Saudi Arabia Pledges $1 Million to Boost Agriculture in Afghanistan
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has announced the signing of an agreement with the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund that will see Saudi Arabia contribute $1 million to support the country’s agriculture sector and address food insecurity.
The assistance will be channeled through the Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund, which is managed by the Islamic Development Bank. The fund was established following an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Foreign Ministers in Islamabad, Pakistan, in December 2021. Its goal is to provide humanitarian aid, meet basic needs of residents, and enhance self-reliance and development in Afghanistan.
The ICRC noted that agriculture constitutes a significant portion of Afghanistan’s economy, with roughly 80% of the population dependent on it. The project will focus on increasing farmers’ incomes and restoring agricultural infrastructure through initiatives such as cash-for-work programs.
Under the program, over 10,000 individuals will receive direct assistance. Financial support will be provided to 761 farming families, and technical training in areas like crop cultivation, pest management, and irrigation will be offered to 63 people across eastern, northern, and northeastern Afghanistan.
In addition, more than 500 people will be employed in sustainable projects aimed at improving irrigation systems and land protection. The program is designed to create short-term job opportunities and build resilience against food crises.
Katrina Ritz, Head of the ICRC delegation in Afghanistan, said the support not only addresses immediate food needs but also aims to empower farmers, which could play a vital role in the long-term stability and sustainability of Afghan society.
Dr. Waleed Abdulwahab, Regional Office Head of the Islamic Development Bank in Turkey, expressed gratitude to the Saudi Fund and said the collaboration highlights the potential for partnerships in addressing serious humanitarian crises in Afghanistan.
As Afghanistan remains deprived of vital economic resources, the need for effective and sustained international support is greater than ever. With national infrastructure weakened under Taliban governance, such aid can help alleviate some of the rising pressure on vulnerable communities.
