Afghan farmers will benefit from a Saudi-funded $1 million initiative aimed at boosting food security and rural livelihoods. Moreover, it addresses growing challenges, including climate risks and limited access to modern farming methods.
The Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) signed a grant agreement to launch the program. In addition, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) provides funding. Implementation will be led by the ICRC with support from the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS).
The AHTF was established in 2021 under the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers. It channels humanitarian aid and promotes sustainable development in Afghanistan. Furthermore, the fund, managed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), focuses on urgent needs in agriculture, health, and infrastructure.
Nearly 80 percent of Afghanistan’s population depends on agriculture. However, farmers struggle with insufficient irrigation, damaged land, and weak rural infrastructure. Therefore, the initiative aims to support Afghan farmers with both immediate assistance and long-term solutions.
The program provides training in crop planting, irrigation management, and pest control. In addition, it includes cash-for-work programs to rehabilitate irrigation systems, strengthen land protection, and improve water management. Farmers will also receive grants to increase productivity and income.
ICRC Head of Delegation in Afghanistan, Katharina Ritz, emphasized the dual impact. She said it will improve food supply and foster long-term resilience for communities.
Dr. Walid Abdelwahab, Director of the IsDB Group Regional Hub in Türkiye, praised the initiative as a strong example of international cooperation. He also thanked the Saudi Fund for Development for helping Afghan farmers strengthen economic security.
The project will directly support over 10,000 people. It includes financial assistance for 761 farming households, training for dozens of farmers, and temporary employment for more than 500 individuals.
This effort builds on prior IsDB-ICRC collaborations. In 2022, the IsDB supported an ICRC health program supplying medicines and equipment to over 40 hospitals, benefiting roughly 1.7 million people nationwide.
Through this initiative, Afghan farmers can expect enhanced resilience, modernized practices, and stronger community stability. Therefore, the project highlights the power of international collaboration in addressing urgent humanitarian challenges.
