UN and World Bank Help Restore Irrigation Canal in Nangarhar, Boosting Farmland Productivity

The Mamakhel irrigation canal in Afghanistan’s Nangarhar province has been restored and reopened, following reconstruction efforts led by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in cooperation with the World Bank.

According to the FAO, 1,645 meters of the canal have been rebuilt and reinforced with concrete lining, and new water gates have been installed. These improvements have restored irrigation to 140 hectares of farmland, resulting in an estimated 10% increase in crop yields.

The project benefits over 600 farming families in the Mamakhel district, who rely on agriculture for their daily livelihoods. Effective and sustainable irrigation has not only enhanced farmland productivity but has also contributed to improved food security in the region.

Since taking control of Afghanistan, the Taliban administration has paid limited attention to the restoration of water infrastructure. Most large-scale infrastructure projects in the country have relied on support from international organizations. Experts warn that the Taliban’s neglect of such initiatives could jeopardize both food security and rural economic stability.