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Use
of Sustainable Livelihoods Approaches
This programme sets out to create a range of alternative livelihoods
in Badakhshan through a multi-faceted process to develop the
rural economy and mobilise organisations around alternatives
to opium poppy production. One component of the programme
provided agricultural inputs and technical support to diversify
agricultural production, especially for improved livestock
production, improved wheat and other field crops. Another
aimed to improve minor productive infrastructure such as building
small bridges and refurbishing schools. A third component
aimed to strengthen social capital through community mobilisation
and training, including capacity building for the development
of 600 Community Development Councils. CDCs have also been
brought together in clusters to deal with a range of common
issues and negotiated with district and provincial government.
Micro enterprise and business development services support
constituted a further component which included the provision
of micro credit, training, and the development of Self Help
Groups. A further component aimed to increase local capacity
to implement development locally and strengthen links with
the provincial government through the formation of the Badakhshan
Development Forum, a consortium of implementing agencies.
Alternative
livelihood development is acknowledged as instrumental to
addressing opium production dependence and the programme has
generated some interesting innovative approaches by the use
of participatory development groups. These include rangeland
management, the creation of mother stock nurseries, demonstration
orchards, tree nurseries, the development of a number of new
technologies, relevant training initiatives, improved horticulture
and vegetable production. Nevertheless, the evaluation report
suggests that without a clear focus on the poorest groups,
the programme may be increasing wealth differentials and reinforcing
patron/client relationships. It also identifies a need for
a deeper understanding of what is happening on the demand
side of local economies particularly in respect of the consequences
of poppy elimination.
The
programme has had a significant impact on how people understand
and engage with the process of governance and is thus creating
a new equilibrium between people and various strata of government.
Further development of an alternative livelihoods programme
in Afghanistan will need to evolve a multi-faceted approach
that more explicitly includes governance and social development
and explicitly defines activities that interlink, reinforce
and expand the impact of livelihood outputs.
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