of the model cooperative are stabilized, and profitability from farming is improved.

- Appropriate quantities of seedlings are produced by the seedling production group and orchards in the area are gradually renewed.


- The regional economy will be activated through increased production and sales of apricots.- The agro-processing enterprises to be established through the Project for Agro-Processing

Businesses Establishment will benefit from stable supply of raw material. - Apricot producing farmers from areas other than the target area are expected to benefit in

the future, as the development project will contribute to the establishment of a brand image of “Bamyan Apricots” by constantly producing and distributing high quality products.


The development project targets the Orchard Production Promotion Zone (mainly consisting of Kahmard). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Model cooperative established in Kahmard district (1 cooperative)

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2)-1 Support for the establishment and operation of a model cooperative

Like the former mentioned potato production and sales cooperatives, a model cooperative shall be

established and selectively supported, so as to demonstrate the benefits of group activities and

show the farmers the directions they can head towards. The model cooperative shall be established

in Kahmard, in consideration of the access from different parts of the target area. As the model

cooperative is required to demonstrate a “success story,” careful supportive efforts, as indicated in

the Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales, shall be made upon its establishment.

2)-2 Expansion of production and sales cooperatives by replicating the model cooperative

After the model cooperative starts its operation, the provincial and district cooperative officers will

further extend the support for establishment and operations of production and sales cooperatives

by replicating the procedures adopted by the model cooperative. The establishment of around 50

cooperatives is expected for the target area consisting of Kahmard district. The establishment of

the cooperatives will be supported in the same procedures as indicated in the Project for

Strengthening Potato Production and Sales.

Selected farmers (representatives) of the established cooperatives shall participate in agricultural

extension activities currently conducted by DAIL and NGOs such as AKF, sharing the obtained

knowledge and skills with all members of the cooperatives, who shall apply these skills as

appropriate for the production of apricots. The apricot trees currently cultivated shall be gradually

renewed with those of improved varieties using the seedlings to be produced by the

later-mentioned seedling production group. Sales of the apricots produced shall be done according

to the business plans of the individual cooperatives.

2)-3 Establishment of seedling production group

A seedling production group will be formulated by selecting, from the model cooperative, farmers

with experience in seedling production and/or farmers with a strong willingness to participate.

Taking into consideration that the areas cultivating apricots in the target area are limited, the

seedling production group will only produce a limited amount of seedlings each year. The number

of seedlings to be produced will be that sufficient to renew orchards for 55 ha (approximately 10%

of the estimated area of apricot production) / year. Technical guidance for seedling production

shall come from external resources. The produced seedlings will not only be sold to the production

and sales cooperatives, but also to individual farmers.

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Schedule of Activities for the Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales


Establishment of the model cooperative

Support procurement of agricultural inputs for the model cooperative

Technical guidance for the model cooperative

Expansion of production and sales cooperatives by replicating the model cooperative

Establishment of the seedling production group

Development of plot for seedling production

Support procurement of agricultural inputs for the seedling production group

Technical guidance for the seedling production group



well as budget for their regular activities. The required number of cooperative officers is one at the

provincial level and one in Kahmard district.


Support for establishment and operation of the model cooperative (preparation for establishment, conducting of study tour, technical support for operation of the cooperative, support for agricultural input, etc.): 138,000

Expansion of production and sales cooperatives by replicating the model cooperative (preparation for establishment, conducting of study tour, technical assistance for operation of the cooperative, etc.): 738,000

Support for establishment and operation of the seedling production group (preparation for establishment, preparation of nursery, technical support for the operation of the group, support for agricultural input, etc.): 63,000


Total: 1,142,000




Total: 168

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(5) Project for Strengthening Vegetable Production and Sales


This promotion project aims to improve the productivity and quality of vegetables that will be

produced through the introduction of crop rotation through organizing groups of

vegetable-producing farmers (vegetable production and sales cooperative) and formulating a

recipient body for technical extension.

The vegetable production and sales cooperative will contribute to the improvement of productivity

and quality of vegetables produced in the target area by participating in the extension activities

conducted by DAIL and by sharing among its members the obtained knowledge regarding

appropriate farming management. In addition, the cooperative will be able to purchase agricultural

input at better prices through group purchase.

Products such as radish, cabbage, cucumber and tomato are expected to be produced and primarily

shipped to markets in Yakawlang Center and Bamyan Center, utilizing the Yakawlang - Bamyan

road. Clients in these markets will be found by the cooperative. Vegetables also will be sold

through the cooperative in order to secure sufficient amounts for the requirement of the clients.

The cooperative shall also collect information on the trends of market demand, and produce

vegetables in accordance to production plans prepared based on market demands. Furthermore,

shipping of vegetables to markets of Kabul will be considered, taking into consideration that

vegetable production in Bamyan can be carried out during the off-crop season of other production

areas supplying vegetables to Kabul.

The support for establishment and operation of the cooperative will be carried out by the

provincial and district cooperative officers under the support of specialists.

Outline of the Project for Strengthening Vegetable Production and Sales

Item Description


The development project aims to increase farmers’ income through improving the productivity and quality of vegetables, which will be produced through the introduction of crop rotation, as well as strengthening the bargaining power of farmers. This will be realized through organizing farmers, who will function as a recipient body for agricultural extension activities and will enable group sales of the products.

Expected outcomes - A vegetable production and sales cooperative is established. - Farmers participating in agricultural extension activities are increased through

extension activities targeting vegetable production and sales cooperatives, and productivity of vegetables is improved through application of appropriate farming management techniques.

- A production plan for the vegetable production and sales cooperative, indicating procedures for purchase of input and sales of product, as well as buyers to whom the products are sold is prepared and activities are carried out in accordance with this plan.

- Prices of products sold by vegetable production and sales cooperatives are stabilized and profitability from farming is improved.

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Item Description


- The regional economy will be activated through increased production and sales of vegetables.

- Vegetable producing farmers from areas other than the target area are expected to benefit in the future, as the development project will contribute to the establishment of a brand image of “Bamyan Vegetables” by constantly producing and distributing high quality products to major markets such as those in Kabul, while other vegetable-producing provinces are in off-crop season.


The development project targets the Crop Diversification Encouragement Zone (mainly consisting of western Yakawlang). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Vegetable production and sales cooperative established in western Yakawlang (1

cooperative)


In the crop diversification encouragement zone, which is the target area of this development

project, it is assumed that there are around 40 CDCs located near the main road

(Bamyan-Yakawlang road) that have relatively easy access to the regional road network. On the

other hand, the area for vegetable production within the crop rotation system introduced through

the strategies for Crop Farming Development accounts for around 10% of the total cultivated area.

Taking into consideration the small area for vegetable production, group activities, which stand on

the grounds of the economy of scale, are considered to have limited effects if implemented at the

level of individual CDCs. In this regard, the establishment of one production and sales cooperative

unifying farmers of the whole area would be effective.

As the cooperative will be formulated in large scale, a considerable amount of time would be

required to attentively plan its establishment. Farmers with sufficient leadership and popularity are

required as the initial members of the cooperative, so that they can further lead the cooperative

activities in the future when the number of members is increased. Particular attention shall be paid

to selecting farmers not only with senses of ownership and willingness to contribute both

physically and financially, but also with distinctive business minds. The number of participants at

the initial stage of the development project will be decided based on the total area of vegetable

cultivation, taking into consideration that the cooperative needs to benefit from the economy of

scale. After the selection of initial members, a business plan clearly indicating the measures and

procedures for items such as purchasing of agricultural inputs and sales of products will be

formulated through preparatory meetings regularly held between these members, and cooperative

officers of the district and Province. The capacities of the cooperative to perform its tasks shall be

strengthened through the practice of group activities and study tours to visit advanced cooperatives.

Participating members shall be gradually increased after the cooperative reaches a stage where it

can stably perform its activities.

4 - 23


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Strengthening Vegetable Production and Sales


Establishment of the vegetable production and sales cooperative

Support procurement of agricultural inputs for the vegetable production and sales cooperative

Formulation of production plan

Continued technical guidance for the vegetable production and sales cooperative



well as budget for their regular activities. The required number of cooperative officers is one at the

provincial level and one in Yakawlang district.


Support for establishment and operation of the production and sales cooperative (preparation for establishment, study tour, technical support for the operation of the cooperative, support for agricultural input, etc.): 566,000


Total: 703,000




Total: 103

(6) Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment


This development project aims at promoting the establishment of private businesses specialized in

agro-processing, in order to realize export of value-added agricultural products to the markets of

Kabul as well as to increase the demand for raw material produced in the Province, with a prospect

of further exporting the products to foreign markets.

Support for establishing private businesses is already provided in Bamyan Province under AREDP.

Therefore, it is desirable for the development project to be implemented by PRRD and DAIL in

coordination with AREDP. One of the possible approaches for promoting agro-processing could

be the utilization of production and sales cooperatives, as processing and sales of agricultural

products could be practiced as part of their activities. However, when aiming at foreign markets,

4 - 24

activities such as appropriate production management, quality management and establishment of

marketing routes are expected to be beyond the capacity of individual cooperatives. Therefore, the

development project proposes the establishment of local industries specialized in agro-processing

and trading. Incubation of such local businesses established in Bamyan Province in a mid- to

long-term perspective is expected to efficiently contribute to the activation of local economies.

Though markets to be aimed at will differ among products, the main target shall be major markets

such as those in Kabul. Information on effective marketing systems and sales routes shall be

shared among individual businesses through AREDP in order to promote their sales.

Technical support for establishment of agro-processing businesses shall be provided by the Social

Development Unit of PRRD and DSOs in the districts, under close coordination with the

agricultural extension officers of DAIL. From the mid- to long-term perspective, it is desirable that

administrative support systems for local industry development will be set up in collaboration with

relevant ministries and agencies. Such systems shall include items such as subsidies for

establishing businesses, and protection of domestic products by levying tariffs on imported

products.

Outline of the Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment

Items Description


The development project aims to identify promising processed agricultural products, develop a business model for its production and sales, incubate the business minds of entrepreneurs willing to start agro-processing businesses through the process of business planning, and develop and strengthen local agro-processing industries.

Expected outcomes - Market research is conducted and promising processed agricultural products that are expected to be profitable are identified in the target area.

- A model business plan that can be widely applied in the area for starting businesses on processing of promising agricultural products is formulated.

- Local entrepreneurs willing to start businesses obtain required knowledge on necessary procedures and government support schemes, and improve their minds on business management.

- The number of local agro-processing businesses increase under the support of AREDP and activation of the local economy is promoted.


- The regional economy will be activated through the increased number of agro-processing businesses as well as the amount of local products merchandised.

- Purchasing of raw materials from the production and sales cooperatives established under the Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales and Project for Strengthening Fruits Production and Sales will contribute to expanding their marketing routes.


The development project targets the Orchard Production Promotion Zone (mainly consisting of Kahmard) and the High Value-Added Crop Cultivation Promotion Zone (mainly consisting of Bamyan Center and southern Shibar).


2)-1 Identification of promising processed agricultural products and elaboration of business plan

Promising processed agricultural products shall be identified among those that can be produced

from cash crops cultivated in the target area.

4 - 25

Market surveys to determine types, qualities, distribution routes, wholesale prices, retail prices,

etc., of processed agricultural products currently distributed in the markets shall be conducted, and

promising products shall be identified based on examination of factors such as adoptability of

processing techniques, market demand and profitability. Market surveys shall be conducted on

various levels, including the provincial market, markets in major cities, and foreign markets.

Promising products should not only be identified in regard to the nearest future, but also by

considering products that may have potential from mid- to long-term perspectives. Identification

of the products will be done involving DAIL officers who have deep knowledge of agricultural

products in the area, specialists from AREDP, who are supporting establishment of rural

businesses, and other relevant specialists such as those from MAIL and the Ministry of Commerce

and Industries and traders from Kabul. Considerations shall also be given to select products that

can be transported to the markets under current road conditions, with regard to the current road

conditions and the fact that there is not yet a cold chain established in Bamyan Province. Among

potatoes and fruits, dried fruits are expected to have considerable potential, as they do not require

investments for modern equipment.

In addition, business plans indicating the prices and sales targets of the products shall be

formulated based on due examination of aspects including initial investment, procurement cost of

raw material, running cost of the facility including labor cost, and seasonal demand forecasts

based on market surveys.

2)-2 Support for fostering private businesses

Candidate entrepreneurs willing to start agro-processing businesses shall be called for by widely

announcing the project to the people in the target area. Contents of the business plan and supporting

schemes shall be explained to the candidate entrepreneurs and support shall be provided to those

who express particular interest in the project activities. Support for candidate entrepreneurs shall

include lectures by local and external specialists and entrepreneurs with the aim to provide

knowledge required for starting new businesses, and other efforts to develop business minds, such as

study tours to successful agro-processing businesses in other provinces to envisage the future image

of business operation and management. Technical support for the preparation of individual business

plans will also be provided for candidates who are further willing to start their businesses, and

utilization of existing supporting schemes such as AREDP will be promoted. Furthermore,

monitoring activities shall be carried out in collaboration by DAIL and AREDP, in order to provide

technical guidance for expanding business activities to entrepreneurs that have newly started

agro-processing businesses as well as those already receiving support under AREDP.

4 - 26


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment


Market research on processed agricultural products

Identification of promising processed agricultural products and examining of business plan

Promotion of establishingagro-processing businesses and identification of candidate entrepreneurs eager to start business

Support for formulation of business plans for individual candidates and application to AREDP

Operation of agro-processing businesses under the support of AREDP


the completion of the project, PRRD is recommended to secure necessary employees of the social

development unit and DSOs as well as budget for their regular activities. The required number is

two staff for the social development unit and two DSOs each in Bamyan Center district, Shibar

district and Kahmard district.


Market research and identification of promising processed agricultural products (contracted market research and field survey) 106,000

Support for establishing agro-processing business (technical training, study tour, support for formulation of business plan, etc.) 505,000


Total: 1,002,000


Agro-business / agro-processing specialists (International): 36

Agro-processing specialists 53

Agro-business specialists (Afghan): 120

Total: 209

4.2.2 Development Projects Under the Livestock Development Plan

Development of the livestock sector shall contribute to activating the local economy by improving

the productivity of ruminant livestock-which are regarded to have high potentials to bring about

quick effect-by improving feeding management practices throughout the Province, and by

combining feed improvement and promotion of processing activities in areas with particularly

high potential (livestock promotion zone, mainly consisting of the western part of Bamyan Center

4 - 27

and the southeastern part of Yakawlang). Besides the improvement of ruminants, diversification of

income-generating activities is proposed through the promotion of poultry farming and apiculture.

Strengthening of Veterinary Field Units (VFUs) is proposed to develop the foundation of the

sector, in order to realize its sustainable development.

(1) Project to Strengthen Veterinary Field Units (VFUs)


This development project aims to strengthen the functions of VFUs, who shoulder extension

activities at the field level, and to contribute to disease control of ruminants and poultry, in order

to materialize the livestock development plan described in section 3.3.2 of this report.

VFUs play an important role in providing technical extension and trainings regarding livestock at

the field level. Effective performance of VFUs is crucial for attaining sufficient results from the

development projects under the livestock development plan proposed in SEARAP. However,

current personnel and budget deficiencies have resulted in the situation in which VFUs cannot

sufficiently respond to the needs of the farmers. Veterinarians (including veterinarians, associate

veterinarians and primary level veterinary practitioners) in Bamyan count up to a total of 61 in the

whole Province. However, some of them are employed by organizations such as AKF and the

Dutch Committee for Afghanistan (DCA), and are not staff of VFUs. Though there is coordination

between DAIL and such organizations to a certain extent, the activities of their veterinarians are

basically guided by project strategies of the individual organizations. In order to carry out

livestock development in an efficient and effective manner, it is important to formulate a plan

based on clear understandings on up to which extent such specialists can be involved in the

strengthening of the overall structure of VFUs.

Outline of the Project to Strengthen Veterinary Field Units (VFUs)

Items Description


The development project aims to formulate a structure that will facilitate effective implementation of the development projects under the livestock development plan, as well as carry out measures for disease control for ruminants and poultry, through strengthening the institutions and human resources of VFUs, which shoulder livestock-related extension activities at the field level.

Expected outcomes - The necessary number of VFU staffs is identified, and the required budget and human resources are secured.

- Technical capacities of personnel related to disease control of livestock, including VFU staffs are improved.

- Farmers obtain knowledge on preventative measures for infectious diseases of livestock. - Vaccination of livestock is conducted on a scheduled basis, based on annual vaccination

plans. - A structure to cope with unexpected outbreaks of livestock diseases is formulated. - Appropriate management of livestock is practiced by farmers, measures for controlling

infectious diseases are implemented by the government, and the productivity of livestock in Bamyan Province is improved.

4 - 28

Items Description


- Appropriate measures for disease control of livestock will be practiced, through implementation of scheduled vaccination and accumulation of appropriate knowledge on controlling infectious diseases of livestock by farmers.

- Income of livestock rearing farmers will be increased through improved productivity (for milk production and breeding) of ruminant livestock, which will be realized by improved measures for disease control.

- Increased stable supply of raw milk for the dairy processing centers established under the Project for improving Milk Processing will be realized through the improvement of the productivity of milk.

- The quality and accessibility of veterinary services will be improved through increased technical capacities of veterinarians under organizations such as AKF and DCA, and through the formulation of a system for cooperation between such organizations and DAIL.


The development project targets the entire Province.


2)-1 Securing of personnel and budget necessary for the activities of VFUs

DAIL shall strengthen the implementation structure of services by VFUs, through clarifying the

number of necessary staff in each district and by taking necessary actions to secure budget and

personnel. Stationing of sufficient VFUs staffs in the districts is indispensable, particularly for

carrying out the activities under the Project to Improve Ruminant Livestock Feeding System and

Project to establish Feed Analysis Center, which aim to disseminate appropriate knowledge and

techniques on feeding management to the whole Province. Regarding the implementation of

measures for controlling infectious diseases of livestock, considerations should be given to

collaborating with NGOs working in the Province, as a considerable number of veterinarians are

working under these organizations.

2)-2 Training for personnel engaged in livestock disease control

While some types of vaccination can be administered regardless of the age of livestock, there are

also types that require injections based on sufficient knowledge of the characteristics of the

diseases, such as vaccination for brucellosis, which needs to be provided within three months of

birth. In such regard, trainings on methods of diagnosis and vaccinations of livestock shall be

provided with the frequency of about two times per year, targeting the personnel engaged in

livestock disease control from VFUs and NGOs mentioned above.

2)-3 Preparation of manuals on livestock disease control and extension to farmers

Among taking necessary measures for livestock disease control, VFUs need to understand what

kind of diseases are occurring where, and at what degree. However, it is not practical to deploy

VFUs to conduct regular surveys on such information for the whole Province. It would be much

more efficient if surveys can be done focusing on specific areas based on information provided

from local farmers with a certain level of knowledge on livestock diseases. In order to realize such

system, it is desirable to prepare a manual on livestock disease control to support local farmers

obtaining necessary knowledge. The manual should include information such as symptoms and

methods for primary diagnosis of livestock diseases, the impact that may be caused by the diseases,

and measures that should be taken if the diseases occur.

4 - 29

Extension activities on the contents of the manual to representatives from CDCs shall be

conducted mainly by VFUs, with the frequency of about two times per year. Such activities should

be repeatedly conducted in order to widely disseminate appropriate knowledge. Moreover, farmers

should be thoroughly instructed to promptly inform VFUs about occurrences of diseases. The

prepared manuals should also be distributed to the farmers of each CDC through such extension

activities.

2)-4 Implementation of vaccination based on annual plans

Diseases subject to vaccination will be determined by the livestock department of DAIL under

technical support of MAIL. This will be done taking into consideration the information

accumulated in the livestock department, as well as that collected by AKF and DCA. Annual

vaccination plans shall be prepared with regard to the number and types of livestock in the districts.

Among preparation of annual vaccination plans, VFUs in each district shall report to the livestock

department of DAIL their vaccination plan as well as the required amount of vaccines. The

livestock department will further examine and modify the vaccination plans of each district and

approve the final annual vaccination plan. The livestock department of DAIL will further request

from the livestock department of MAIL the allocation of necessary amounts of vaccines and other

medical equipment based on the final vaccination plan. The material allocated by MAIL will be

further distributed to VFUs in each district for them to carry out activities based on their

vaccination plans.

2)-5 Measures against unexpected outbreaks of diseases

In order to cope with unexpected outbreaks of livestock diseases, it is necessary to maintain

regular stock of medicines for diseases of which outbreaks may occur. The types and amounts of

such medicine shall be decided through discussions between each VFU and the livestock

department of DAIL. Such medicine should be obtained through the same process as that for

vaccines and other medical equipment. When possible outbreaks are identified based on the

information of local farmers, the VFU in charge shall make request to the livestock department of

DAIL for the necessary medicine and equipment. In parallel to requesting the livestock

department of MAIL for allocation of necessary material, the livestock department of DAIL will

also contact VFUs in other districts to confirm whether they have any stock of the same material.

Through such process, the livestock department of DAIL shall function as a coordinator for

securing necessary material in a timely manner. While costs for normal medicine and equipment

to cope with general diseases shall be borne by individual farmers, the burden of fees to cope with

strongly contagious diseases such as foot-and-mouth disease, which may largely affect livestock

production in large areas, shall be further decided based on the policies of MAIL.

4 - 30


Schedule of Activities for the Project to Strengthen Veterinary Field Units (VFUs)


Securing of personnel and budgets for activities of VFUs

Training of personnel engaging in prevention of infectious diseases of livestock

Creation of manuals

Enlightenment activities and distribution of manuals to farmers

Implementation of vaccination based on annual plans

Measures against abrupt occurrence of disease


the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary staff for the livestock

department and VFUs as well as budget for their regular activities. Though the exact number of

staff required needs to be further examined at the time when detailed implementation plans are

prepared, the required number of staff for conducting extension activities under this development

project are: two officers for the livestock department, and two VFU staffs in each district.


Training for personnel engaged in livestock disease control (training materials, travel expenses for lecturers, etc.) 46,000

Preparation of manuals and extension activities (preparation of manuscript and printing, cost for training sessions, etc.) 63,000

Implementation of vaccination based on annual plans 78,000

Measures against abrupt occurrence of disease 16,000


Total: 370,000


Livestock specialists (International): 49

Livestock specialists (Afghan): 252

Total: 301

(2) Project for Improvement of Feed for Ruminant Livestock


The project contributes to securing winter feed for ruminant livestock.

In Bamyan Province, which is located in altitudes 2,000 – 4,500 m above sea level, the daily range

of temperature is significantly large, and temperatures frequently drop to as low as -20 °C during

4 - 31

winter time. Under such severe climatic conditions, bodyweights of livestock show significant

decreases particularly during winter time when feed cannot be newly obtained. Under such

situations, securing of winter feed becomes a significant issue for livestock rearing. In Bamyan

Province, dried grass is commonly used as stored feed for winter. However, such practice is not

necessarily suitable for maintaining the health of livestock during the harsh winters, because such

grasses are difficult to secure in sufficient amounts, and significant drops in nutritional values are

observed when dried leaves fall off of their stem. As a result, even after springtime when access to

feed is improved, the decreased body weights of the livestock during winter will affect the

productivity of livestock in milk production and reproduction cycles, until their body weights are

recovered. Taking into consideration such conditions, this development project proposes a series

of activities in the livestock promotion zone with high potential for production of ruminant

livestock, in order to maintain the body weights of ruminants during winter and to improve their

productivity after spring season. Such activities focus on improving the production of feed crops

by, for example, introducing improved varieties of feed crop and encouraging the introduction of

crop rotation cycles, including leguminous crops, as well as applying animal droppings to

farmland for soil improvement, and preparing stored feeds with sufficient nutritional value, and

disseminating techniques for the preparation of silage and urea-treated feeds.

Outline of the Project for Improvement of Feed for Ruminant Livestock

Items Description


This development project aims to improve the productivity (growth speed and reproduction cycle) of livestock through securing of sufficient amounts of winter feed with due quality, which will be realized by a series of activities including the introduction of feed crop varieties adaptive to the cold weather, improvement of farming management techniques, and dissemination of techniques for preparation of winter feed.

Expected outcomes

- Improved varieties of feed crops that are adaptive to the cold weather in the Livestock Promotion Zone are selected and widely cultivated by local farmers.

- Techniques for preparation of winter feed and feeding methods are disseminated within the Livestock Development Zone.

- Productivity of livestock is increased by improving the quality and quantity of winter feed and maintaining their body weights during winter.


- Productivity of ruminants (milk production and breeding) will be increased through the improvement of winter feed, which will contribute to increasing and stabilizing the income of farmers.


- The manual for feed crop production to be prepared in this development project can be used not only for the Livestock Promotion Zone, but also in other areas of the Province.

- Farmers participating in the contract farming of improved feed crop varieties will practice production by applying appropriate farming management techniques that are introduced through extension activities by agricultural extension officers and VFU staffs. Such farmers will function as model farmers in the area, and will contribute to the effective extension of such appropriate techniques in the surrounding areas.


The development project targets the Livestock Promotion Zone (mainly consisting of the western part of Bamyan Center and the southeastern part of Yakawlang). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - DAIL agricultural research center in Mullah Ghulam of Bamyan Center district (trial

cultivation for introduction of improved varieties) - Qarghanato area of Bamyan Center district (trial cultivation under contract with farmers)

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2)-1 Selection of improved varieties of feed crops

As for the initial step for selecting improved varieties of feed crop adaptive to the cold weather of

the target area, trial cultivation of candidate varieties shall be carried out in the Agricultural

Research Center (ARC) of DAIL which is located in Mullah Ghulam in the northwestern part of

Bamyan Center district. Based on the results of the trial cultivation at the ARC, around two

varieties from each crop shall be selected for trial cultivation in the livestock promotion zone,

which is located in higher altitudes than the ARC, and thus has a colder climate. Trial cultivation

in the zone shall be carried out near the Qarghanato area by local farmers on a contract basis. The

results of trial cultivation for the crops and varieties shall be compared to identify those showing

highest yields, which shall be introduced to the livestock promotion zone.

2)-2 Demonstrative cultivation by model farmers

Taking into consideration the tendency of farmers being conservative in relation to agricultural

practices, the idea of introducing new crops and varieties is likely to face negative reactions to a

certain extent. Therefore, it would be important to actually show them the advantages of

introducing and cultivating new varieties, in order for them to recognize that it would be more

productive to adopt such varieties. From this viewpoint, the development project proposes to

contract the cultivation of the crops and varieties selected through the trial cultivation at the ARC

to some 10 farmers in the livestock promotion zone, so as to demonstrate advantages to local

farmers. In addition, activities for introduction and extension of the new varieties should be carried

out during times of cultivation and harvest, by inviting farmers from nearby areas. At the stage of

contract farming, seeds of improved varieties shall be provided to the contract farmers free of

charge, in combination with technical guidance on cultivation techniques. However, for actual

introduction of improved varieties, seed should be purchased by the farmers. Taking into

consideration that there are possibilities where farmers may not be able to purchase the seeds of

the specific varieties due to limited distribution in the Bamyan Province, DAIL should take charge

of the securing and sales of such seeds.

2)-3 Technical extension

Similar to potatoes, which are from the solanaceae family, legume crops (beans) are reported to be

prone to replant failures. In general, it is desirable to plant gramineous (wheat, barley, etc.) and

legume crops in a cycle of 3-4 years. Moreover, being located in highlands at altitudes of more

than 3,100 m above sea level, the decomposition of organic material in the soils of the livestock

promotion zone is assumed to be slow, thus soils are expected to be less fertile compared to lower

areas. Taking into consideration such factors, a crop rotation cycle consisting of three consecutive

years of legume crops (alfalfa, clover or fodder pea) and one year of barley, which is from the

gramineous family and can be used as fodder, is proposed.

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Furthermore, application of animal droppings to farmlands will be introduced together with the

introduction of crop rotation. Though some farmers are found to be applying animal droppings

into their farmlands, the majority are basically depending on chemical fertilizers. The farmers

should be informed with the fact that application of animal droppings will result in the reduction

of necessary amounts of chemical fertilizers. Since the effect of crop rotation as well as that of

applying animal droppings can only be identified through long term observation, such measures

shall be practiced at the farmlands of the above-mentioned contracted farmers, utilizing the

farmlands as demonstration plots. At the same time, efforts shall be made to disseminate the

proposed farming management techniques through measures such as preparation of technical

manuals. Such measures fall under the responsibility of the agricultural extension officers of DAIL,

and can be carried out in coordination with the Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension

System in the event that both development projects are implemented.

There are two approaches for improving the quality of winter feed prepared from the harvested

crops: one is to revise the current practices for hay preparation, while the other is to introduce the

preparation of silage. As for the former, efforts shall be made to maintain the nutrition values of

the limited amount of hay fed to the livestock, by instructing the farmers to apply appropriate

practices to its preparation, transportation and storage, in order to prevent leaves-which contain

major portions of the nutrient elements-from falling off the hay. Production of silage, which is less

likely to lose its nutrients in the process of preparation, shall also be promoted as winter feed.

Preparation of silage with stack silos has been successfully conducted in one of the small-scale

pilot projects of SEARAP. Such type of silo is relatively easy to manage and can be prepared with

low cost plastic sheets.

An efficient way of disseminating the techniques for the preparation of hay and silage is to have

the farmers experience the process. However, as it will not be practical to have all farmers

participating in such training, the development project proposes to invite several farmers from

each CDC, and actually prepare such winter feed from the crop cultivated in the above-mentioned

demonstration plots. Technical manuals for winter feed preparation shall also be prepared and

distributed in these trainings with the aim of disseminating the techniques from the participants to

the other farmers of the CDCs. The technical manuals shall be prepared by the livestock

department of DAIL, by compiling existing material. Training activities shall be conducted under

the initiatives of VFUs, which shall also receive trainings on the contents of the technical manual

prior to the trainings of farmers. Preparation of silage in the small-scale pilot project of SEARAP

was conducted with the technical support of an expert from FAO working with the Development

of Integrated Dairy Scheme in Afghanistan. With DAIL functioning as a coordinating body,

involvement of such local experts is suggested for the implementation of the project activities.

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Schedule of Activities for the Project for Improvement of Feed for Ruminant Livestock


Selection of good quality varieties

Creation of manuals for feed cultivation technology

Technical guidance and experimental cultivation by commissioned farmers

Observation by farmers, and introduction to them

Sale of good quality seed by DAIL

Creation of manuals for feed preparation methods

Training of VFU staffs of each district concerning feed preparation methods

Training of the surrounding farmers and distribution of manuals concerning feed preparation methods

Installation of exhibition farmlands

Technical extension by DAIL extension officers and VFU staffs through on-site instructions


the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary VFU staffs and

agricultural extension officers as well as budget for their regular activities. The required number of

staff for this development project is three VFU staffs and three agricultural extension officers each

in the districts of Bamyan Center district and Yakawlang.


Selection of improved varieties of feed crop (trial cultivation, technical guidance for agricultural extension officers and VFU staffs, monitoring of cultivation, etc.): 2,000

Demonstrative cultivation by contract farmers (fees for contract cultivation, technical guidance, monitoring, etc.): 9,000

Extension activities by agricultural extension officers and VFU staffs(preparation of manuals, installation of demonstration plots and site visits by farmers, technical guidance, etc.): 58,000


Total: 230,000

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Field workers (Afghan): 24

Total: 282

(3) Project to Improve Ruminant Livestock Feeding System


This development project contributes to improvement of the following: management of young

ruminants, breeding conditions, rearing environment and sanitary milk production.

Farmers currently raise ruminant livestock with traditional practices. Though such practices,

supported by generations of experience, can be considered “rational” to some extent, productivity

of livestock still has considerable room for improvement through introduction of appropriate

knowledge on modern and applicable techniques. For example, introduction of umbilical

disinfection largely contribute to the prevention infectious diseases. Application of early weaning

also will improve the productivity of livestock through faster growth, resulting in shorter time

required before first conception. Supplementing minerals may also have significant impact to the

productivity of livestock in areas where feed is not sufficiently secured or is low in quality. In

consideration of such situations, this development proposes to improve the productivity of

ruminant livestock through extension of appropriate feeding management techniques such as

umbilical disinfection, elimination of livestock with undesired characteristics, improvement of

stall environment and hygienic control during milking, which shall be carried out by VFUs.

Outline of the Project to Improve Ruminant Livestock Feeding System

Item Description


This development project aims at improving the productivity of ruminant livestock as well as the quality of raw milk through improving management of young ruminants, breeding of livestock, stall environment and hygienic control during milking.

Expected outcomes - VFU member staffs acquire skills on feeding management improvement, and extension materials (technical manual) are prepared.

- Farmers in Bamyan Center district improve their skills on feeding management - Farmers in each district improve their feeding management techniques


- Improvement of feeding management techniques will increase productivity of ruminant livestock (breeding and milk production), and will contribute to stabilization and increasing of incomes of livestock farmers.

- Improvement of milk productivity will increase and stabilize the supply of raw milk for milk processing plants, which are to be constructed in the Project for improving Milk Processing.


The development project targets the Livestock Promotion Zone (mainly consisting of the western part of Bamyan Center and southeastern part of Yakawlang). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Model farmers selected in Qarghanato area of Bamyan Center district as they serve

as the base of education and training for VFU staffs and extension activities for surrounding farmers.

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2)-1 Manual preparation on feeding management and training for VFU staffs

The livestock department of DAIL will prepare technical manuals providing guidance on

techniques applicable in Bamyan Province; umbilical disinfection, promotion of early weaning,

elimination of livestock with undesired characteristics, improvement of cattle shed environment

and hygienic control during milking. In the course of manual preparation, the department will

receive support from MAIL and refer to manuals and materials of external organization such as

FAO. The livestock department of DAIL shall train VFU staffs in Bamyan Center district to the

level that enables them to provide farmers with technical guidance based on the prepared manual.

It is desirable that separate technical manuals are prepared for individual topics, and that trainings

for VFU staffs are conducted for each separate manual.

2)-2 Involvement of model farmers in Bamyan Center district

VFUs of Bamyan Center district shall call on contracted farmers of the Project for Improvement of

Feed for Ruminant Livestock to participate in this development project as model farmers, and

provide them technical guidance in accordance with the prepared technical manuals. DAIL will

grant model farmers funds necessary for improving feed management practices for ruminants,

including the cost for improving stall environment so that farmers can continuously practice

measures introduced in the manuals.

2)-3 Observation of model farmers by VFU staffs from other districts and technical guidance for farmers in each district

VFU staffs from districts other than Bamyan Center shall acquire skills introduced in the manual

within about one year after the commencement of the project, when the effects of the activities

start to become evident in the model farms. This will be followed by observation tours to the

model farms by farmers across the Province. Since it is difficult to allow all farmers to participate

in the observation tour, the development project will call for several voluntary participants among

the relevant CDCs and provide them with opportunities to observe the model farms. The

observation tours shall consist of visiting improved stalls, technical guidance using manuals, and

explanations about the achievements of the measures introduced in the manual by model farmers

aiming to create sufficient understand on the importance of such measures.

Participants from the CDCs shall be requested to further share the information on management

techniques and their expected positive impacts to farmers in their respective CDCs. Concurrently,

the participants shall distribute the technical manuals and promote technical extension to farmers.

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Schedule of Activities for the Project to Improve Ruminant Livestock Feeding System


Creation of manuals forimproving feeding management techniques

Training of VFU staffs of Bamyan Center District

Selection of model farmers for participation in the development project

Technical guidance by VFU staffs of Bamyan Center district for model farmers

Operation of model farmers

Observation by VFU staffs of other districts

Observation by farmers across the Province

Visiting instruction by VFU staffs in each district


the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary VFU staffs and

agricultural extension officers as well as budget for their regular activities. The required number of

staff is three VFU staffs and three agricultural extension officers in each district.


Manual preparation and technical training for VFU staffs (manual preparation and printing, technical training, etc.): 22,000

Selection of model farmers and technical guidance by VFU staffs (purchase of materials, technical instructions, etc.): 35,000

Extension of management techniques of ruminant livestock with model farmers as the core (observation by farmers, technical guidance, etc.) 149,000


Total: 439,000




Total: 430

(4) Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center


This development project contributes to the establishment of a system for evaluating the nutrition

values of animal feed and to improving measures against nutritional disorders of ruminants.

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Nutrient composition and mineral contents of feed can basically be estimated based on grass

variety and its stage of development. However, minerals, which are important to maintain

metabolic functions and immune systems of livestock, are influenced by soil characteristics, and

show significant regional differences.

Ruminant livestock in Bamyan are often observed nibbling on items such as trees, bones and

cloths, which are possibly symptoms of malasia (PICA), which often occurs due to deficiency of

salt and other minerals. Besides deficiency of salt, there is also concern over iodine deficiency in

the Province. Because insufficient intake of essential minerals may have decisive impact on

growth of livestock, breeding, and production of milk and meat, understanding the composition of

feed component is extremely important for rational feed management.

This development project proposes the establishment of a system in MAIL for the analysis of

nutritional composition of feed, including micro-minerals. A certain amount of investment is

required for the installation of equipment necessary for feed analysis and training of analytical

engineers. On the other hand, because there is little need to iteratively analyze feed crop from the

same area, it is reasonable that MAIL-being the national government body-should perform the

analysis rather than the provincial DAIL. This will enable Bamyan and other provinces to tackle

the nation-wide problem of lack of data on feed component analysis.

Outline of the Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center

Items Description


This development project aims at the establishment of a feed analysis center in MAIL, with necessary equipment installed and analytical engineers trained. The standard value of nutritional intake for ruminants in Bamyan Province shall be set and measures to improve animal nutrition shall be determined. Based on such standards, monitoring and on-site guidance on measures to improve animal nutrition in Bamyan Province shall be provided to increase livestock productivity.

Expected outcomes - MAIL becomes capable of analyzing nutritional components of animal feed. - Measures to improve animal nutrition are proposed based on feed component analysis

and monitoring. - Proposed measures to improve animal nutrition are spread among farmers, and livestock

productivity is improved.


- Nutritional disorder of livestock will be improved and ruminant livestock productivity (breeding and milk production) will be increased, thus contributing to stabilization and an increase in income of livestock farmers.


- It will become possible to propose measures to improve animal nutrition based on feed component analysis not only in Bamyan but across the nation, which contributes to improvement of productivity of ruminant growers across the country.


The development project targets the whole Province. The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Establishment of the Feed Analysis Center and training of analytical engineers will be

done in Kabul.


2)-1 Establishment and operation of the Feed Analysis Center

The development project proposes the establishment of a feed analysis center in Kabul, equipped

with necessary equipment and human resources, in order to cover the whole nation. The analytical

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engineers of the center shall be trained on the operation of the equipment, as well as on techniques

for analysis, with the support of external human resources. Analysis of feed from Bamyan

Province will be started after the analytical engineers are regarded to be able to independently

conduct feed analysis.

Veterinary Field Units (VFUs) of each district will collect samples for feed analysis. The feed

analysis center will be staffed by analytical engineers and livestock experts who can specifically

propose measures to improve livestock nutrition in accordance with the results of analysis. These

livestock experts will be trained by FAO and other special organizations to acquire technology for

improvement in nutrition, and will determine the standard amount of nutritional intake for each

ruminant in collaboration with the livestock department of MAIL. They will cross-check

analytical results with the standard values, clarify the insufficient amount of nutrition, and propose

to farmers measures to improve nutrition. They will also be in charge of preparing nutritional

supplements if required.

2)-2 Provision of information to DAIL regarding measures to improve animal nutrition

The feed analysis center shall pass on the measures it has proposed for improving animal nutrition

to DAIL of Bamyan Province, and the livestock department of DAIL will give an account of the

measures to VFUs in charge of the respective areas. VFUs will then select 10 or so farmers in said

areas, asking them to put the measures into practice. DAIL will bear the cost of procuring

nutritional supplements at this stage and monitor the effects of the measures for one year or so. If

the monitoring has found that farmers see no improvement in nutrition, farmers will inform

livestock engineers at the center via DAIL and call on them to consider additional measures. DAIL

will again monitor the effects of the initial and additional measures to improve animal nutrition.

When DAIL has confirmed the effects of these measures as a result of monitoring, it will establish

a sales structure of nutrition supplements and start to sell them to farmers. In line with this, VFUs

will provide their areas of responsibility with on-site instructions and will monitor improvement in

animal nutrition.

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Schedule of Activities for the Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center


Establishment of the Feed Analysis Center

Training of analytical engineers

Training of livestock experts

Implementation of feed analysis

Setting of standard amount of average nutrition intake of each ruminant

Proposing measures to improve nutrition and preparation of nutritional supplements

Provision of information to DAIL

Selection of 10 or so farmers and commencement of monitoring

Sale of nutritional supplements

On-site guidance by VFU staff for extension of measures for improvement of animal nutrition


the completion of the project, MAIL / DAIL are recommended to secure feed analysis center staff

and VFU staffs as well as budget for their regular activities. The required number of VFU staffs is

three in each district and staff necessary for the analysis center shall be further determined in the

formulation of the detailed implementation plan.


Establishment of the feed analysis center (facility construction, equipment installation, etc.): 1,040,000

Technical training for analysis center employees (preparation of equipment manual, purchase of reagents, etc.): 17,000

Feed analysis (feed analysis, examination of standard amount of average nutritional intake and improvement measures, etc.): 52,000

Provision of information to DAIL regarding measures to improve animal nutrition (explanatory workshop, field trial and monitoring of measures, etc.): 227,000


Total: 1,534,000

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Livestock and feed analysis specialists (International): 64

Livestock and feed analysis specialists (Afghan) 288

Total: 352

(5) Project for Improving Milk Processing


The development project contributes to enhancing the production of local dairy products.

In order to maintain market competitiveness, it is important that dairy products are produced with

due quality and in certain amount; shops and traders will not be attracted by products with

unstable and small production volume, not to say of low quality. It is thus advantageous for a

number of raw milk producers to work together to jointly conduct milk processing. However, the

Livestock Promotion Zone currently has neither public power grids nor water supply facilities, and

it is unrealistic to build semi-automatic processing plants for milk products as constructed by FAO

in Kabul, Herat, and Mazar-e-Sharif. Furthermore, considering the requirements for transportation

of raw milk, it is not realistic to build a large processing plant in one location. Thus, milk

processing facilities in this development zone shall be installed in small scale, with one facility

covering one CDC or a comparable area. This development project proposes the establishment of

milk processing cooperatives consisting of milk producers covering small areas in order to install

and operate small-scale processing facilities.

SEARAP has implemented a small-scale pilot project to improve milk products in Shahrah

Qarghanato CDC in Bamyan Center district, and has constructed a milk processing center.

Specialists from FAO offered training programmes on milk processing, and the center now

processes sanitary controlled milk products with modern packages with an eye to launching

products in the market. With regard to such situation, this development project shall be promoted

with Shahrah Qarghanato CDC at the core.

Outline of the Project for Improving Milk Processing

Item Description


This development project aims to promote the production and sales of dairy products by enhancing production and improving quality through the establishment of milk processing cooperatives, and by using the increased milk production that is realized through application of appropriate feeding management as well as improvement of feed.

Expected outcomes - A model milk processing facility is operated by the milk processing cooperative of Shahrah Qarghanato.

- Milk processing cooperatives are established in the other areas of the target area and milk processing facilities are installed.

- Production and sales volume of dairy products produced by the milk processing cooperatives are increased.


- Enhancement of production and sales of dairy products by the milk processing cooperatives will contribute to increasing the income of farmers producing raw milk.


The development project targets the Livestock Promotion Zone (mainly consisting of the western part of Bamyan Center and southeastern part of Yakawlang). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Shahrah Qarghanato (which shall be the center of extension activities, and where the

model milk processing cooperative is to be established)

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2)-1 Technical and operational assistance for Shahrah Qarghanato milk processing center

The milk processing facility established as a part of the small-scale pilot project under SEARAP is

now independently operating and is bearing certain amounts of benefit. However, their experience

is yet limited and there is considerable room for further improvement of product quality and

stabilization of business. In this regard, it may be said that further support for strengthening its

operational capacity is still required. Such support shall be provided by DAIL, through provision

of technical guidance utilizing external resources, as well as National Programmes and projects

implemented under MRRD and MAIL. With such additional input, the business of the processing

center shall be further strengthened as a model. Moreover, a milk processing cooperative shall be

established in Shahrah Qarghanato CDC with the support of DAIL’s cooperative officer.

2)-2 Promotion of sanitary milk processing based on a technical manual

A manual for sanitary operation of milk processing facilities shall be prepared by DAIL under the

support of relevant organizations. Existing material, including material prepared through the

small-scale pilot project under SEARAP, as well as those prepared by FAO for milk processing

practices in other provinces shall be utilized for preparing such manual. Firstly, workers of the

milk processing center in Shahrah Qarghanato CDC shall be trained with the manual, so that they

can demonstrate its contents as a model processing center. Following the training in Shahrah

Qarghanato, site visits to the model processing center shall be organized for farmers of the

livestock promotion zone. Technical guidance will also be provided to the participants of the site

visits using the prepared manual. At the same time, the leader of the model processing center shall

explain about the achievements of the center, as well as points to be considered with regard to

business operation. The participants will be called on to further share the knowledge obtained in

the site visits to other farmers in their CDCs and to start discussions for the establishment of their

own cooperatives.

2)-3 Establishment of milk processing cooperatives in the livestock promotion zone

Discussions on the establishment of milk processing cooperatives in the respective areas of the

development zone shall be continued under the support of DAIL cooperative officers. Following

the establishment of the cooperatives, various schemes shall be utilized for supporting the

cooperatives in establishing their processing centers. Both technical and financial support shall be

considered by mobilizing resources of national programmes and projects of MAIL and MRRD, as

well as other schemes such as the Agricultural Credit Enhancement Programme (ACE).

Technical guidance based on the above-mentioned manual, as well as guidance for business

operation shall be provided to the members of the milk processing cooperatives. Technical

guidance shall be provided by DAIL’s department in charge of agro-processing, by utilizing the

workers of the model processing center, while guidance for business operation shall be provided

mainly by the cooperative officers of DAIL, utilizing the supporting schemes of the national

programmes and projects under MAIL and MRRD to the largest extent as possible.

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The development project envisages the establishment of numbers of milk processing cooperatives

in the livestock promotion zone, as well as the establishment and operation of milk processing

centers. However, taking into account that the economy of scale can be utilized for activities such

as procurement of packing material and adjustment of shipments based on market information, it

is desirable that, at the initial stage, such activities are jointly done by all milk processing

cooperatives, with the model cooperative of Shahrah Qarghanato functioning as a coordinator.

Sales routes of the products shall follow those already existing, where individual cooperatives sell

their products to the market in Bamyan Center as well as to local markets. Aspects including the

size of the production batch and product quality, as well as the economy of scale-where products

are sold by cooperatives and not by individual farmers-shall be best utilized when negotiating

with local traders and shops. DAIL cooperative officers shall also support the cooperatives in

their negotiation with traders and shops, and coordination between cooperatives for procurement

of material and adjustments of shipping.

The DAIL department in charge of agro-processing shall continue to monitor activities of the milk

processing cooperatives and provide technical guidance as required. DAIL cooperative officers

shall also monitor the activities to provide guidance on business operation.


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Improving Milk Processing


Technical and operational assistance to the model processing center in Shahrah Qarghanato

Establishment of a model milk processing cooperative in Shahrah Qarghanato

Preparation of a manual for sanitary milk processing and operation of processing facilities

Site visits by local farmers

Establishment of milk processing cooperatives in respective areas

Construction of milk processing facilities in respective areas

Training on technical and operational aspects of the milk processing facilities

Monitoring by DAIL agricultural extension officers and cooperative officers

Support for development of sales routes and sales promotion by DAIL agricultural extension officers and cooperative officers


the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary staff for the department

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in charge of agro-processing, cooperative officers and agricultural extension officers as well as

budget for their regular activities. The required number is one cooperative officer and three

agricultural extension officers in Bamyan Center district and the number of employees of the

department in charge of agro-processing shall be further determined in the formulation of the

detailed implementation plan.


Assistance for Shahrah Qarghanato milk processing center and establishment of a model processing cooperative (field surveys, on-site technical guidance, assistance for cooperative establishment, etc.): 12,000

Sanitary milk processing at the model processing center and site visits by farmers (manual preparation, invitation of farmers for site visits, technical guidance, etc.): 2,9000

Establishment of milk processing cooperatives in the respective areas (assistance for cooperative establishment, technical guidance, construction of processing centers, monitoring activities, etc.): 315,000


Total: 586,000


Milk processing specialists (International): 44

Milk processing specialists (Afghan) 396

Total: 440

(6) Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology


The development project contributes to realizing feed improvement and safe overwintering for

poultries, through extension of techniques for preparation of green feed and fermented feed as

well as measures for overwintering.

In Bamyan Province, chickens are usually raised in homestead gardens, without regard to feed

composition. For chickens, which are omnivorous, a well-balanced diet consisting of grains, green

feed and meal worms, is expected to bring about various improvements including: strengthening

of immune systems, enhancement of growth, increased egg production, etc. Furthermore,

fermentation of feed will increase digestibility for chickens, which generally have relatively short

intestines, and will contribute to improving their productivity. In addition to measures for feed

improvement, measures for health improvement such as vaccination shall be introduced, taking

into account the high mortality of chickens in winter season under traditional practices. This

development project proposes the formulation of manuals describing such simple and adaptable

techniques for feeding management and overwintering of chickens, as well as implementation of

extension activities by the livestock department of DAIL and VFUs of the districts, in order to

decrease the mortality of chickens and raise their productivity.

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Outline of the Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology

Items Description


The development project aims to improve poultry productivity (improvement of growth and egg production) through the establishment and extension of adoptable techniques for feed improvement by green feed and fermented feed, as well as appropriate overwintering techniques.

Expected outcomes - Optimal overwintering techniques are selected. - Manuals on feeding with green feed and fermented feed as well as measures for

overwintering of chickens is prepared and VFU staffs are trained in order to formulate an extension system of poultry-raising technology.

- Feeding with green feed and fermented feed, as well as necessary overwintering measures are practiced by farmers in each district, decreasing the winter mortality rates and improving the productivity of chickens.


- Application of feed improvement and overwintering measures will improve the growth of chicken and productivity of eggs, and will contribute to the stabilization and improvement of farmers’ income.

- The above will also contribute to improving the nutrition of farmers. - The development project will further contribute to effective expansion of chicken

production when implemented together with the Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center, which realizes stable supply of chicks at low cost.


The development project targets the Crop Diversification Encouragement Zone and the Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone (mainly consisting of western Yakawlang and Waras). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Crop Diversification Encouragement Zone (the area where chicken meat and eggs

will be sold for stabilizing and improving farmers’ income) - Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone (area where chicken meat and eggs will

be produced for improving nutrition of farmers) - Yakawlang Center and Bamyan Center (markets where poultry meat and eggs will

be sold)


2)-1 Preparation of manuals on poultry-raising technology and technical training for VFU staffs

Extension activities shall be done by preparing manuals on poultry-raising technologies and by

establishing model farmers. The livestock department of DAIL shall prepare manuals on feed

improvement by green feed and fermented feed as well as on measures for overwintering, based

on existing material including those prepared in past poultry development projects conducted by

donors such as FAO. Prior to the extension activities, the VFU staffs of each district shall be

trained in order to obtain sufficient knowledge to be able to provide technical guidance to farmers.

2)-2 Selection of model farmers and technical extension by VFU staffs

The VFU staffs in each district will select two to three model farmers among each area where

poultry-raising is actively practiced, and will transfer the techniques indicated in the manuals. Since

techniques for overwintering that are adaptive to the environment of Bamyan Province are not yet

specified, several measures such as improving the structure of henhouses, or application of

high-energy feed to maintain body temperatures of chicken, shall be applied by the model farmers on

a trial basis, in order to select measures showing good result and to feed them back to the manuals.

Site visits by farmers of surrounding areas shall be started after one winter has passed since the

establishment of the model farms. This shall be the approximate timing when the effects of the

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activities become evident in the model farms. Several participants shall be selected from each

CDC in order to learn necessary techniques and to further disseminate them in their CDCs through

a farmer-to-farmer approach.

Expansion of chicken production in the Province shall be promoted through two pillars; improved

practice of poultry-raising by farmers on one side, and stable distribution of inexpensive chicks

through the Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center on the other. Sales of eggs and

chicken meat shall aim at the markets within the Province, such as those in Yakawlang Center and

Bamyan Center. Taking into consideration that individual marketing routes are already established

between the farmers and shops, farmers shall continue utilizing such existing routes for sales of

the produced goods.


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology


Creation of manuals

Technical guidance to VFU staffs

Selection of model farmers and technological transfer


Selection of measures for overwintering and feedback to the manuals

Observation by farmers of each district

Extension of poultry-raising techniques for farmers via on-site guidance by VFU staffs in each district


the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary staff for its livestock

department and VFUs as well as budget for their regular activities. The required number of VFU

staffs is three each in Yakawlang district and Waras district and the number of staff in the

livestock department shall be further examined at the time when detailed implementation plans are

prepared.

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Preparation of manuals and technical training for VFU staffs (manual preparation and printing, training workshop, etc.): 82,000

Selection of model farmers (selection of model farmers, monitoring and on-site guidance by VFU staffs, feedback to manual, etc.): 54,000

Technical extension by VFU staffs (observation of model farmers by farmers, on-site technical guidance by VFU staffs): 101,000


Total: 417,000


Poultry specialists (International): 49

Poultry specialists (Afghan): 252

Total: 301

(7) Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center


The development project contributes to the establishment of a system for supplying chicks to

poultry farmers.

Farmers in Bamyan Province are currently purchasing chicks transported long distances such as

those from Kabul, for the purpose of poultry raising. Such chicks are exposed to improper

conditions for long periods of time, resulting in weakening or death of significant numbers of

chicks. This further leads to higher prices of chicks as well as increased mortality rates after

purchase. Recently, there has been development in the chick distribution system in Bamyan

Province. Under the initiatives of DAIL, electric incubators have been introduced on a trial-basis,

to areas in Yakawlang that have access to electricity. Local production of chicks is expected to

reduce the loss due to transportation and enable stable supply of healthy chicks at lower prices.

This development project proposes the establishment of a chick distribution system in Bamyan

Province, centered on the current practices by DAIL in Yakawlang district. Furthermore, the

outcomes of this development is expected to significantly promote poultry raising in Bamyan

Province, when implemented together with the dissemination of techniques for feeding

management as well as hygienic control that shall be carried out in the formerly mentioned Project

for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology.

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Outline of the Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center

Item Description


This development project aims to enhance the production of chicken in the Province, through the establishment of a chick supply center in the area and establishing a system that can stably provide inexpensive chicks to poultry farmers.

Expected outcomes - Chick farmers assisted by DAIL acquire necessary skills for chick production and realize stable chick production in the area.

- A chick producers’ cooperative is formulated and a chick supply center is established.

- A structure for increased production of chicks is formulated, healthy chicks are supplied at low prices and profitability of farmers in poultry farming increases.


- Enhanced production of chicken will contribute to the improvement and stabilization of farmers’ income, as well as to improvement of their nutrition.

- The development project will further contribute to effective expansion of chicken production when implemented together with the Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology, which improves the productivity of chicken.


Similar to the Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology, the development project targets the Crop Diversification Encouragement Zone and the Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone (mainly consisting of western Yakawlang and Waras). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Areas with access to electricity in Yakawlang district (production of chicks)


Under current situations, in which demands for chicks are not stable, production of chicks should

be done on a small scale, with individual farmers utilizing the incubators provided by DAIL. The

productivity of chicks shall be first improved through application of appropriate techniques such

as disease control. Technical guidance for farmers producing chicks shall be provided by the

livestock department of DAIL and VFU staffs of Yakawlang district, with support of external

experts (e.g. FAO, etc.) as required. The produced chicks shall be provided to farmers raising

poultry. Chicks to be produced in Yakawlang district are expected to be cheaper in price, due to

small losses from transportation, and limited requirements for investment. However, additional

measures to support the distribution of inexpensive chicks, such as subsidiaries shall also be

considered as required, in order to promote the production of chicken.

Subsequently, a chick producers’ cooperative shall be established after demand for local chicks

becomes more stable, and after chick-producing farmers acquire necessary skills for production.

The establishment of the cooperative shall be supported by the cooperative officer of DAIL.

Under the support of the livestock department of DAIL, the chick producers’ cooperative shall

assess the future demands for chicks and examine the scale of the chick production center to be

established, as well as its production plan. If required, such assessments shall be made under

additional support from MAIL and other external resources such as experts from FAO.

Based on the results of the above examination, a chick production center equipped with necessary

facilities shall be established. Though the chick producers’ cooperative should be operated by

private farmers, technical as well as financial support are expected to be required at its initial stage,

due to requirements for considerable amounts of initial investment. Such support may be provided

by national programmes and projects under MRRD and MAIL, such as the AREDP, or through

rural credit programmes such as ACE.

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The establishment of the chick production center will enhance the production capacity of chicks in

the area, and will also allow measures for disease control of chicks to be accumulated in one

location. In initiating the activities of the chick production center, due consideration must be given

for setting the price of the chicks, so as to ensure sustainability of the centers’ operation. The

livestock department of DAIL shall continue providing technical support to the center, for issues

occurring in the course of its operation.


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center


Development of a chick production system

Supply of chicks

Establishment of chick producer cooperative

Formulation of plans for the Chick Supply Center

Construction of the Chick Supply Center

Technical and operational assistance by DAIL


the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary staff for its livestock

department, VFUs and cooperative officers as well as budget for their regular activities. The

required number is one staff for the DAIL livestock department as well as one VFU staff and one

cooperative officer in Yakawlang district.


Technical guidance for chick producers (technical training): 32,000

Support for establishment and operation of a chick producers’ cooperative (preparation of establishment, installation of facility and equipment, technical training): 112,000


Total: 348,000


Poultry specialists (International): 42

Poultry specialists (Afghan): 216

Total: 258

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(8) Project for Promotion of Apiculture


The development project contributes to the dissemination of appropriate measures for

overwintering and disease control (fumigation, etc.) for apiculture.

There are currently 1,500 beehives of improved Apis mallifera varieties in Bamyan Province. In

addition, extension activities are being carried out to disseminate local varieties (Apis cerana),

which are more resistant to cold weather. However, when compared to the national total of

100,000 beehives (Apis mallifera), it may be said that apiculture in Bamyan is not very active. One

of the major reasons for this is the limitations for bee keeping due to the long and cold winter.

Though overwintering measures such as 1) reducing the space of beehives and 2) covering the

beehives with cloth or plastic, are being practiced by the farmers, many bees cannot survive the

winter, and cases are observed where whole colonies are lost. Furthermore, diseases for honeybees

are observed not only in Bamyan but throughout the country. Bees are particularly vulnerable to

such diseases in winter time, when their immune systems do not function well due to cold

temperature.

On the other hand, there are estimations indicating that the flora of Afghanistan has the potential

for producing five times more honey than the current production. Therefore, it is assumed that

with the application of appropriate measures to cope with limiting factors, there is considerable

room for improving honey production in Bamyan Province. Under such situation, the development

project proposes the dissemination of appropriate techniques for overwintering and disease control

of honeybees in order to improve the productivity of honey.

In addition, it is also noteworthy that honeybees play an important role for the pollination of fruits.

In this regard, the effect of this development project will be further enhanced when implemented

together with the Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales. Furthermore, apiculture

may also be introduced as a means of income generation for rural women, as practices are

relatively easy for women to adopt.

Outline of the Project for Promotion of Apiculture

Items Description


This development project aims to improve the productivity and quality of honey, in order to promote honey production with market competitiveness, through dissemination of appropriate techniques on overwintering and disease control of honeybees, as well as through establishment and strengthening of honey producers’ cooperatives.

Expected outcomes - Manuals on measures for overwintering and disease control for honeybees are prepared, and relevant technical capacities of VFU staffs are increased.

- Model farmers are established and technical extension activities are carried out by VFU staffs.

- Market competitiveness of honey is increased through increased production and group marketing by honey producers’ cooperatives, and opportunities for income generation of farmers are created and diversified.

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Items Description


- Identification and dissemination of measures for overwintering and disease control of honeybees will contribute to increased numbers of honey-producing farmers and stable production of honey.

- Strengthening of honey producers’ cooperatives and increasing of marketing power of honey will contribute to the improvement and stabilization of farmers’ income.


The development project targets the Orchard Production Promotion Zone and Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone (mainly consisting of Kahmard and Waras). The following will serve as the core areas of the project activities. - Kahmard district (establishment of model farmers and strengthening of apiculture

cooperatives, enhancement of production) - Waras district (establishment of apiculture cooperatives, enhancement of

production)


The livestock department of DAIL shall prepare a manual on measures for overwintering and

disease control for honeybees based on existing material, and provide technical trainings to VFU

staffs in Kahmard district, so as for them to reach a level at which they can provide technical

guidance to farmers.

Following the above, the VFU staffs in Kahmard district shall select model farmers from the

existing honey producers’ cooperative and transfer the techniques indicated in the prepared

manual. Costs for the model farmers to implement measures for overwintering and disease control,

as indicated in the manual, shall be burdened by DAIL.

Further extension shall be started after the model farmers pass their first winter. This shall be the

approximate timing when the effects of the activities become evident in the model farms. The

results shall be first introduced to VFU staffs from other areas for them to understand the actual

effects brought about by the implemented measures. This shall be followed by site visits by

farmers from other areas to the model farmers. Technical guidance based on the manual shall also

be provided during these site visits, and the participants shall be requested to further disseminate

the obtained knowledge to other honey producers in a farmer-to-farmer approach.

The honey produced shall be bottled and shipped to the markets. In addition to cheaper selling

prices, securing of stable quality and quantities of honey is expected to be crucial in order to

compete with honey produced in Iran or Arabic countries, which are currently seen in the markets.

To achieve this, refining and sales of honey should be conducted in group efforts.

In Kahmard, the existing honey producers’ cooperative shall be further enlarged by taking in new

members. While in other areas, where establishment of new cooperatives is required, the support

of DAIL cooperative officers will be necessary. Furthermore, support of cooperative officers will

also be required in Kahmard in order to further expand its activities.

Technical issues for overwintering also need to be further addressed. If regional cooperation is

possible, beehives may also be transported to other regions which are active in apiculture, during

winter season.

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Schedule of Activities for the Project for Promotion of Apiculture


Creation of manuals

Technical guidance to VFU staffs in Kahmard District

Technological transfer to model farmers


Observation by VFU staffs of Waras

Observation by farmers

Extension of apiculture techniques by on-site technical guidance by VFU staffs

Strengthening of the apiculture cooperative in Kahmard

Establishment of apiculture cooperatives in Waras

Assistance by cooperative officers of DAIL


the completion of the project, DAIL is recommended to secure necessary staff of its livestock

department, VFU staffs and cooperative officers, as well as budget for their regular activities. The

required number of staff is two VFU staffs and two cooperative officers in Kahmard district and

Waras district, and the number of staff for the livestock department shall be further examined at

the time when detailed implementation plans are prepared.


Manual preparation and technical training for VFU staffs (manual preparation and printing, training workshop, etc.): 71,000

Selection of model farmers (selection of model farmers, monitoring and on-site guidance by VFU staffs, feedback to manual, etc.): 53,000

Establishment of honey producers’ cooperatives (preparation for establishment, technical training, monitoring, etc.): 50,000


Total: 633,000


Apiculture specialists (International): 49

Apiculture specialists (Afghan) 252

Total: 301

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4.2.3 Development Projects Under the Rural Infrastructure Development Plan

Rural infrastructure development focuses on road infrastructure, which is the foundation for the

distribution of commodities within and between provinces, as well as the basic infrastructure for

living activities. The Plan proposes two projects, which are demarcated by the organizations in

charge of implementation: 1) Project to Improve of Inter-District Roads and 2) Project to Improve

of Village Roads. Furthermore, the development projects cover not only road improvement but also

road infrastructure management, and aim to strengthen the system for road maintenance by

communities.

(1) Project to Improve Inter-District Roads


Project to Improve Inter-District Roads includes (i) formulation of a Provincial Road Network

Improvement Plan, (ii) inter-district road improvement activities and (iii) strengthening of the

framework for road maintenance.

The development project covers roads falling under the category of “inter-district roads,” which

connect district centers within the Province, and aims to secure year-round access for vehicles to

Bamyan Center and inter-province roads connecting to markets outside the Province. The

development project involves facilitating the necessary framework for improving / repairing roads

/ related facilities and carrying out appropriate maintenance. Roads connecting the district centers

of Bamyan Center, Shibar and Yakawlang have undergone pavement renovation and therefore

only require maintenance, not improvement. Targeted for improvement are the four sections

mentioned below. As improving these roads would mean consolidating the backbone of logistics,

implementation of this development project constitutes a basis for implementing the Promotion

Plan for Rural Economic Activation, and as such is expected to be implemented as soon as

possible on a short-term basis.

(i) Kahmard - Do Abe section (Dari Shikan Road) 19 km

(ii) Sayghan - Chahane Sayghan section (Dari Shikan Road) 14 km

(iii) Panjab - Nayak section (Yakawlang - Bamyan Center Road) 60 km

(iv) Waras - Panjab section 35 km

Improvement of these inter-district roads shall be compiled as a Province Road Network

Improvement Plan with consideration of the Inter-Province Road Improvement Programme, which

will be designed as a national project, and prioritized based on each district’s major economic

activities as proposed by the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation, and then shall be

implemented accordingly. Provincial Road Network Improvement Plan will be designed mainly

by DPW and PRRD, while information sharing and coordination with related programmes will be

provided for under the leadership of PGO. DPW will become the main implementing body for

road improvement activities.

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Also, as it was mentioned in the section covering the basic approach, improvement of the

inter-province road network is not an objective for this programme; however, regarding the

Bamyan - Dushi road, for which the improvement plan has not been clarified yet, it is necessary to

press concerned organizations for prompt adoption of a plan, as this road plays an important role

in shipping cash crops of Kahmard district.

Outline of Project to Improve Inter-District Roads

Item Description


The development project aims to secure year-round access to the regional road network connecting Bamyan center with other district centers as well as to markets outside of the Province, by improving the inter-district roads that connect the district centers. In addition, frameworks for improvement, repair and appropriate maintenance of road-related facilities shall also be aimed at.

Expected outcomes - Provincial road network improvement plans are formulated. - Priority road improvement projects are implemented and year-round access to the

regional road network, connecting all district centers, is achieved. - A framework for inter-district road maintenance is established.


- The quality and quantity of products shipped from the Province will be improved (easy shipping for farmers, increased accessibility for traders).

- The volume of inputs for production that are distributed in the Province will increase.

- The efficiency of extension activities will increase. - Living environment of local residents will improve.


- Kahmard, Sayghan, Panjab and Waras districts, where the district centers are not currently connected to paved roads, will be priority target areas for activities to improve the inter-district roads.

- The entire Province will be the target area for the establishment of the framework for maintenance of roads and related facilities.


Collaboration and coordination between DPW and PRRD is essential for the implementation of

the development project. The proposed activities and the necessary collaboration for the

organizations are as shown below.

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Activities of the Project to Improve Inter-District Roads

Activities DPW PRRD

1. Formulating Provincial Road Network Improvement Plan

Arranging coordination meetings for issues related to road improvement and maintenance

- Establishment of coordination meetings on road improvement and maintenance under PDC

-

Formulating inter-district road improvement plan

- Formulation of the provincial road network improvement plan by DPW

- Coordination by PDC and adoption of the project plan by PGO

- Sorting of development needs of each district and development zone with the cooperation of DAIL, and its reflection to the provincial road network improvement plan

- Coordination with programmes related to road improvement, such as NRAP and NABDP

2. Inter-district road improvement activities

Kahmard (19 km)

- Supervision of the improvement project for Kahmard – Do Abe section (Dari Shikan Road)

-

Sayghan (14 km)

- Supervision of the improvement project for Sayghan – Chahane Sayghan section (Dari Shikan Road)

-

Panjab (60 km)

- Supervision of the improvement project for Panjab-Bayak section (Yakawlang – Bamyan Center Road)

-

Waras (25 km)

- Supervision of the improvement project for Waras – Panjab section

-

3. Framework for road maintenance

Preparing annual plans for inter-district road maintenance Coordinating at coordination meetings for issues related to road improvement and maintenance

- Holding of coordination meetings, gathering of information for monitoring and coordination of maintenance activities (PDC, DPW, PRRD)

- Repair of road-related facilities (DPW) - Snow-removal works in winter

- Sorting of development needs of each district and zone with cooperation of DAIL, and reflection in maintenance plans

- Coordination with programmes related to road improvement, such as NRAP and NABDP

- Coordination with provincial village road improvement plan

Enhancing cooperation with local communities (CDCs etc.) through district offices

- Collection of information on road conditions and needs for improvement through district offices

- Coordination through district DDA / DCC, for the participation and institutionalization of local communities for monitoring and maintenance activities

- Coordination through district DDA / DCC, for the participation and institutionalization of local communities for monitoring and maintenance activities

Promoting information sharing and coordination with PRRD and other related programmes

- Collecting of information by DPW on the conditions of inter-district roads and other development related information

- Sharing of information and coordination with relevant programmes

- Coordination with programmes related to roads such as NRAP and NABDP

- Coordination with the provincial village road improvement plan

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Schedule of Activities for the Project to Improve Inter-District Roads


1. Formulating Provincial Road Network Improvement Plan

Arranging coordination meetings for issues related to road improvement and maintenance

Formulating inter-district road improvement plan

2. Inter-district road improvement activities

Improvement activity in Kahmard district

Improvement activity in Sayghan district

Improvement activity in Panjab district

Improvement activity in Waras district

Preparing annual plans for inter-district road maintenance Coordinating at coordination meetings for issues related to road improvement and maintenance

Enhancing cooperation with local communities (CDCs, etc.) through district offices

Promoting information sharing and coordination with PRRD and other related programmes

Among implementation of the development project, DPW is recommended to secure necessary

staff responsible for road improvement as well as the budget for their regular activities. The

required number of staff is one for each district.


Costs for Kahmard – Do Abe section (Dari Shikan Road, 19 km): 855,000

Costs for Sayghan – Chahane Sayghan section (Dari Shikan Road, 14 km): 620,000

Costs for Panjab – Nayak (Yakawlang - Bamyan Center Road, 60 km): 2,700,000

Costs for Waras – Panjab section (25 km): 1,125,000

Total: 5,310,000

(2) Project to Improve Village Roads


Project to Improve Village Roads includes (i) systemization and integrated management of

information related to village roads, (ii) formulation of village road improvement plan, (iii)

implementation of activities related to village roads and (iv) strengthening of the framework for

village roads maintenance.

PRRD, which is the authority in charge of village roads, itself does not have a particular

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development budget for improvement of village roads and actual improvements are implemented

through national programmes such as NSP, NABDP and NRAP. The implementation plans

prepared by the national programmes are coordinated under PRRD to avoid duplication, but

selection of roads to be improved is basically done by individual programmes based on their

priorities and criteria. Therefore, improvement of village roads in the Province is not necessarily

implemented based on a unified development plan or development concept for the whole Province.

This development project proposes that a village road improvement plan that would be coherent

on the scale of the whole Province should be prepared by PRRD, while taking into consideration

the following points.

Priorities based on each district’s and region’s agricultural and livestock produce and types

of socio-economic activities targeted in the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation

Road conditions and needs of local population confirmed by PRRD through collaboration

with district offices and DDAs

Consistency in the basic philosophy, development concept, etc., of each implemented

programme

Implementation of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation and resulting rural

socio-economic activation shall be supported through coordination with each implemented

programme on the basis of the village road improvement plan.

Outline of the Project to Improve Village Roads

Items Description


This development project aims to secure access of individual villages to external markets and improve the livelihoods of local residents by improving village roads, which connect the villages to the regional road network via inter-district roads, and by strengthening the framework for maintaining the functions of village roads.

Expected outcomes - Centralized management of information on village roads in each district is performed by PRRD.

- A provincial village road improvement plan will be formulated. - Village roads are improved in accordance with the provincial village road

improvement plan. - The framework for village road maintenance is strengthened.


- Connection of villages to inter-district roads will activate the distribution of inputs required for agricultural production in areas producing cash crops and will enable access to such inputs in a timely manner and with less transportation cost.

- Efficiency of extension activities will be increased. - Living environment of local residents will be improved.


Road access from villages to inter-district roads will be established in each district. Priority of routes will be set from the following perspectives: - In areas producing crops or livestock mainly for cash income, priority shall be

attached to establishment of road access that enables transportation of produce to / shipment from collection and distribution centers.

- In areas mainly practicing subsistence agriculture, priority shall be attached to establishment of road access that enables transportation of goods within the area.

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Though PRRD is the main organization in charge of village road improvement, collaboration and

coordination with DPW is also essential for implementing the development project. Moreover,

local communities must also be involved. The main actors and activities of the development

project are as shown below.

Activities of the Project to Improve Village Roads

Item Main Actors and Activities

1. Formulation of village road improvement plan

Collection of information and strengthening of its management framework in district offices

PRRD - Increasing the number and capacity of technical staff responsible for road

infrastructure at the district level - Strengthening of capacity for information collection from CDC by utilizing DDA /

DCC Preparation of road facilities inventory

PRRD - Implementation of inventory survey on village road facilities

Integrated management of information related to maintenance activities

PRRD - Management and utilization of the inventory of village road facilities - Centralized management of information related to village road improvement and

maintenance

Sharing of information and coordination with programmes related to village roads

PRRD - Sharing information and coordinating with relevant programmes; NRAP, NSP and

NABDP DPW - Provision of information on inter-district road improvement and maintenance

Formulation of village road improvement plan

PRRD - Formulation of provincial plan for village road improvement

2. Implementation of village road improvement

Village roads in regions focusing on production of market-oriented agricultural and livestock products

PRRD - Implementation of village road improvements in conjunction with relevant

programmes: NRAP, NSP and NABDP

Village roads in regions focusing on production of crops for self-consumption

PRRD - Implementation of village road improvements in conjunction with relevant

programmes: NRAP, NSP and NABDP

3. Strengthening of framework for village road maintenance

Preparing annual plans for village road maintenance at the district level

PRRD - Preparation of village road maintenance plans at the district level based on PRRD

guidance

Reinforcing and training technical staff responsible for roads in district offices

PRRD - Reinforcement and training of PRRD staff responsible for roads at the district level - Coordination by PRRD district staff and DDA / DCC, for improvement works on

village roads that cut across multiple CDCs - Technical training by PRRD district staff and DDA / DCC, for CDCs on maintenance

of village roads - Requests through RRD district staff and DDA / DCC, for support to provincial level

organizations related to maintenance work that cannot be dealt with by participation of local residents

Enhancing CDC functions related to village road maintenance

PRRD - Enhancement of CDC functions related to village road monitoring and maintenance

(implementation of seminars for CDC leaders) Communities - Preparation of work calendars for repairing seasonal flood damage, etc., and daily

maintenance activities by CDCs - Implementation of road maintenance work at community level by CDCs - Snow removal at community level in areas where socio-economic activities are

expected in winter

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It is assumed that village road improvement will be implemented in NRAP Component B (Tertiary

Roads). NRAP has planned to improve 2,092 km of village roads in Bamyan Province in the three

years from 2012 to 2014. However, improvement works commenced in 2011 encompassed 112

km (USD1,500,000) for the whole Province. Looking at this figure, as well as the prospect for

further strengthening of the NRAP implementation system, it was assumed that it would be

appropriate to estimate the annual capacity for improvement works at around twice the

achievement in 2011. Based on this, an implementation schedule with a target of 200 km / year

(approx. USD3,000,000) is proposed as follows.

Schedule of Activities for the Project to Improve Village Roads


1. Formulation of village road improvement plan

Gathering of information and strengthening of its management framework in district offices

Preparation of road facilities inventory

Integrated management of information related to maintenance activities

Sharing of information and coordination with programmes related to village roads

Formulation of village road improvement plan

2. Implementation of village road improvement

Village roads in regions focusing on production of market oriented agricultural and livestock products

Village roads in regions focusing on production of crops for self-consumption

3. Strengthening of framework for village road maintenance

Preparing annual plans for village road maintenance at the district level

Replenishing and training technical staff responsible for roads in district offices

Enhancing CDC functions related to village road maintenance

Among implementation of the development project, DPW is recommended to secure necessary

staff responsible for road improvement as well as the budget for their regular activities. The

required number of staff is one for each district.

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Preparation of inventory on village roads: 402,000

Improvement of village roads (total 2,000 km): 30,000,000

Reinforcement of village road maintenance framework (training of staff responsible for roads at district level, enhancement of village road maintenance function by CDC, etc.) 209,000

Total: 30,611,000

4.2.4 Development Projects Under the Irrigation and Drainage Development Plan

The irrigation and drainage development plan, aiming at the improvement of agricultural

infrastructure, which is the prerequisite for stable production of agriculture and livestock – the key

industries of Bamyan Province – will contribute greatly to the activities proposed under the crop

farming development plan and livestock development plan. Furthermore, it will also contribute to

reducing flooding that causes damage to farmland and infrastructure. This plan proposes (1)

Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List to collect information

necessary to plan and implement irrigation and drainage projects and to prepare a short list of

projects, (2) Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems to

implement actual rehabilitation works and (3) Project for Capacity Development for Effective

On-Farm Water Management to improve the efficiency of the use of irrigation water and to

contribute to improvement and stabilization of agricultural productivity. As for (2) Project for

Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems, separate approaches are

examined for different types of water sources in order to propose rehabilitation projects adaptive

to the characteristics of the target areas.

(1) Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List


In order to effectively implement the rehabilitation of irrigation systems in line with priorities set

in each district, this development project aims at preparing the inventory list of their irrigation

systems. In implementing the rehabilitation works, several activities, based on the Water Law, are

envisaged to be conducted, such as 1) the registration of the irrigation system in MEW and

issuance of water rights, 2) the establishment of a Water User’s Association (WUA) under the

supervision of MEW, 3) the establishment of an Irrigation Association under MAIL and 4) the

establishment of necessary organizations.

Rehabilitation work of existing irrigation systems is currently being conducted in response to

individual requests from CDCs. Though these works bear certain results, they are not coherent in

terms of rehabilitating the whole system. Therefore, the development project will update the

irrigation system register maintained by DAIL, which was compiled in 1973, and will prepare the

long list of irrigation systems by collecting information from DDAs in each district. As for the

methods for these series of activities, from updating the register up to preparing for the long list

and short list, relevant seminars will be conducted by DEW and DAIL to deepen the

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understanding of DDAs in each district and to standardize the methods inside the Province. After

the long list is prepared, annual short lists will be drafted for the rehabilitation of irrigation

systems with clear priorities among each irrigation system, which will need to be based on the

interviews from CDCs in collaboration with DAIL agricultural extension officers.

Based on the prepared short list, the foundation for implementing the Project for Development and

Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems will be formulated by registering the irrigation

systems and establishing water users’ associations as specified in the Water Law.

Outline of the Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List

Item Description


This development project aims at facilitating the effective implementation of the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems through the preparation of district-wise inventories of irrigation systems, identifying the priorities for rehabilitation, and promoting the registration of irrigation systems and establishment of water users’ associations as specified in the Water Law.

Expected outcomes - District-wise long lists of irrigation systems are created. - District-wise short lists of irrigation system rehabilitation are created, and annual

implementation plans are compiled. - Water management organizations (Water Users’ Associations, Irrigation

Associations) are established for the short-listed irrigation systems.


- Development budgets (including donor support) will be allocated based on the short list and annual implementation plans prepared through this development project and the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems will be implemented.


- Existing irrigation systems throughout the Province


Activities related to this development project shall be carried out through the collaboration of the

related organizations indicated below.

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Activities of the Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List

Activity DAIL / DEW DDA / DCC DAIL agricultural extension officers /

CDC External specialists

Consolidating irrigation system inventory

- Distribution of the results of the study conducted in 1973 from DAIL to each district

- Confirmation of updated status of irrigation system inventories in each district.

- Holding of seminars for DDA / DCC by DAIL and DEW

- Updating of irrigation system inventories in each district and provision of information to DAIL / DEW

－

- Technical support for designing the irrigation system inventory and work plans

Preparing a long list of irrigation systems in each district

- Technical support for the preparation of district-wise long lists by DDA / DCC

- Compiling of district-wise long lists

- Formulation of a GIS database on irrigation systems and provision of information to DDA / DCC

- Preparation of district-wise long lists

－

- Technical support through DAIL / DEW for the preparation of district-wise long lists

- Technical support through DAIL / DEW for the formulation of the GIS database on irrigation systems

Preparing a short list of irrigation systems in each district

- Technical support for surveys on irrigation system potentials by DDA / DCC

- Technical support for prioritization of irrigation systems by DDA / DCC

- Compiling of annual short lists of irrigation systems

- Coordination with relevant organizations (PGO, PRRD, DAIL and DEW)

- Surveys on irrigation system potentials in each district

- Prioritization of irrigation systems

- Formulation of annual short lists based on the priorities of irrigation systems

- Survey on potentials of irrigation systems at each CDC (interview survey)

- Technical support through DAIL / DEW for surveys on irrigation systems potentials

- Technical support through DAIL / DEW for the formulation of annual short lists of irrigation systems

Formulation of water management organizations and issuance of water rights

- Support to farmers for the establishment of WUAs and IAs based on short lists

- Registration of irrigation systems to MEW

- Issuance of water rights

－

- Support to farmers for the establishment of WUAs and IAs

- Technical support for supporting the farmers in establishing WUAs and IAs

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Schedule of Activities for the Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List


Consolidating irrigation system inventory

Preparing a long list of irrigation systems in each district

Preparing a short list of irrigation systems in each district

Formulation of water management organizations and issuance of water rights

Among implementation of the development project, DAIL and DEW are recommended to secure

necessary staff responsible for the irrigation inventory as well as the budget for their regular

activities. The required number of staff is seven from each department (one for each district).


Costs for holdings of workshops (daily allowance for participants, preparation of materials, venue fee, etc.): 355,000


Total: 1,068,000


Land use / GIS specialists (International): 4

Commercialization specialists (International): 16

Land use specialists (Afghan): 80

Project formulation specialists (Afghan): 24

GIS operators (Afghan): 108

Surveyors (Afghan): 456

Total: 688

(2) Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems

There are two general approaches for rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems that can be

applied to all types of irrigation systems: measures to prevent water leakage in headrace channels

and consolidation of regional drainage networks. The effects of such approaches can be reached in

a more efficient manner when consolidated into projects that cope with the entire irrigation system,

rather than implementing them alone. Therefore, the plan will incorporate these approaches in the

later-mentioned i) Project for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems

using river water, and ii) Project for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage

systems using water from springs and snowmelt.

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Installation of irrigation systems is expected to make the budgetary conditions stringent due to the

considerable total number of systems. Therefore, the participation of local residents should be a

basis for installation, while only construction materials / equipment and other materials shall be

provided from the public administration side. In the areas where high technologies are needed

because of their geographical conditions and water quantity dealt with, it is expected that the

benefitting farmers would conduct construction work as a basic assumption, in collaboration with

other donors including NGOs, foreign government agencies and UN agencies. As a scope of the

project conducted with support from other aid agencies, previously implemented projects might

provide a reasonable cost estimation of approximately 5,000 US dollars for a fixed crest weir and

3,000 US dollars for lining headrace channels as a measure against water leakage.

Materials and equipment that will be provided by the government in these participatory works are

as follows.

‐ Cement : USD7 per 50 kg ‐ PVC pipe (diameter 300mm) : USD40 per m ‐ Concrete pipe (diameter 40mm) : USD32 per m


1)-1 Development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems using river water

This is a development project that aims at securing water quantities at a certain level even during

the dry season and at enabling stabilized water intake by laying out a fixed crest weir in the

downstream side of the existing water intake structure.

Installing the fixed crest weir could contribute to the stability in water intake. However, it could

interfere with objects passing through at the time of the floods and accompanying damages such as

flooded water could also be caused on the upper stream side of the weir. Agricultural fields

utilizing river water, whether or not it is short listed for rehabilitation, require a consistent plan to

be prepared, covering all parts of the river, since each irrigation system has installed water intake

structures separately in the same river.

Accordingly, at a stage when prioritized projects are short listed, a river survey needs to be

conducted by DEW involving DDAs. DDAs will determine, based on this survey, the work

contents of the project, after collecting technical comments on the height of the weir, its structure

and location. Meanwhile, if agricultural fields are located in the vicinity, making it physically

impossible to install the fixed crest weir, the structure should be relocated to somewhere else

where no impacts are expected to be caused in the river.

1)-2 Development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems using water from springs and snowmelt

The development project aims at increasing the utilizable water quantity as well as solving the

agricultural water shortage during the dry season, through building farm ponds in the vicinity of

sources of spring water and snowmelt water and temporarily reserving the water resources during

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the off hours for irrigation when there is no access by farmers. The irrigation systems utilizing the

spring water / snowmelt water planned in the districts of Panjab and Waras could be incorporated

by the check dam and reservoirs. Therefore, in addition to the rehabilitation of each individual

irrigation system, the integration of multiple systems will be within the development project’s

components.

The success of the development project significantly relies on two points: 1) off hours for

irrigation by the farmers are confirmed and 2) the flow of the spring / snowmelt water and rain

water is considerably large compared to the scale of the fields. Accordingly, in the survey

conducted by DDA and DAIL based on the short list, these points need to be considered in

formulating the development project and in identifying the farm pond scope, the location of the

headrace channels, and the number of irrigation systems that could be integrated. The construction

work assumes the installation of farm ponds and measures taken for leakage control of headrace

channels, which do not necessarily require high technical levels. Therefore, the participation of

local residents is expected here. In areas where geographical conditions and considerable

quantities of spring water / snowmelt water make the participation of residents difficult, supports

from donor organizations via DAIL must be sought.

1)-3 Development of flood retarding basin for irrigation

This is a development project to install flood retarding basins to mitigate damages caused by

floods and to utilize temporarily reserved water for agricultural purposes, after reserving the water

in flood retarding basins.

The flood retarding basins to be constructed by the development project will function as a water

control measure. Therefore, DDA and DAIL is recommended to consider 1) how the flood

retarding basins will be utilized, 2) the development of multiple flood retarding basins, as fields

are distributed along the river, 3) the possibility of using the water in the flood retarding basins as

gravitational water and 4) the periods of use of the flood retarding basins as irrigation water will

be summarized, and DEW is requested to conduct the river survey.

Taking into consideration that the flood retarding basins proposed in this development project

serve both as irrigation facilities and flood control measures, surveys on rivers should be

conducted by DEW, while DAIL and DDAs confirm i) how the retarding basins will be utilized,

ii) that multiple retarding basins can be constructed along the river, iii) that the water from the

retarding basin can be utilized by gravity irrigation, and iv) the time the retarding basin will be

used for irrigation purposes. DEW conducts a series of surveys regarding areas possibly damaged

by the floods, effective locations for these flood retarding basins in light of water control, and their

scopes. All of them will need to be compiled for the whole development project.

The construction work for the flood retarding basins will cover side channel spillways, flood

retarding basins and headrace channels leading to the fields. Construction costs for installation of

flood retarding basins including spillways are estimated at approximately USD35,000, which

requires financial procurement from organizations such as NGOs, foreign donor countries and UN

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agencies. On the other hand, it is desirable that excavation and prevention of water leakage from

canals are done with the participation of beneficiary farmers, with necessary material such as

cement being provided by DEW through the development project.

Project application will be conducted by dividing the activity contents planned by DEW, because

the construction cost is estimated to be quite high. The installation work does not assume widening

the river width, and more impacts in mitigating flood damages from the upper river side will be

expected for the construction of flood retarding basins.

Outline of the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Items

Description

Project for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems using

river water

Project for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems using water from springs and snowmelt

Project for development of flood retarding basin for

irrigation


This development project aims at enabling stable intake of water from rivers as well as improving water management in the irrigated plots by installing intake weirs for the existing irrigation systems and implementing measures to prevent water leakage from headrace channels as well as improving the drainage network in the basin

This development project aims at reducing the risk of water shortage as well as improving water management in the irrigated plots by increasing the amount of water that can be used for irrigation through installing farm-ponds near springs and sources of snowmelt water, and implementing measures to prevent water leakage from headrace channels as well as improving the drainage network in the basin

This development project aims at reducing flood damage and increasing the amount of water that can be used for irrigation by installing flood retarding basins along flood prone rivers and using the water retained for irrigation purposes.

Expected outcomes

- Irrigation water required for existing irrigated farmland is secured and stably utilized by building water intake weirs and improving the irrigation systems.

- Irrigation water required for existing irrigated farmland is secured and stably utilized by building farm ponds and improving the irrigation systems.

- Flood damage is mitigated by construction of flood retarding basins, and irrigation water required for existing irrigated farmland is secured and stably utilized.


- Stable supply of irrigation water will contribute to stable production and expansion of cash crops such as potatoes, fruit and vegetables and animal feed.

- Stable supply of irrigation water will contribute to stable production and expansion of cash crops such as potatoes, fruit and vegetables, subsistence crops and animal feed.

- Stable supply of irrigation water will contribute to stable production and expansion of subsistence crops and animal feed.


- Orchard production promotion zone, high value-added agriculture development, and livestock promotion zone

- Drought adaptive agriculture development zone, high value-added agriculture development, livestock promotion zone, crop diversification encouragement zone, subsistence agriculture strengthening with preference to cash crop zone, and subsistence agriculture strengthening zone

- Drought adaptive agriculture development zone


Activities related to the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage

Systems by type of water source (river water, water from springs / snowmelt and flood retarding

basins) are indicated as follows.

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Activities of the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Activities DEW DDA／DCC WUAs／Irrigation Associations

Field survey and technical review of rehabilitation works

Common to all projects - Site survey on target irrigation systems

and technical examination of projects proposed by DDA / DCC

- Technical discussions on project content with DDA / DCC

- Cost estimation including costs for land acquisition (demarcation of work to be carried out by government side and by participation of local residents)

River water intake type - Confirmation of fixed weir construction

site and upstream impact area Spring water type / snowmelt type - Examine usable amount of spring water

and snowmelt water, and investigation of scale and location of farm ponds

Flood retarding basin type - Identification of areas frequently

inundated / suffering major flood damage, candidate project area to be irrigated

Common to all projects- Site survey on target

irrigation systems - Consolidation of the

content requests for the improvement of the target irrigation system

- Examine / confirm the portion of work to be carried out by participation of local residents

Common to all projects- Provide requests for

the improvement of the target irrigation system

- Participation in the examination / confirmation of the portion of work to be carried out by participation of local residents

Explanations on development project contents

Common to all projects - Explanation of objectives and outcomes

of the project to beneficiaries River water intake type - Explanation of possible effects of the weir

on floods Spring water type/ Snowmelt and flood retarding basin type - Explanation of land acquisition

Common to all projects- Explanation of objectives

and outcomes of project to beneficiaries

River water intake type - Explanation of possible

effects of the weir on floods

Spring water type / snowmelt and flood retarding basin type - Explanation of land

acquisition

－

Application to donor organizations

Common to all projects - Explanation of project to donor

organizations and preparation of application

- Allocation of funding for land acquisition by district or province

－－

Implementation of rehabilitation works

Common to all projects - Registration of facilities to MEW River water intake type - Work contract procedures and supervision

of construction work by DEW Spring water type / snowmelt type - Discussion on land acquisition and

obtaining of agreement of farmers - Work contract procedures by DAIL and

supervision of construction work - Provision of construction materials and

supplies - Application to MEW for issuance of

water rights newly acquired by the implementation of the project

Flood retarding basin type - Discussion on land acquisition and

obtaining of agreement of farmers - Work contract procedures and supervision

of construction work by DEW - Construction of flood retarding basin,

spillway and channel - Application to MEW for issuance of

water rights newly acquired by the implementation of the project

Common to all projects- Coordination for

improvement works to be carried out with the participation of local residents

Spring water type / snowmelt and flood retarding basin type - Discussion on land

acquisition and coordination for obtaining agreement of farmers

Common to all projects- Participation in

improvement works to be carried out with the participation of local residents

Spring water type / snowmelt and flood retarding basin type - Discussion on land

acquisition and agreement

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Schedule of Activities for the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems


Development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems using river water

Field survey



Rehabilitation works

Development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems using water from springs and snowmelt

Field survey




Development of flood retarding basin for irrigation

Field survey




For implementation of the development project, DAIL and DEW are recommended to secure

necessary staff responsible for the development and rehabilitation of the irrigation systems as well

as the budget for their regular activities. The required number of staff is seven from each

department (one for each district).


Construction costs incurred for the development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems using river water (technical design, procurement of materials, construction costs, etc.): 1,008,000

Construction costs incurred for development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems using water from springs and snowmelt (technical design, procurement of materials, construction costs, etc.): 13,564,000

Construction costs incurred for development of flood retarding basin for irrigation (technical design, procurement of materials, construction costs, etc.): 4,180,000

Costs for project management and logistics (office operation, transportation costs for the above activities, etc.): 2,585,000

Total: 21,337,000

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Irrigation specialists (International): 29

Construction management specialists (International): 20

Procurement specialists (International): 8

Environmental and social consideration / gender specialists (International): 18

Monitoring and evaluation specialists (International): 11

Irrigation specialists (Afghan): 94

Construction management specialists (Afghan): 198

Procurement specialists (Afghan): 10

Environmental and social consideration / gender specialists (Afghan): 26

Monitoring and evaluation specialists (Afghan): 11

Surveyors (Afghan): 476

Total: 891

(3) Project for Capacity Development for Effective On-Farm Water Management


This is a development project aiming at providing guidance on water management based on water

quantity necessary for the cultivation of crops in the fields. It intends to enable effective utilization

of limited irrigation water, through appropriate water supply according to the varieties of

cultivated crops.

Distribution of irrigation water in Bamyan Province is generally done with a time-based system,

which allocates certain lengths of time for irrigation according to the area of the field. This

sometimes results in excessive irrigation for some crops with low water requirements. With the

introduction of modern irrigation water management, such excess water can be allocated to plots

with deficient amounts of water or for expanding the area of irrigated plots. On the other hand, the

existing water allocation system has been traditionally handed down for generations in the

individual irrigation systems. In addition, introduction of modern water management systems may

result in some farmers receiving less water than the amount allocated under the conventional

system. Therefore, when shifting to modern water management, careful preparation and guidance

will be required to adequately explain its usefulness to the farmers.

Technical transfer of modern cultivation management will establish the methodologies of modern

water management in the extension directorate of MAIL, an upper authority, which will aim at

transferring the same technologies to DAIL agricultural extension officers in Bamyan Province.

As extension of modern water management will be conducted by a limited number of DAIL

agricultural extension officers, it should be done by utilizing model farms or demonstration farms

selected among those with characteristics generally seen in the area, and with easy access from the

surrounding areas. From the perspective of efficiency of the works of agricultural extension

officers, it will be preferable to conduct extension activities in collaboration with the Project to

Strengthen Agricultural Extension System proposed in the crop farming development plan.

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Outline of the Project for Capacity Development for Effective On-Farm Water Management

Items Description


The development project aims at improving the productivity of crops in irrigated farmlands through effective use of limited irrigation water. This shall be realized through technical trainings for MAIL / DAIL staff and through extension activities on modern water management for farmers through Water Users’ Associations and Irrigation Associations.

Expected outcomes - Capacity of MAIL irrigation department in relation to training extension officers is improved.

- Capacity of DAIL extension officers related to providing extension services on modern water management and a system for extension is developed.

- Modern water management is practiced by Water Users’ Associations, Irrigation Associations and farmers cultivating irrigated farmland.


- Irrigation water in different types of irrigation systems is effectively utilized through the application of improved water management, which is expected to further increase the effect of the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems.


- Beneficiary areas of the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems


Though extension of farming management techniques have been frequently implemented by DAIL

under the support of donor organizations, extension centered on water management activities has

not necessarily been conducted as a mainstream activity. In this regard, the manual for modern

water management shall be prepared by the technical staff in charge of extension in MAIL, while

DAIL extension officers shall conduct the actual extension works. The final beneficiaries of the

technical transfer shall be the farmers in the irrigation systems, together with the Water User’s

Association (WUA) and Irrigation Associations, including Mirab, both of which have been

assigned the tasks regarding irrigation systems in accordance with the Water Law, which was

revised in April 2009.

The activities related to the Project for Capacity Development for Effective On-Farm Water

Management are as shown below.

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Activities of Project for Capacity Development for Effective On-Farm Water Management

Activities MAIL DAIL WUA / Irrigation

Associations External Resources

Preparing water management manual guidebooks for extension officers

- Preparation of water management manual for extension officers, based on existing materials created by FAO, NGOs and other donor organizations

- Preparation of capacity development plan based on the contents of the water management manual for MAIL Irrigation Department staff and DAIL extension officers

－－

- Technical support for the preparation of water management manual for extension officers

- Technical support for preparation of the capacity development plan related to modernized water management

Training for modernized water management for MAIL Irrigation Department staff

- Training of MAIL Irrigation Department staff on modern water management

－－

- Technical support for training of MAIL Irrigation Department staff on modern water management

Training for modernized water management for DAIL extension officers

- Dispatch of trainers for training DAIL extension officers on modern water management

- Training of DAIL agricultural extension officers on modern water management

－

- Technical support for training of DAIL agricultural extension officers on modern water management

Selection and establishment of demonstration / model farms for extension of modern water management (assumed activities: 6 years at approximately 10 plots per year)

－

- Preparation of development plans for demonstration / model farms and plans for extension activities utilizing the demonstration / model farms

- Selection of farmers to participate in demonstration / model farms

- Participation in demonstration / model farms

- Technical support for the preparation and implementation of the extension plan utilizing the demonstration / model farms

Technical extension of modernized water management

－

- Technical extension on modern water management utilizing demonstration / model farms (by agricultural extension officers)

- Monitoring and follow-up on water management practices of farmers benefitting from the irrigation systems

- Participation in technical extension on modern water management utilizing demonstration / model farms

- Practice modern water management in fields

－

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Schedule of Activities for the Project for Capacity Development for Effective On-Farm Water Management


Preparation of material on modern water management

Training on modern water management for MAIL Irrigation Department staff

Training on modern water management for DAIL agricultural extension officers

Selection of demonstration / model farms

Technical extension on modern water management


the completion of the project, MAIL and DAIL are recommended to secure necessary staff as well

as budget for their regular activities. The required number of staff is three MAIL Irrigation

Department staff and seven DAIL agricultural extension officers (one person for each district).


Development of demonstration / model farms (preparation of canals, installation of flow meters, etc.): 792,000

Technical extension (preparation of manual, training of DAIL extension officers, technical training for farmers, etc.): 84,000


Total: 1,494,000


Irrigation and drainage specialists (International): 22


Irrigation and drainage specialists (Afghan): 120


Training specialists (Afghan): 132

Total: 356

4.2.5 Development Projects Under the Non-Farm Product Promotion Plan

The main industry in Bamyan Province is agriculture and livestock. However, farmers face many

difficulties in marketing their produce in remote areas where access to markets is difficult. Due to

such conditions, agriculture and livestock farming in such areas are mainly practiced for

self-consumption. The non-farm product promotion plan proposes to increase income-generating

opportunities for farmers in remote areas by promoting traditional handicrafts as well as the

participation of the socially vulnerable; particularly the poor, women and other vulnerable groups.

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(1) Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women


This development project aims at creating income-generating opportunities for farmers as well as

encouraging the participation of women in socio-economic activities, through promoting

production and sales of handicrafts and materials centered on embroidery and fabrics. The

handicrafts produced shall be sold to handicraft producers and retailers in Kabul and other major

markets. Besides fabricated products such as cushion covers, luncheon mats, bags and pouches,

secondary material such as cloths for bags and fabric with embroidery shall also be produced. By

institutionalizing the village women into handicraft producers’ groups, a system for production

can be established, where processes such as acquisition of material, standardization of output and

manufacturing processes, stable production on a considerable scale, quality and production control

can be systematically managed. Furthermore, with the cooperation of handicraft producers and

retailers, products can be developed based on market needs.

At initial stages for promoting handicraft production, public administrations as well as NGOs are

expected to function as intermediaries between handicraft producers and retailers in Kabul, etc., to

secure marketing routes. In Bamyan Center, NGOs and tourist hotels already conduct activities

related to the development and sale of handicraft products with producers’ groups. Collaboration

with such NGOs shall be made in order to facilitate the development of products, secure marketing

routes, and promote institutionalization of handicraft producers. In addition, attempts shall be

made to develop business groups and companies based in Bamyan Province willing to produce

and sell handicrafts in conjunction with national programmes such as AREDP.

Outline of the Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women

Item Description


The development project aims at creating income-generating opportunities for farmers as well as promoting the participation of village women in socio-economic activities, through the promotion of production and sales of handicrafts centered on embroidery and textiles that are made with traditional skills.

Expected outcomes - Handicraft producers’ groups consisting of village women and aiming at production and sales of handicrafts are established and operating.

- Production management and quality control are improved by the establishment and operation of producers’ groups.

- Products are developed and marketing routes are secured through collaboration between producers’ groups and handicraft producers and retailers.


- Participation of village women in socio-economic activities will be promoted. - Handicraft producing / selling business groups and companies based in Bamyan

Province are expected to be developed.


- Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening with Preference to Cash Crop Zone and Subsistence Agriculture Strengthening Zone


The proposed activities shall be conducted mainly by PRRD social development unit and DSOs.

External resources such as staff of NGOs or national programmes shall be introduced as required.

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In parallel to confirming the willingness and technical capacity of the village women in

participating in socio-economic activities, market demands for handicraft products shall be

examined to identify promising products. Formulation of handicraft producers’ groups shall be

facilitated by providing institutionalization guidance and trainings for group management. With

regard to that it would be impractical to expect producers’ groups to develop product designs

based on market demand, procure the required raw materials, and develop marketing routes from

the initial stage of the project. A structure for collaboration with handicraft producers and retailers

in Kabul, etc., shall be established with the support of AREDP, etc., and production activities shall

be conducted under guidance from the handicraft producers and retailers. Monitoring shall be

continued for production activities to provide guidance toward improvement and stabilization of

product quality, and corporatization shall be considered at the point when there are prospects of

getting the business off the ground.


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women


Confirming the participation needs of rural women in socioeconomic activities and their potentials (techniques and skills)

Institutionalization support for rural women (facilitation for institutionalization)

Strengthening the institutionalization of rural women’s groups (training in institutional management)

Support for market needs survey and channeling between handcrafts producers and shops

Support for developing designs and products in response to market needs

Support for production management and quality control

Business support for handcraft production and marketing based in Bamyan


the completion of the project, PRRD is recommended to secure necessary staff as well as budget

for their regular activities. The required number of staff is one for the social development unit of

PRRD and two DSOs each in the districts of Panjab and Waras.

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Confirmation of village women’s needs and potential for participatingin socioeconomic activities (costs for contracting survey works, etc.): 68,000

Identification of promising handicrafts, survey on market demands, support for channeling to handicraft producers’ groups and retailers, support for developing designs that meet market needs: 23,000

Support for institutionalizing village women, organizational strengthening: 11,000

Support for production management and quality control activities: 12,000

Development of handicraft production / marketing business based in Bamyan: 0*


Total: 176,000


Rural business specialists (International): 18

Village institutionalization specialists (International) 18

Total: 36*To be included in regular PRRD activities

4.2.6 Development Projects Under the Plan for Strengthening the Functions of Rural

Administration and Society

Improving access to information on development needs and activities in the Province by

relevant stakeholders is essential to realize provincial development in an efficient and effective

manner. This can be realized by accumulating such information to a public focal point, which is

open to all entities. Such centralization and sharing of information will enable the development

entities to oversee the development issues as well as the progress of development of the whole

Province, as well as to coordinate among individual development projects, which are often

implemented in monadic manners. A function to facilitate coordination among various

stakeholders is also a crucial factor in terms of effectively utilizing limited resources, both

human and monetary. Sharing of accumulated information of good practices as well as lessons

learned from shortcomings and past failures is also important in this regard.

Furthermore, the current situation of the area distribution of development resources in

Bamyan—where development activities are concentrated in some areas, while support is yet to

reach other areas—also suggests the importance of centralization and sharing of information.

Under such circumstance, the following two development projects are proposed as related to

strengthening the functions of rural administration and society: 1) Project for Improvement of

PGO’s Development Coordination Capacity and 2) Project for Improvement of SDGO’s

Information Collecting Capacity.

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(1) Project for Improvement of PGO’s Development Coordination Capacity


This development project aims to strengthen the capacity of PGO as a center to coordinate other

development projects by establishing a GIS database that will accumulate information related to

development projects, as well as by enhancing the capacity of PGO’s Technical Service

Department.

Accumulation of information to the PGO as well as data management by GIS will realize easier

access to comprehensive and updated information on development activities as well as facilitate

easier analysis of the overall progress of development in the Province with the information

presented in a visual form. This will further facilitate avoidance of duplication and heavy bias of

development activities. Design and formulation of the GIS database will be supported by external

specialists, while the staff of the Technical Service Department of the PGO will obtain necessary

skills and establish a structure for its operation and maintenance through on-the-job trainings

during this process.

The database shall include information on development activities / projects (including those

planned, currently implemented and completed) by relevant government agencies, donors and

NGOs, as well as information at the community level that are proposed to be collected through

the later-mentioned Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity.

Furthermore, the database shall also include information collected and analyzed by SEARAP,

such as development potentials, constraints and directions for development for each

comprehensive development zone, etc. Accumulating and overlaying such information will

provide better understandings on which area of the Province has what kind of development needs

and potential, and at the same time, on what kind of development activities are planned,

implemented or have been completed. Such analysis will facilitate the planning and

implementation of development activities in effective and efficient manners.

The accumulated information is proposed to be shared with relevant organizations through the

PDC, in order for them to utilize it for project planning. At present, the ministerial organizations,

donors and NGOs hold the center role in planning development projects. However, active

coordination by the PGO is expected in the future, aiming at the development of the Province in

line with its intended direction of development.

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Outline of the Project for Improvement of PGO’s Development Coordination Capacity

Items Description


The functions for coordinating development activities centered by the PGO will be strengthened through the accumulation of development-related information in a GIS database which is to be developed within the PGO, and through strengthening the capacity of the Technical Service Department in managing and utilizing the database.

Expected outcomes - A GIS database that accumulates development related information of the Province is established and is operated by the PGO.

- Implementation of development activities in line with the intended direction of development is promoted through sharing of information on development needs and activities as well as their coordination through the PDC.

- The development needs at district levels are examined and arrangements for implementation countermeasures for urgent needs are made, while needs that are strong but not urgent are reflected into mid-term planning.


- Development activities are implemented in an effective and efficient manner, as result of effective coordination among these activities within the Province.

- It is expected that the PGO will play a central role in actively coordinating and monitoring development activities, as a result of strengthened capacity for such functions of the PDC / PGO.


The target area of the development project covers the whole Province, while main activities will target the staff of the Technical Service Department of the PGO.


2)-1 Establishment of the GIS database

A GIS database is proposed to be established in the Technical Service Department of the PGO

and necessary skills related to the formulation, operation and maintenance of the database shall be

transferred to the staff of the department.

The GIS database to be established will contain information concerning: 1) projects being planned

or implemented by the Province, government ministries / agencies, aid organizations, NGOs, etc.,

2) zoning according to the Province’s development strategies and 3) development needs

aggregated at the community level. The database will be administered and periodically updated by

PGO’s Technical Service Department.

In building the database, information about past projects, as well as those currently under

planning or implementation will need to be collected. Individual pieces of information to be

entered will include the sectors and subsectors concerned, project names, executing agencies,

budgets and funding resources, project objectives, activities, target communities, locations of

target areas, project effects and progress status. Once the database is established, PGO’s

Technical Service Department will update the database periodically by using PDC to collect

additional or revised information related to projects planned or implemented by the implementing

agencies.

Community-level development needs will be collected through the Project for Improvement of

SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity, discussed in the following section. Information to be

aggregated via SDGO will include information including the project sectors and subsectors,

project names, background of the needs, activities, names of target communities and locations of

target areas.

4 - 78

2)-2 Operation of the GIS database

The Technical Service Department shall utilize the GIS database in order to promote planning and

implementation of development activities in line with the intended directions of the development of

the Province as well as to realize effective monitoring and management of development activities by

entering the real-time information, which is to be collected from the implementing organizations.

By utilizing the database, sufficient information can be smoothly provided when ministries, donors

or NGOs contact the PGO with the intention to plan / implement new projects or programmes. At

the same time, the PGO can express their intentions for the development of the Province, including

the contents and areas that require support.

Furthermore, the PGO will be able to review the development needs raised from the community

level and efficiently take measures for coordinating the implementation of urgent projects such as

those for disaster management / rehabilitation.

Strengthening of capacity, both in terms of human resources and technical skills, of the staff of the

Technical Service Department will be required to realize the above activities. Therefore it is desired

that the PGO receive support for 1) external specialist and equipment for establishing the GIS

database, 2) training of staff for operation and maintenance of the GIS database and 3) capacity

building of Technical Service Department staff for the above activities through on-the-job trainings.

On the other hand, the PGO is required to appoint compatible staff in order to conduct the above

activities.


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Improvement of PGO’s Development Coordination Capacity


Design and establish GIS database

Installation of necessary equipment

Preparation of data entry form

Collect and input information on development projects

Training of GIS operators (OJT)

Operation of GIS database

Share information in GIS database through PDC

Collect Information from Community Level through SDGOs and Input Information


the completion of the project, the PGO is recommended to secure necessary staff as well as

budget for their regular activities. The required number of staff for this development project are;

4 - 79

three Technical Service Department Officers at the provincial level, and one Technical Service

Officer in each district.


Equipment for GIS database: 44,000

Training for Technical Service Department staff at provincial level and district Technical Service Officers: 3,000


Total: 376,000


Rural development / institutional strengthening specialist (International): 27

GIS database specialist (International): 18

GIS operator (Afghan): 37

Total: 82

(2) Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity


The development project proposes the establishment of platforms to gather development needs at

the community level and gain efficient feedback from administrative organizations involved in

development activities. This shall be done by making use of existing DDA coordination meetings,

or those to be held by DCCs, which are planned to be established, and prompting the district

administrations and community representatives to participate in the meetings.

Although the legitimate participants who are in the position to participate in DDAs / DCCs should

be the representatives of the village councils dictated in the Constitution of Afghanistan, such

councils are yet to be established. Therefore, at this point, the development project considers the

participation of CDC representatives and Arbabs.

The information obtained through the participatory meetings will be gathered by the Technical

Service officers of each district (or by the provincial Technical Service Department in Bamyan

Center) and will be forwarded to the provincial Technical Service Department, which will then

share the information with the relevant ministerial organizations. In the meetings, technical

advice shall be provided from the ministerial organizations at the district level. Information on the

development activities planned / implemented under each ministry should also be shared at these

meetings at the district level.

4 - 80

Outline of the Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity

Items Description


To formulate a platform to collect information on development needs at the community level, as well as to provide efficient feedback on development activities, by utilizing coordination meetings by DDAs / DCCs, with the participation of both government organizations and representatives of communities.

Expected outcomes - DDAs / DCCs will have clear and concrete roles in terms of development activities.- Information on community level development needs will be collected through the

DDAs / DCCs and accumulated at the PGO.


- Community-level development needs will be comprehensively examined and reflected to short / mid-term development activities

- The capacity of the PGO in coordinating development activities will be improved through the centralization of district level development information.


The target area of the development project covers the whole Province, while main activities will target the district Technical Service Officers and DDAs / DCCs.


At present, it is not clear when DCCs will be established in Bamyan Province. In this regard, the

development project maintains the possibility of either utilizing DDAs or DCCs as the organs

holding the coordination meetings.

In addition to the representatives of CDCs and PRRD staff, which are the conventional

participants of DDA meetings, the participants for the DDAs / DCCs shall include the district

Technical Service Officer, representatives of all ministerial organizations having their staff at the

district level, and Arbabs appointed by the government. The main topics to be discussed in the

coordination meetings shall include: 1) expressing development needs of the district and

communities from the viewpoint of local residents, 2) technical guidance and suggestions from

the representatives of ministerial organizations to address the needs of the district and

communities and 3) information on the progress of development activities planned / implemented

in the district, etc.

The district Technical Service Officer shall gather the development needs expressed in the

coordination meetings and will report this to the PGO. Following this process, the provincial

Technical Service Department will enter the information into the GIS database. District Technical

Service Officers, DSOs and representatives of other ministerial organizations shall conduct

on-site data collection as required, for information that cannot be verified through the

coordination meetings.

4 - 81


Schedule of Activities for the Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity


Discussion and consensus building with relevant organizations in utilizing DDAs / DCCs

Training to District Technical Service Officers on data collection and reporting

Sharing of development information through periodic meetings of DDAs / DCCs

Collect and accumulate development information through DDAs / DCCs


the completion of the project, the PGO and PRRD are recommended to secure necessary staff as

well as budget for their regular activities. The required number of staff for this development

project are; one Technical Service Officer and two DSOs in each district.


Training for district Technical Service Officers: 65,000

Support for holding DDAs / DCCs: 186,000


Total: 388,000


Rural development / institutional strengthening specialist 19

Capacity-building specialist (Afghan): 40

Total: 59

4.2.7 Activity Costs for the Development Projects

The costs for the activities proposed in the Action Plan are summarized as follows. The costs are

calculated by roughly estimating the necessary costs for individual activities under the

development projects. Therefore, the costs do not include the operational costs for government

staff or the costs for their new appointments.

4 - 82

Table 4.2-2 Activity Costs for the Development Projects

Development Plan Development Project Activity

Costs (1,000 USD)

Expected Input of Specialists Apart from

Activity Costs(Man-months)


1-1 Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution 2,128 123

1-2 Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System 3,835 188


3,208 235

1-4 Project for Strengthening Fruit Production and Sales 1,142 168


703 103

1-6 Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment 1,002 209


2-1 Project to Strengthen Veterinary Field Units (VFUs) 370 301


439 430


230 282

2-4 Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center 1,534 352

2-5 Project for Improving Milk Processing 586 440


417 301

2-7 Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center 348 258

2-8 Project for Promotion of Apiculture 633 301


3-1 Project to Improve Inter-District Roads 5,310 -*

3-2 Project to Improve Village Roads 30,611 -*



1,068 688

4-2 Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems

21,337 891


1,494 356

5. Non-farm product promotion plan


176 36



376 82

6-2 Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity

388 59

Total 77,335 5,803**

*: Input of specialists not considered because the scope is within the regular works of DPW and MRRD

**: Specialists are expected to serve concurrently for several development projects. Thus the total man-months of input is expected to become smaller when multiple projects are implemented.

4.3 Points to be Considered for the Implementation of the Action Plan

In this section, three points are stated as those to be considered for the implementation of the

individual development projects proposed in the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation.

These are: 1) Prioritization of the Development Projects, 2) Implementation and Monitoring

Structure for the Action Plan and 3) Environmental and Social Considerations.

4 - 83

4.3.1 Prioritization of the Development Projects

(1) Method of Evaluation

In formulating development plans and action plans, their implementation priorities are generally

determined based on cost-benefit analysis, which is conducted by estimating economic impacts

and prospective benefits in comparison with planned inputs.

However, in SEARAP basic data that is necessary and credible for cost-benefit analysis, such as

population statistics, as well as statistical information on current production of agricultural /

livestock products, quality and quantity of harvest, amounts of sales and consumption, and costs

for marketing could not be obtained. Consequently, cost-benefit analysis as well as demand

forecasting could not be conducted. Moreover, though all effects should be evaluated in a

comprehensive manner, some of the effects of the development projects proposed by SEARAP

cannot be measured in monetary value.

In the steering committee meeting held in November 2012, the SEARAP team agreed with

MRRD and other relevant stakeholders in Bamyan Province that the priority of the development

projects would be examined by applying a multi-criteria analysis, which enables comprehensive

examination of multiple effects of individual development projects. Qualitative information was

obtained for those required for the analysis and that are difficult to quantify, by conducting local

sample surveys / interviews. The multi-criteria analysis is an approach to comprehensively assess

the impacts of projects by applying multiple criteria, which encompass factors that are difficult to

measure in monetary value or to quantify. It is currently being used for decision-making in a wide

range of fields.

Moreover, in the multi-criteria analysis, importance and necessity is considered not only from the

viewpoints of policy makers but also from ones of local residents. This enables the evaluation

criteria to reflect the intentions of various stakeholders. Thus, multi-criteria analysis offers the

merit of comprehensive analysis of the evaluation targets from various viewpoints.

Regarding the methods of multi-criteria analysis, the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) is applied

for the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation. AHP is a method by which relationships

between final purposes of development projects (effects), evaluation criteria, and planned

development projects are hierarchically structured in advance. Weights of importance between the

evaluation criteria are calculated by conducting pair-wise comparison, and the priorities of the

planned development projects are determined by applying these weights for the scoring of each

project. Due to the repeated process of pair-wise comparison, AHP requires large workloads, but the

accuracy of the pair-wise comparison through this method is high and the method can analyze

quantitative criteria.

The priorities of each proposed development project have been determined through co-working with

counterparts in Bamyan1 based on the following evaluation process.

1 The CP members that participated in the discussion are shown in Annex 6

4 - 84

Figure 4.3-1 Evaluation Process of Multi-Criteria Analysis

(2) Determining Evaluation Criteria

The evaluation criteria in multi-criteria analysis were determined among the decision makers,

discussing with counterparts in Bamyan.

1) Evaluation Criteria

Considering the vision of the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation, the following

evaluation criteria have been determined in order to comprehensively assess the development

projects.

Criterion ①: Impact on livelihood improvement

Criterion ②: Contribution to self-sufficiency

Criterion ③: Compatibility with farmers’ technical level

Criterion ④: Benefitted area coverage

Criterion ⑤: Inclusion of marginalized population

Criterion ⑥: Time required for attainment of goals

Criterion ⑦: Size of fund

Multi-criteria analysis

(1) List the development projects which are to be evaluated

(2) Determining evaluation criteria

(3) Score by each evaluation criterion

(4) Set weights of evaluation criteria

(5) Calculate the total score for evaluation

(6) Analyze and examine the result

2) Sc

Deve

three

Crit

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coring by Ev

elopment pro

e steps. The

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Figure 4.3-2

valuation Cr

ojects are sco

scores and ev

Tab

aluation Criter

mpact on livelihmprovement

ontribution to s

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2 Evaluat

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valuation sta

ble 4.3-1

ria

hood

self-sufficiency

ith farmers’

coverage

ginalized

or attainment of

4 - 85

tion Criteria

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Relatively sma

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criteria. Each

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Criteria

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bute greatly to t

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ea (inland)

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0 years

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needed

needed

4 - 86

3) Weighting of Evaluation Criteria

As a result of the discussions with the counterparts in Bamyan, it was decided that evaluation

criteria that have especially high importance and require special consideration based on the

circumstances and characteristics of the development in Bamyan would receive higher weight for

the scoring. Specifically, the stakeholders strongly stated that priorities should be determined by

considering the reality that large-scale capital investment for development projects is not likely

due to the limitation of both the development budget allocated to Bamyan Province and the

development assistance from donors and NGOs. While some mentioned that concentrated capital

injections in a particular area are required to develop potentials for driving economic development,

others expressed that considering the current situation, in which enabling environments to spread

economic effects and benefits of advanced areas to the entire Province have not been created,

importance should be attached to improvement of living conditions in the whole Province. To

compile and quantify the various opinions of the stakeholders, relative importance of the seven

criteria was determined by the stakeholders conducting paired comparison of the criteria as shown

in Table 4.3-2.

4 - 87

Table 4.3-2 Results of Pair-Wise Comparison of Evaluation Criteria

Evaluation Criteria (Left)

Mos

t Im

por

tan

t

Sig

nif

ican

tly

Imp

orta

nt

Imp

orta

nt

Sli

ghtl

y Im

por

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t

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e L

evel

of

Imp

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nce

Sli

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por

tan

t

Imp

orta

nt

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nif

ican

tly

Imp

orta

nt

Mos

t Im

por

tan

t Evaluation Criteria (Right)

Score 9 7 5 3 1 1/3 1/5 1/7 1/9

Impact on livelihood improvement

○ Contribution to self-sufficiency


○ Compatibility with farmers’ technical level


○ Benefitted Area Coverage


○ Inclusion of marginalized population


○ Time required for attainment of goals


○ Size of fund

Contribution to self-sufficiency

○ Compatibility with farmers’ technical level








○ Size of fund

Compatibility with farmers’ technical level







○ Size of fund

Benefitted Area Coverage





○ Size of fund

Inclusion of marginalized population



○ Size of fund

Time required for attainment of goals

○ Size of fund

4 - 88

The above score of the evaluation results was reviewed and calculated with the weight of each

evaluation criterion by geometrical average method (Table 4.3-3). As a result, the top three criteria

whose weights were high were “Size of Fund” (24.7%), “Achievement of Self-Sufficiency”

(21.3%) and “Contribution to Livelihood Improvement” (18.3%).

Table 4.3-3 Score and Weights of Evaluation Criteria Based on Pair-Wise Comparison

Evaluation Criteria Im

pac

t on

Liv

elih

ood

Im

pro

vem

ent

Con

trib

uti

on t

o Se

lf-S

uffi

cien

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ity

wit

h

Far

mer

s’ T

echn

ical

L

evel

Ben

efit

ted

Are

a C

over

age

Incl

usi

on o

f M

argi

nali

zed

Pop

ulat

ion

Tim

e R

equ

ired

for

A

ttai

nm

ent

of G

oals

Siz

e of

Fu

nd

Tot

al S

core

Wei

ght

(%)


1.0 1.0 3.0 1.0 1.0 5.0 1.0 13.0 18.3


1.0 1.0 3.0 3.0 1.0 5.0 1.0 15.0 21.3


0.3 0.3 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 0.3 4.9 7.8

Benefitted area coverage 1.0 0.3 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 0.3 7.6 10.7


1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 3.0 0.3 8.3 12.7

Time required for attainment of goals

0.2 0.2 1.0 0.3 0.3 1.0 0.2 3.2 4.5

Size of fund 1.0 1.0 3.0 3.0 3.0 5.0 1.0 17.0 24.7

Total 69.0 100.0

(3) Prioritization of the Development Projects

The development projects were evaluated based on the scores and weights of each evaluation

criterion determined above. Since there are cases where activities and beneficiaries of a particular

development project differ between different development zones defined through comprehensive

zoning, evaluation results for individual criteria may also differ among the development zones.

Therefore, the development projects were evaluated for individual development zones and

priorities of the development projects were determined based on these results, by calculating the

average scores of development projects in respective development zones. Such calculation was

done in consideration of the different target areas of the development projects with some of them

target specific development zones, while others cover the whole Province. The evaluation results

of development projects by multi-criteria analysis are shown in Table 4.3-4.

The three projects on development and rehabilitation of irrigation and drainage systems, which

rank from 20th to 22nd, were considered as one project for the evaluation, since they are

sub-projects falling under the Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and

Drainage Systems, corresponding to available water resources in different development zones.

4 - 89

Table 4.3-4 Evaluation Results of Development Projects by Multi-Criteria Analysis

Zone

Priority Development Project

Orc

har

d P

rod

uct

ion

Pro

mot

ion

Z

one

Dro

ugh

t A

dap

tive

Agr

icu

ltu

re

Dev

elop

men

t Z

one

Hig

h V

alu

e-A

dd

ed C

rop

C

ult

ivat

ion

Pro

mot

ion

Zon

e

Liv

esto

ck P

rom

otio

n Z

one

Cro

p D

iver

sifi

cati

on

En

cou

rage

men

t Z

one

Su

bsi

sten

ce A

gric

ult

ure

S

tren

gth

enin

g w

ith

Pre

fere

nce

to

Cas

h C

rop

Zon

e

Su

bsi

sten

ce A

gric

ult

ure

S

tren

gth

enin

g Z

one

Ave

rage

Sco

re


－－－ 2.123 －－－ 2.123


2.096 2.096 2.096 2.096 2.096 2.096 2.096 2.096


2.093 －－－－－－ 2.093

4 Project for Improving Milk Processing －－－ 2.093 －－－ 2.093

5 Project to Improve Ruminant Livestock Feeding System

2.051 2.051 2.051 2.051 2.051 2.051 2.051 2.051

6 Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales

－－ 2.048 －－－－ 2.048

7 Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution

1.969 2.182 1.969 1.969 1.969 1.969 2.182 2.030

8 Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center 2.018 2.018 2.018 2.018 2.018 2.018 2.018 2.018

9 Project for Strengthening Vegetable Production and Sales

－－－－ 2.015 －－ 2.015

10 Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System

2.006 2.006 2.006 2.006 2.006 2.006 2.006 2.006

11 Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women

－－－－－ 1.988 1.988 1.988

12 Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology

－－－－ 1.972 － 1.972 1.972

13 Project for Promotion of Apiculture 1.939 －－－－－ 1.939 1.939


1.924 1.924 1.924 1.924 1.924 1.924 1.924 1.924

15 Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment

1.986 － 1.830 －－－－ 1.908

16 Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center

－－－－ 1.861 －－ 1.861

17 Project for Improvement of PGO’s Development Coordination Capacity

1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760

18 Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity

1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760 1.760

19 Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List

1.756 1.756 1.756 1.756 1.756 1.756 1.756 1.756

20-1* Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using River Water

1.570 － 1.570 －－－－ 1.689

20-2* Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using Water from Springs and Snowmelt

－ 1.890 1.677 1.677 1.677 1.677 1.677 1.689

20-3* Development of Flood Retarding Basin for Irrigation

－ 1.783 －－－－－ 1.689

21 Project to Improve Inter-District Roads 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546

22 Project to Improve Village Roads 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546 1.546

*: These three projects are considered as one project.

4 - 90

(4) Priority Determined in Multi-Criteria Analysis and Implementation of the

Development Projects

As a result of the multi-criteria analysis with the participation of the stakeholders, the priority of

each development project was determined as shown in Table 4.3-4 above. Mentioning the general

trend of the prioritization, projects aiming to strengthen current activities and targeting broader

areas have been ranked high. On the other hand, development projects requiring large amounts of

capital such as irrigation and drainage projects and road projects, as well as those introducing

completely new activities were ranked low.

Future implementation of the Action Plan should basically take into consideration the priority

ranking, which reflects the intentions of the stakeholders that are engaged in the development in

Bamyan Province. Thus, it is ideal that the Action Plan is reflected to the PDP and implemented in

accordance to the priorities of the development projects. However, taking into account that most

development projects in Bamyan Province, as well as those in Afghanistan as a whole, being

conducted with funds from donors as the principal source, it is not realistic to expect Bamyan

Province to autonomously implement the development projects, taking control of factors such as

implementation budgets, target areas, time and duration and implementation structure. Therefore,

efforts should be made to obtain donor support by approaching donors within the framework of

NPP or through individual discussions, utilizing tools such as the Provincial Development Plan.

Among prioritization of the development projects, the decision by the stakeholders on attaching

importance to the “size of fund” as a criterion with regard to realistic volumes of development

budget allocated to Bamyan Province is practical and highly appreciable. However, infrastructure

development projects whose priority was ranked low should also not be disregarded, since they

have large economic impacts. Installation of infrastructure that formulates the socio-economic

foundation of the Province, such as irrigation facilities and roads, contribute to increasing the

productivity and activating trade and interaction both within and outside the region. Furthermore,

it will also contribute to enhancing the living standards through the improvement of access to

public services. It is also necessary to note that economic effects through job creation for the local

population can be expected during construction.

As formerly mentioned, multi-criteria analysis is a method that can incorporate intentions of

various stakeholders and evaluate qualitative values of development projects. However, the results

are influenced by the available amount of information at the time of analysis as well as the

intentions of the stakeholders who participated.

Due to limitations in availability of quantitative data, economic analysis, which is normally

conducted for project evaluation, could not be done for the development projects proposed under

the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation. Under such circumstance, multi-criteria

analysis conducted in SEARAP was also done based on limited information, not being able to duly

incorporate the economic values of development projects, which are particularly important for

evaluating development projects related to infrastructure development. Therefore, it is desirable

4 - 91

that the evaluation be revised in the future, when sufficient information such as provincial census

by the CSO or MAIL becomes newly available, in order to reflect new factors such as economic

analysis as related to the criteria.

4.3.2 Proposed Structure for Implementation of the Action Plan

(1) Overall Management Structure

As mentioned at the beginning of this chapter, most of the development projects proposed in

Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation are related to each other, within and across sectors.

The Plan was formulated in a manner to obtain further synergistic effects through implementation

of related development projects. Therefore, maximum effects can be gained by implementing all

the related development projects. However, as stated in the previous section, in reality, the

individual development projects are assumed to be conducted one by one, those that obtain

funding.

On the other hand, the development projects cover different sectors, thus involving various

organizations, such as the relevant line ministries and national programmes, the provincial

administration and the donors. Therefore, for the purpose of the development projects efficiently

producing synergy, it is essential that the related organizations conduct activities with due

coordination.

Under such circumstances, a structure that can promote the coordination between individual

projects, with due understandings of their contents and relevance is required for promoting the

socio-economic activation in Bamyan Province. Moreover, the structure should also monitor and

promote the overall implementation of the Action Plan.

(2) Im

The

Tabl

mplementat

implementa

le 4.3-5

Figu

tion Struct

ation agency

ure 4.3-3 O

ture of Dev

y and relevan

4 - 92

Overall Ma

velopment P

nt organizati

nagement S

Projects

ions for the

tructure

planned act

tivities are sshown in

4 - 93

Table 4.3-5 Implementation Agency of Development Projects

Development Projects

PR

RD

MA

IL

DA

IL

ME

W

DE

W

DP

W

PG

O

DD

A／

DC

C

AR

ED

P

NR

AP

NS

P

NA

BD

P


◎


○ ◎


◎

4 Project for Improving Milk Processing

○ ◎ ○

5 Project to Improve Ruminant Livestock Feeding System ○ ◎

6 Project for Strengthening Potato Production and Sales ◎

7 Project to Systematize Quality Seeds Distribution ○ ◎

8 Project to Establish Feed Analysis Center ◎ ○

9 Project for Strengthening Vegetable Production and Sales ◎

10 Project to Strengthen Agricultural Extension System ○ ◎

11 Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women ◎ ○

12 Project for Improvement of Poultry-Raising Technology ○ ◎

13 Project for Promotion of Apiculture ○ ◎


○ ◎

15 Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment ◎ ○ ○

16 Project for Establishment of Chick Supply Center ○ ◎ ○

17 Project for Improvement of PGO’s Development Coordination Capacity ◎

18 Project for Improvement of SDGO’s Information Collecting Capacity ○ ◎ ○

19 Project for Preparation of District Irrigation System Inventory List ○ ◎ ○ ○

20-1 Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using River Water

○ ◎ ○

20-2

Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems Using Water from Springs and Snowmelt

○ ◎ ○

20-3 Development of Flood Retarding Basin for Irrigation ○ ◎ ○

21 Project to Improve Inter-District Roads ◎ ○ ○ ○

22 Project to Improve Village Roads ◎ ○ ○ ○

◎: Implementation Agency, ○: Relevant Organization

4 - 94

(3) Recommendation for Securing the Implementation Budgets

The implementation of the individual development projects proposed in the Action Plan is

assumed to be largely dependent on future support from donors such as international organizations,

donor agencies from each country and NGOs. Thus, it is significantly important to present the

development projects to these organizations. With sufficient understanding of the target regions

and thematic areas that are highlighted by the major donors, the PGO and the MRRD are expected

to take the initiative to appeal to donors for assistance and to perform roles in coordination for

securing the implementation budgets.

In addition, some of the proposed projects, such as Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among

Village Women and Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment, encompass activities

that can be covered by existing national programmes implemented under MRRD. Furthermore,

regarding the projects related to agriculture and livestock farming, some of the projects can be

included in the on-going programmes and projects led by MAIL, such as CARD-F. Therefore, it is

essential to conduct the proposed activities in the Action Plan not only by securing budgets for

new projects but also by flexibly operating existing projects and programmes.

(4) Preparation for the Implementation

As mentioned in Section 4.3.1(4), “Priority Determined in Multi-criteria Analysis and

Implementation of the Development Projects,” the activities shown in the Action Plan are

expected to be reflected to the PDP and then, those that are funded, implemented, taking into

consideration the priority of the individual development projects as much as possible. Preparation

activities toward the implementation of these development projects are conducted by taking the

following steps: 1) establishment of the overall management board, 2) announcement of the

contents of the individual development projects to relevant Ministries and donors, 3)

determination of the implementation agencies for the development projects and 4) formulation of

detailed implementation plans including monitoring activities. Preparation activities need to be

completed in as short a period as possible for the early implementation of each development project.

4.3.3 Environmental and Social Considerations

Among implementation of development projects, due consideration must be given to factors such

as environmental loads, involuntary resettlements, and imbalance in distribution of project benefits.

Appropriate considerations for such adverse impact to the natural and social environment

surrounding the development projects hold the key to ensure stable long-term development.

Taking into account the above, necessary environmental and social considerations for the

Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation was examined based on the JICA Guidelines for

Environmental and Social Considerations, which provide a comprehensive approach for

environmental and social considerations for master plan level development plans, and also taking

into account the activities that are expected to require Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA)

procedures under the legislation of Afghanistan.

4 - 95

(1) Legislation on Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) in Afghanistan and

Relevant Organization

Environmental legislation in Afghanistan has been gradually developed since the preparation of

its Environmental Act, promulgated by Presidential Decree in 2005. The current basis of

environmental legislation is the Environmental Law, which was enacted in 2007, succeeding the

contents of the Environmental Act, and providing the legislative framework for issues including

pollution control, natural resource management and protection of ecosystems in the country. The

framework for EIA consists of: EIA Policy (2007), EIA Rules (2008), and the Administrative

Guidelines for EIA (2008).

The National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA), in charge of the conservation and

rehabilitation of the environment and natural resources, is the main organization in charge of

implementing environment-related policies of the country.

(2) EIA Procedures under the EIA Rules of Afghanistan

In Afghanistan, Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is to be performed in accordance with

the EIA rules formulated based on the Environmental Law Article 22. The EIA rules define two

lists, in its Attachment 1, of activities that may adversely affect the environment. Environmental

screening, which is equivalent to Initial Environmental Examination (IEE), is conducted on the

activities included in the list prior to their implementation. The screening report is to be prepared

based on the format indicated in the EIA rules, which show the contents to be submitted to NEPA.

NEPA, in return, provides its decisions on the contents submitted, which will be 1) unconditional

approval, 2) conditional approval or 3) demand for additional examination including conducting

full-scale EIA studies. Relevant information will be disclosed to the project-effected residents

during this process.

The NEPA decision is to be made within 49 days of the submission of the application form and

another 45 days is required for the EIA, etc., for the screening if such is determined to be needed

(See Annex 4, Figure A4.1-1 for the screening flow).

(3) Possible Adverse Environmental and Social Impacts by the implementation of the

Rural Economic Promotion Plan

Most of the development projects that are included in the Rural Economic Promotion Plan are

small-scale projects and many are related to the capacity development of administrative organs

and local residents. However, some development projects are related to infrastructure

development and re-distribution of local resources. Results of the examination of possible adverse

environmental and social impacts that may occur through the implementation of the Promotion

Plan for Rural Economic Activation are detailed in Annex 4. The following projects, which are

expected to require the screening process under schedule 1 of the EIA Rules, were also considered

in the examination.

4 - 96

Table 4.3-6 Development Projects Expected to Require EIA Process in Reference to EIA Regulations (Schedule 1) of Afghanistan

Development Project Category* Concerned Activity Project for Agro-Processing Business Establishment

Category B Food processing industry facilities including sugar mills, beverages, milk and dairy products, with a total cost of less than USD1.5 million Project for Improving Milk

Processing Category B

Project to Improve Inter-District Roads

Category B or A

Category B: The construction or upgrading of national or provincial highways and roads (except maintenance, rebuilding or reconstruction of existing metaled roads) with a total cost of less than USD0.8 million Category A: National or provincial highways or major roads with a total cost of USD0.8 million or more, with the exception of maintenance rebuilding or reconstruction of existing roads

Project for Development and Rehabilitation of Irrigation and Drainage Systems

Category B

Dams and reservoirs with a storage volume of less than 50 million m3 or surface area less than eight km2. Irrigation and drainage projects serving less than 15,000 hectares Small-scale irrigation systems with a total cost of less than USD0.8 million

* Category indicated in Schedule 1 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Rules (2008) of Afghanistan. Category A: Activities likely to have significant adverse effects that are sensitive, diverse or unprecedented, and affect an area broader than the sites or facilities subject to the physical works of the activities. Category B: Activities that have potentially significant adverse effects on human environments or environmentally sensitive areas that are less adverse than those of Category A activities, and are site specific and in most instances not irreversible.

5 - 1

Chapter 5 Conclusions and Recommendations

5.1 Conclusions

Through SEARAP, a Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation was prepared together with

an Action Plan for its implementation, based on the analysis of information obtained through a

series of both on-site and literature-based surveys, and through verification of development

approaches through implementation of small-scale pilot projects.

The Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation oversees the regional development potentials

of Bamyan Province and proposes a two-sided approach for rural socio-economic activation: one

aiming to realize efficient investment for development of the Province by focusing on

interventions that directly contribute to economic activation, and the other targeting food security

and poverty reduction, in consideration of the underdeveloped infrastructure and low food

self-sufficiency rate of Bamyan Province and the central highlands.

With the whole country still facing many challenges in relation to rehabilitation and development,

it is difficult to assume the actual volume of support that can be expected for Bamyan Province. In

consideration of this situation, the Plan has been prepared with priority given to projects making

the best use of conventional knowledge and resources such as; selection and introduction of

improved wheat varieties by FAO, improvement of production and storage of potatoes by

RBSP/SEARAP, introduction of skills for vegetable production by NGOs including Helvetas,

manuals for improvement of animal sheds prepared by FAO, techniques for silage preparation

introduced by FAO/SEARAP and practice of apiculture introduced by NGOs such as AKF; and to

projects with the aim to enhance the support system for local economic practices.

Blessed with relatively abundant water resources, Bamyan Province has a number of agricultural

and livestock products with economic potential such as potatoes, dried apricots, dairy products and

meat. However, the potentials are not effectively utilized for economic activities due to various

constraints such as harsh natural conditions including cold winters and spring floods and

inappropriate techniques applied to crop farming and livestock rearing. Furthermore,

underdeveloped infrastructure such as road networks and irrigation facilities limits production

through inactive distribution of agricultural inputs and products and inefficient water use. As a

result, the Province is regarded as one of the most depressed regions of the country.

In order to make the best use of local development potentials, the Promotion Plan for Rural

Economic Activation aims at; improving the environment for agricultural production through

activities such as rehabilitation of irrigation facilities, implementation of flood protection measures

and improvement of the road network in the area; improving productivity by introducing

appropriate techniques for crops farming and livestock rearing; and further propelling rural

economic activation by fostering agro-processing enterprises.

Based on the Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation, the Action Plan indicates a series of

development projects, which are prioritized not only from the viewpoint of economic activation in

5 - 2

certain areas with high potentials, but also from the view of improving the livelihood of the

Province as a whole.

In order to materialize the proposed Promotion Plan for Rural Economic Activation, it is strongly

hoped for that the Action Plan, with consideration of its priorities, be reflected to the PDP and

promptly implemented as a provincial development plan of Bamyan.

5.2 Recommendations

(1) Expected Roles of Central Government Organizations

The development projects proposed in the Action Plan cover various sectors and involve

several stakeholders including line ministries, national programs, the provincial government

and international donors. In order to efficiently and effectively implement the proposed

development projects and further expect them to bring synergetic effects, it is desirable that

an overall management structure to monitor the progress of the whole Action Plan, as well as

promote its implementation, is established among the relevant line ministries.

With most development projects in Afghanistan being conducted with funds from donors as

the principal source, it is not realistic to expect Bamyan Province to autonomously

implement the development projects, taking control of its implementation budgets. Therefore,

efforts should be made to obtain donor support by approaching donors within the framework

of NPP or through individual discussions, utilizing tools such as the Provincial Development

Plan. Approaching individual donors shall be done by individual central line ministries, with

coordination through the overall management structure.

For actual implementation of the development projects, it is necessary to prepare detailed

implementation plans. Though provincial offices of the line ministries are to take a central

role in actual implementation of the development projects, it is desirable that technical plans

are to be prepared by specialists in the central line ministries. Moreover, securing necessary

budgets based on the implementation plans is a crucial role for the line ministries.

(2) Expected Roles of Provincial Government Organizations

Provincial government organizations, including provincial offices of the line ministries, are

expected to play a central role in actual implementation of the proposed development

projects. For example, agricultural extension by officers of DAIL will be required to provide

technical guidance upon introduction of appropriate techniques for crop production and

livestock rearing. For planning improvement or rehabilitation of roads and irrigation

facilities, data collection by officers of DPW and DEW is crucial. Furthermore, monitoring

of the projects by the PGO, SDGO and relevant departments will significantly contribute to

smooth implementation of the activities. In order to provide efficient input, it is crucial that

provincial organizations conduct their activities with due understanding of the detailed

implementation plan and through formulating a concrete monitoring and feedback structure

5 - 3

at the central level.

DAIL is expected to play an active role in many development projects proposed in the

Action Plan. In order to provide necessary input, it is desirable that DAIL increases the

number of its staff including Extension Officers and Cooperative Officers. Apart from the

monitoring and feedback structure mentioned above, the technical capacity of newly

appointed officers is another factor that may largely influence the project results. Close

coordination with the Agricultural Faculty of Bamyan University can be proposed as an

approach to secure qualified personnel.

(3) Expected Roles of Local Communities

The Action Plan includes development projects focusing on women’s participation in

economic activities (e.g., Project for Promoting Handicrafts Among Village Women).

Though the importance of women actively participating economic activities is usually well

understood by CDC leaders or local elites, the notion may not be shared by all community

members. Since this is a crucial factor in attaining successful results from development

projects focusing on women’s activities, it is desired that CDC and local elites, with the

support of the Directorate of Women’s Affairs, will take the initiative in enlightening the

community members on gender issues.

(4) Points to be Considered for the Zone-Wise Development Scenarios

The zone-wise development scenario indicates the most favorable directions toward which

individual zones should be developed, such as promotion of fruit production and processing,

strengthening of production and sales of potatoes, and development of livestock and dairy

processing, in consideration of regional potentials and conventional economic practices, and

with a view of attaching priority to activities that can solidly contribute to the activation of

rural economy in the shortest time possible. On the other hand, certain activities indicated in

the scenario of one zone may not be indicated in the scenario of another. This does not mean

that such activities are not practiced in the zone. Potatoes and wheat are widely cultivated in

the Province, and vegetables also are grown in homesteads for self-consumption. Regarding

livestock, most farmers in the Province own some heads. The proposed development

scenarios intend to highlight the directions of development to which priority should be

attached, and do not intend to neglect or eliminate activities that are not incorporated.

Introduction of appropriate cultivation techniques for potatoes is also required in areas other

than the High Value Added Crop Cultivation Promotion Zone, and improvement of feeding

management is also required in areas other than the Livestock Promotion Zone. Considering

the above, activities indicated in the zone-wise development scenarios, once successfully

launched in the particular zone, shall be further extended to other zones of the Province, in

order to maximize the benefit of local resources and contribute to improving income and

livelihood at local communities.

5 - 4

(5) Application of the Rural Development Model to other Provinces of the Central

Highlands

Based on the planning approaches applied in Bamyan Province, SEARAP has prepared a

Manual for the Formulation of the Provincial Rural Development Plan, which is expected to

be utilized for rural development planning in the other two provinces of the central highlands,

Ghor and Daykundi. With these provinces sharing similar environments with Bamyan, both

in terms of social and natural, it is expected that the factors applied for comprehensive zoning

and contents of the development projects can be effectively used for the preparation of their

provincial rural development plans. It is strongly hoped that, in the near future, these two

provinces will elaborate comprehensive plans for rural development that oversee their

regional development potentials and local resources, in reference to this Report and Manual

prepared though SEARAP.

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