Saudi-backed $1m scheme targets food insecurity in Afghanistan
Grant through the AHTF seeks to support smallholder farmers and rebuild rural livelihoods
By Abdullahi Yusuf
The Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have signed a US$1 million grant agreement to launch a new agricultural and food security initiative in Afghanistan, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Ariana News reports.
The agreement aims to support smallholder farmers, strengthen rural livelihoods and help communities build resilience amid widespread food insecurity. The project will be implemented by the ICRC in partnership with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS).
Managed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the AHTF was established by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in December 2021 to channel humanitarian aid, address urgent needs and promote sustainable development across Afghanistan.
According to AHTF, nearly 80 percent of Afghans depend on agriculture, yet farmers continue to struggle with limited resources, climate shocks and deteriorating rural infrastructure.
The new initiative will promote improved farming practices and provide income-generating opportunities through a range of interventions, including cash-for-work programs to rehabilitate irrigation systems, reinforce land protection and improve water management. It will also distribute support grants and offer capacity-building training for farmers.
ICRC Head of Delegation in Afghanistan Katharina Ritz said the program would deliver both immediate and long-term benefits. “By empowering local farmers, we are not only improving immediate food supplies but also fostering long-term resilience and stability,” she said.
Dr. Walid Abdelwahab, Director of the IsDB Group Regional Hub in Türkiye, said the partnership reflects “the power of collaboration in tackling critical humanitarian challenges,” thanking the Saudi Fund for enabling thousands of Afghan families to strengthen food security and economic resilience.
The project is expected to support more than 10,000 people, including financial assistance for 761 farming households and specialized training on crop planting, pest management and irrigation for dozens of farmers across eastern, northern and northeastern Afghanistan. More than 500 people will also benefit from temporary cash-for-work employment.
The IsDB and ICRC have previously partnered on humanitarian initiatives, including a 2022 health program that supplied medicines and medical equipment to more than 40 hospitals and health centers, benefitting an estimated 1.7 million people.
With additional information from Ariana News
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