Integrated Development Project Hazarajat

As a result of over 2 decades of war and prevailing drought, the people of Hazarajat have experienced severe economic hardship. Further losses have incurred as a result of continuous internal armed conflict. Most of the male population has been killed in the war leaving behind women to provide single handedly for large families. To support these families and boost their economic activity, CWS-P/A has developed an animal loan project for 1,000 widows, in partnership with Cooperation Center for Afghanistan (CCA). The target area was Behsood-I, Behsood-II and Diamirdad districts located in Maidan province. This project was implemented in 2004-2006.

The ‘Integrated Development Project’ which started in Jan 2007, is a follow up to this project. It covers the same target area, but under this phase, 403 new families have been identified.  Widows are provided with the animals (sheep) along with veterinary trainings and services. Availability of livestock helps create a sustainable means of income and reduces household costs. For the next distribution, lambs have been collected from previous beneficiaries.

Currently, a total number of 672 lambs have been distributed to 224 beneficiaries.  In addition, about 180 beneficiaries have received veterinary training on basic farming skills.

Recently, a base line survey was conducted in four districts (Behsood -1, Behsood -11, Diamirdad and Punjab). The findings of the survey will be used to revise the current activities of this project for the next phase according to the needs of people in the target areas. The project is funded by ICCO.