THE EU AND AFGHANAID REINFORCE THEIR ENGAGEMENT TO BOOST CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND SUSTAINABLE RURAL LIVELIHOODS

KABUL - The European Union and Afghanaid are reinforcing their long-term support to rural Afghan communities with a substantial new contribution to advance community-led climate adaptation efforts and expand sustainable livelihoods.

The European Union is providing EUR 7 million to Afghanaid and its partners, Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. This renewed support builds on the success of the first phase of the Faragir project, aiming to ensure remote Afghan communities have the tools to adapt to climate change, strengthen their livelihoods, and build long-term resilience.

"Investing in climate resilience at the community level is essential for Afghanistan's future stability and self sufficiency," said H.E. Veronika Boskovic-Pohar, EU Chargée d'affaires to Afghanistan, "Our EUR 7 million contribution ensures that even the most remote households can protect their assets against extreme weather and build sustainable, market-ready skills. This project is a direct implementation of our integrated approach to rural development."

Project Focus: Faragir - Phase II

The second phase of the Faragir project will be implemented in six provinces and is designed to tackle the interconnected challenges facing rural communities, which include devastating droughts and floods, and restricted economic opportunities. The initiative will focus on:

• Climate Adaptation: Providing communities with tools and infrastructure to cope with climate-related risks (droughts and floods).

• Livelihood Strengthening: Expanding access to shared natural resources and providing selected households with advanced skills training.

• Market Access: Laying the groundwork for more resilient rural livelihoods by enhancing skills for market entry.

• Inclusion: Maintaining a strong, deliberate focus on empowering women and people with disabilities.

Background For more than 10 years, the European Union has been providing long-term support to livelihoods and rural development in Afghanistan. Afghanaid has maintained an operational presence in Afghanistan since 1983.