Every day, all over the world, USAID brings peace to those who endure violence, health to those who struggle with sickness, and prosperity to those who live in poverty. It is these individuals — these uncounted thousands of lives — that are the true measure of USAID’s successes and the true face of USAID's programs.
Bibi Derkho, a farmer in Afghanistan, has sent her children back to school after opening her own poultry business in Qalat district of Zabul province. “Before, my children were working to support the family,” she said, “and now I am supporting the family and the children are going to school.” Bibi Derkho is one of 180 women selected by local government representatives to attend a six-month training in home-based poultry rearing.
In early November 2009, Afghan farmers made history with the first-ever export of their apples to India. The country’s farmers now have the opportunity to introduce their apples – some of the crunchiest, sweetest, and largest in the region – to the biggest market in South and Central Asia. USAID worked with a local trader to facilitate a trial shipment of three metric tons of apples to India.
Until recently, Afghans used their goats only for their milk, meat, wool, and leather. Now, more than 170,000 male and female goat herders are aware of the high value of cashmere and the proper methods to harvest and market this commodity.
Afghanistan’s northern and western regions have traditionally produced large volumes of wheat. Following 2008’s near-disastrous wheat harvest due to the country’s worst drought in 10 years, experts were predicting an even bleaker outlook for 2009. Last year, many farmers found themselves with limited food supplies for their families and were forced to sell off livestock to make ends meet.
Despite a slumping demand for luxury goods in the world due to the economic crisis, international markets are waking up to opportunities in Afghanistan’s nascent cashmere industry. Until recently, the value of cashmere was not recognized in the country, and much of its potential was lost when herders sheared their goats for wool. That all changed when USAID launched a nationwide campaign to increase awareness and educate male and female goat herders on how to harvest the product.
Economic development in Afghanistan depends on a steady supply of electricity to power businesses and factories, and citizens enjoy a better quality of life when electricity heats and lights their homes and schools. Afghanistan’s power grid is currently under construction following years of war and neglect. USAID and a coalition of international donors have been working with the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to provide more power to Afghan citizens.
Electricity heats homes, provides light, and powers businesses, contributing to economic growth and higher living standards. While Afghanistan’s power grid does not yet provide for the entire country, USAID support is bringing electricity to remote villages through the construction of approximately 300 micro-hydropower plants and solar and wind power systems. Hydropower plants harness the energy of moving water, creating electricity out of a renewable natural resource.
Long excluded from participation in public life, Afghan women have a great deal to offer their country. Their untapped energy and productivity are essential for sustainable peace, security, and development. Now, with support from the U.S. Government, Afghan women professionals are beginning to come together and promote their needs and abilities publically
Camp Hilmand is a sprawling tent-city located on the southwestern outskirts of Kabul, Afghanistan, and is now home to thousands of Afghans forced from their home villages by violence. One year has passed since Tawoos Khan arrived in the camp from his native Hilmand province. Khan is Camp Hilmand’s wakil (head), representing the roughly 5,000 internally displaced persons with whom he lives. The United States is committed to helping internal refugees by providing food and other forms of humanitarian assistance.
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