Natural Resource Management

 
 
Any comprehensive approach to conflict resolution must address the fact that competition for natural resources is the number one cause of conflict in Afghanistan today. By using targeted projects in the area of natural resource management (NRM) TLO seeks to reduce resource competition and promote peace through sustainable livelihoods. With our ongoing community research as a baseline that informs all aspects of our engagement, TLO’s NRM program concentrates on four key areas:
  • Socio-economic analysis, including market and value chain development
  • Identifying community development projects for donors and implementing agencies
  • Assisting in project implementation, e.g., the construction of nurseries, the procurement and distribution of improved seeds
  • Training and technical assistance

Alternative Development Program-Uruzgan Province (2009-2011)

In the spring of 2009, TLO began a two-year large-scale alternative livelihoods program to improve the agriculture and livestock economy throughout Uruzgan Province in south-central Afghanistan. Through technical training and market development, this USAID-funded project aims to increase crop yields, introduce sustainable licit crops, and facilitate access to markets throughout Afghanistan and Pakistan. Among other activities planned for the coming year, the program will
  • Train 1,100 individuals in agricultural productivity;
  • Provide 300 farmers with advance growing contracts;
  • Create 40 full time jobs, assist five women’s organizations/associations;
  • Put 2,000 hectares of farm land under improved natural resource management; and
  • Facilitate the sale of 50,000 USD of agriculture products outside the province.

Construction of Licorice collection Station - Paktia (2006)

In the fall of 2006, TLO undertook market research, botanical identification, quality analysis, organic certification, and developed standard operation procedures for sustainable harvest and post-harvest treatments of licorice. After completing market research, a collection centre was constructed that provided post harvest treatment facilities based on EU market standards. All activities of this centre are managed by a board of trustees, who are from the targeted collection areas and representatives of their collectors. As a result of this project, collection, transportation, storage and marketing methods have been improved to the point that licorice collectors have added $0.75 per kg to their product.