Roots of Peace Afghanistan
About Company
Introduction
In the wake of the regime change, Roots of Peace has emerged as a transformative force in Afghanistan’s agricultural sector. Since 2003, the organization has been dedicated to fostering sustainable development, creating employment opportunities, and enhancing the livelihoods of farmers across the country. In this article, we delve into the impactful programs and projects that Roots of Peace has spearheaded, revolutionizing the agricultural landscape in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan: A Flagship Country for Agricultural Innovation
Roots of Peace’s commitment to Afghanistan extends across every province, where it has planted 6 million trees, generated over 20,000 full-time jobs, and facilitated exports exceeding $491 million. The organization’s three key programs—CHAMP (completed), AMP (current), and CBARD-AIM (current)—highlight its multifaceted approach to agricultural development.
Project Highlights
1. Grape Trellising: Transforming Tradition for Prosperity
Issue: Grapes in Afghanistan faced challenges in quality and yield due to historical bush-style cultivation.
Solution: Introducing trellising, Roots of Peace conducted a successful pilot program, designing cost-effective trellis posts to support over 6,000 farmers.
Impact: Farmers’ incomes surged by up to 400%, marking a significant transformation in vineyard cultivation.
2. Development of First Nursery System: Nurturing Quality Seedlings
Issue: Scarce high-quality seedlings hindered farmer income maximization.
Solution: Roots of Peace pioneered Afghanistan’s first nursery system, ensuring the availability of high-quality, in-demand seedlings.
Impact: Millions of trees planted, meeting market demands and enhancing overall agricultural production.
3. Introduction of Potato & Apple Storage Cellars: Breaking the Cyclical Pricing Pattern
Issue: Cyclical pricing of potatoes and apples during harvest limited farmers’ income potential.
Solution: Introducing storage cellars extended shelf life, enabling farmers to introduce produce at premium off-season prices.
Impact: Farmers experienced an average income increase of approximately 50%.
4. New Raisin Drying Facilities: Elevating Quality and Returns
Issue: Traditional raisin drying facilities produced subpar results.
Solution: Redesigning facilities led to a 50% increase in income, as farmers obtained higher selling prices for improved raisin quality.
5. Introduction of New Grape, Cherry, and Apricot Varieties: Meeting Market Demands
Solution: Identifying market demands, Roots of Peace introduced new grape, cherry, and apricot varieties, fostering industry growth.
Impact: These varieties gained traction in international markets, offering significant growth opportunities.
6. First Export Cold Chain: Extending Market Reach
Issue: Lack of cold storage limited the shelf life of fresh fruit.
Solution: Setting up cold storage chambers and pack houses expanded market reach, facilitating exports valued at $491 million.
Impact: Afghan fruit reached new markets globally, showcasing the potential of Afghan agricultural products.
7. Pest Resistant Rootstock for Citrus Industry Resilience
Issue: Tristeza disease devastated the Afghan citrus industry.
Solution: Importing pest-resistant rootstock from Australia, Roots of Peace revived the industry.
Impact: Thriving citrus plantings contributed to the industry’s resurgence.
8. Commercial Pack House: Enhancing Produce Quality
Issue: Unsorted packaging led to lower pricing and negative branding.
Solution: The first commercial pack house set a quality standard, inspiring other traders to follow suit.
Impact: Improved quality and appearance of Afghan produce in the market.
9. Export Promotion Trade Offices: Reconnecting Afghan Exports
Issue: Disrupted market connections limited Afghan food exports.
Solution: Trade offices in Delhi, Dubai, and Almaty revitalized market connections, boosting exports from $291 million in 2010 to $747 million in 2017.
10. Bee Pollination for Almond Trees: Transforming Perceptions for Prosperity
Issue: Farmers viewed bees as harmful to almond trees.
Solution: Demonstrating the value of bees led to increased yields and the creation of beekeeping businesses.
Impact: Almond production increased by 35-50%, fostering economic opportunities in beekeeping.