Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been suffering from war since the beginning of the Soviet occupation in 1979, followed by a civil war resulting in an enormous impact on the country. Since the US-led “Operation Enduring Freedom” toppled the Taliban regime in 2001, the country has embarked on economic reforms and democratisation that are blocked by the resistance of warlords and Taliban in various parts of Afghanistan.
The country’s economy has grown since then, but mainly due to the influx of foreign aid. Illegal growing of poppy and the drugs production make up an estimated 30% the actual GDP. Returning refugees bring both initiative and money to the country.
The economy is highly dependent on agriculture. About two-thirds of the population live in rural areas. But 80% of these people have to survive on less than 1 dollar a day. Only 31% have access to improved water sources, and less than 1% to adequate sanitation. Over the last few years, overgrazing, deforestation, desertification and serious droughts have impacted the environment.
WECF with its partner Katachel e.V. improves the rural conditions through ecological sanitation and better access to safe drinking water. The gender imbalance in Afghanistan increases the importance of WECF's work. Strategic partners in Afghanistan are also GERES Afghanistan, which improves the energy situation for poor households in the Central region of Afghanistan and the poor suburbs around Kabul and furthermore OPEN ASIA France-Armanshahr Foundation which works for women's rights and development in Afghanistan.
Related Projects
Empowerment & Local Action (ELA)
Building the capacity of poor local communities in rural areas
19.04.2010
Empowerment & Local Action (ELA) Afghanistan
Building the capacity of poor local communities in rural areas in Afghanistan.
13.04.2010
Afghanistan - Tapping Resources
WECF and Katachel Afghanistan working on improved sanitation for the Kunduz region
13.09.2004
