KABUL, Aug. 4 (Xinhua) -- The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in collaboration with the British government, has launched a new initiative valued at over 13 million U.S. dollars to improve food security, enhance rural livelihoods, and bolster the resilience of Afghan communities, the FAO announced Monday.
"Afghanistan's farmers are extraordinarily resilient, but repeated climate and economic shocks are eroding this strength. This project lays down important pathways to help farmers rebuild that resilience -- leading to better production, better nutrition, a better environment, and ultimately, a better life -- what we in FAO call the 'Four Betters,'" said Richard Trenchard, FAO representative in Afghanistan.
According to the FAO, the initiative will prioritize support for small-scale farmers, livestock keepers, and landless laborers, especially widows and women-headed households.
Key components of the project include improving wheat and dairy production, restoring community irrigation systems, expanding access to high-quality seeds, and protecting livestock through vaccination campaigns and enhanced local animal health services, it said.
