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A field of poppies
Alternative Livelihoods - Productive, Profitable, Legal
Afghan farmers grow opium poppy as a high value cash crop to supplement meager returns on wheat and other subsistence crops. IFHope offers high value fruit and nut trees and modern farming education as a legal, profitable alternative.
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Creating Jobs
Nearly 200 local residents are employed at the IFHope tree nursery as laborers, foremen and engineers. |
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Economic Development
Much of the recent reconstruction effort in Afghanistan has been on “quick impact” projects, and while they provide some political benefit, IFHope believes that Afghanistan needs long-term solutions. Farmers need alternatives that have a realistic chance of meeting their needs and providing for their families into the future.
IFHope works with local leadership to develop agricultural related projects that will meet the needs of that community and become self-sustaining.
Agricultural Training
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Dedication sets IFHope extension staff apart
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Agriculture is the foundation of the Afghan economy and farmer training is an integral part of all IFHope development projects. Farmers need modern training in the production of grain and vegetable crops, as well as nut trees, fruit orchards and vineyards.
Farmer instruction days, demonstration orchards and regular visits from IFHope agriculture specialists are all part of IFHope's commitment to partnership. Farmers and extension staff work together at each phase of a crop's development.
Several American universities and colleges, including Iowa State University and Wenatchee Valley College in Washington State, are developing curricula for Afghan agriculture, which will be disseminated by IFHope staff. Locally, Nangarhar University and the Ministry of Agriculture provide extension agents from their faculty to work directly with farmers through IFHope.
Orchard Development
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1) Forming a Partnership
Plans are developed in cooperation with local leadership. Projects are designed to be self sustaining. |
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2) Site Survey
The area is mapped. The sites and farmers are chosen and the crops decided upon.
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3) Design & Layout
Next, the orchards are planned with rows and spacing.
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4) Trees and Other Inputs
Farmers are given trees, fertilizer and other inputs.
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5) Planting Supervision
IFHope Agriculture Specialist and farmers work together to plant the orchard.
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6) Ongoing Technical Support
Fieldstaff continue to call on farmers, hold demonstration days and classes in community centers. |
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7) Monitoring and Reporting
All IFHope projects are evaluated to improve future performance.
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