UN Launches Farmer Groups to Improve Market Access in Afghanistan

The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Afghanistan has launched a program aimed at strengthening the capacity of farmers and enhancing their access to markets. According to FAO statistics, most Afghan farmers cultivate only between 0.2 to 0.4 hectares of land, and due to a lack of facilities, transportation infrastructure, and marketing networks, they face significant challenges in selling their products.

To address this issue, FAO has established groups known as “Common Interest Groups” (CIGs) for farmers. Members of these groups regularly hold meetings to share agricultural knowledge and skills. Additionally, they are required to record their activities, adhere to basic accounting standards, manage small financial funds, and collectively market their products.

FAO officials state that the goal of this initiative is to foster solidarity among farmers, enhance technical skills, and economically empower farming households. This effort, especially under the current conditions where Taliban rule has limited employment and economic growth opportunities in rural areas, is seen as an effective step toward supporting the livelihoods of Afghan farmers.