NEWS
(ORD Farah 129 ASB/FAO)

From November 4 to 10, the ORD Farah 129 ASB/FAO Team distributed home gardening packages to 1,500 eligible households in the Gulistan district of Farah Province. Each household received 160 kg of organic fertilizer, 30 kg of DAP (Diammonium Phosphate), and 25 kg of UREA (Urea Nitrogen Fertilizer). Additionally, six types of vegetable seeds will be distributed to these beneficiaries in the near future. ARM monitored this distribution process directly.

(OSRO/AFG/140/WBK)

Sar-e-Pul Province The ORD/FAO Sar-e-Pul team planned the distribution of 13,400 packages of wheat seeds, DAP, and urea in five districts of Sar-e-Pul Province. The distribution process has been completed 9100 HHs in Balkhab, Sancharak, Markaz,and Gosfandi districts, and is ongoing in Markaz and Kohistanat districts, where it will soon be completed. Each beneficiary received 50 kg of seeds, 50 kg of DAP, and 50 kg of urea. In addition, every beneficiary received technical training on wheat cultivation, including site selection, land preparation, fertilization, planting, irrigation, weed control, pest control, and harvesting. The distribution process was directly monitored by representatives from the ARM and the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock.

(ORD FAO 129 ASB)

On August 30, 2024, the ORD FAO 129 ASB Team distributed organic fertilizer to 1,546 eligible households (HHs) in the Poshterood district of Farah Province. Each household received 160 kg of organic fertilizer, and the distribution will continue until a total of 1,600 households have been served. The beneficiaries had previously received maize seeds and chemical fertilizers. The results so far have been positive, and stakeholders are optimistic about the upcoming harvest. This distribution process was directly monitored by ARM and local authorities.

(OSOR/AFG/140/WBK)

Wheat Distribution and Cash-for-Work Program Progress in Sar-e-Pul Project Duration: September 15, 2024 – February 15, 2025 The OSOR/AFG/140/WBK project of ORD/FAO supports vulnerable households in Sar-e-Pul Province through wheat distribution and Cash-for-Work (CFW) initiatives. 1. Wheat Distribution – 13,400 Households Assessments for 11,100 wheat packages are complete, with distributions planned in Gosfandi, Balkhab, Sancharak, Kohistanat, and Markaz Sar-e-Pul. An additional 2,300 households have been assessed in Gosfandi and Sancharak, while Balkhab and Markaz Sar-e-Pul are still in progress. The project has secured 555 metric tons each of wheat seeds, urea, and DAP fertilizer, stored in ORD warehouses for the upcoming planting season. 2. Cash-for-Work Program – 900 Households Site selection for infrastructure projects is complete in Gosfandi and Kohistanat, with reports sent to the FAO. Reassessment is ongoing in Balkhab, and beneficiary selection continues in Gosfandi. The project aims to meet immediate needs while promoting long-term community development.

(ORD/NCA Project)

Small DRM Projects Tailored to Community Needs The ORD/NCA Project Team recently conducted a reassessment of three DRM (Disaster Risk Management) projects. Following the reassessment, adjustments were made to one project, and the following three initiatives have been selected for implementation in 2024: 1. Canal Construction with Water Dividers in Naw Abad Ghandaki Villages 2. Canal Construction with Water Dividers in Asya Bad Villages 3. Canal Construction with Water Dividers in Asya Bad Villages The construction of the canal and installation of water dividers in Asya Bad villages is 85% complete and progressing steadily. Meanwhile, practical work on another canal construction project, along with water dividers in Asya Bad villages, has just begun today.

On October 21,2024,the ORD/FAO

On October 21, 2024, the ORD/FAO technical team including the Project Manager, and ARM representative Mr. Abdullah “Zazai” jointly visited the Cf W activities in the Gardiz district of Paktia province, the technical team provided laborers with instructions on the excavation of trenches, Kariz cleaning and construction of stone masonry wall of the proposed canal, additionally, technical team encourage and recommended all laborers for using the personal protective equipment in the project sites.

UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1

On October 14, 2024, the Organization for Relief and Development ( ORD ), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization ( FAO ), launched the Micro Greenhouse distribution program in Gardiz , Shwak , Sayedkaram , Zurmat , and Janikhil districts, Paktya Province. This initiative is part of the broader UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1 project, which aims to support 145 vulnerable households. According to the contracted LOA, each beneficiary will receive a complete package of around 43 items of MGH and Irrigation system materials including Cucumber and Sweet Capsicum seeds. Additionally, every beneficiary received primary information on Micro Greenhouse installation maintenance and sustainability. The director of Agriculture, and representative of the Economy of Paktia province, and other relevant stakeholders attended the event to observe the distribution process.

(UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1)

ORD/FAO Launches Cash for Work Program Benefiting 300 Vulnerable Laborers in Paktya Province On October 9, 2024, the Organization for Relief and Development (ORD), in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), launched a Cash for Work (CfW) program in Gardiz district, Paktya Province. This initiative is part of the broader UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1 project, which aims to support 1,800 vulnerable laborers and provide unconditional cash transfers to 180 households in the provinces of Paktya, Paktika, and Khost. As part of the CfW program, 300 laborers in Gardiz will participate in the following activities: Construction of a 12-meter gabion box check dam Construction of a 6.7-meter dry stone check dam Excavation of 9,313 trenches Repair and cleaning of 600 meters of Kariz (traditional water channels) At the program's opening ceremony, ORD’s technical team distributed personal protective equipment (PPE) and hand tools to the laborers. Representatives from the Paktya Department of Economy, Department of Agriculture, and other relevant stakeholders attended the event to observe the commencement of the project.

On August 21, 2024, the ORD/FAO

On August 21, 2024, the ORD/FAO Farah team in Farah distributed a package of mineral blocks, a dairy kit, and Barsim seed products to 1,200 deserving families in Purchaman district, Farah province. The kit included a filter, a scale, a boiling pot, and a milk can. Each beneficiary received one of each item. Additionally, our team distributed 12 pieces of chopper machin based on the specific needs of the groups in the area. This assistance will be very beneficial and efficient for the families during winter. Purchaman district is one of the most densely populated districts in Farah province, and its residents have to travel 14 hours by car to reach the Center of Farah. The livelihood of the residents in this district depends on livestock which makes this assistance crucial and necessary.

(UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1)

FAO/ORD planned to create an opportunity under Cash for Work intervention for 600 vulnerable laborers as well as 60 HHs who will receive unconditional cash transfers (UCT) in Paktika province in tow district Sharana & Mata Khan under (UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1) project: Today on 24 Oct 2024, Paktika Province: FAO/ORD Paktika team started the CfW activities program for 300 vulnerable laborers who will benefit from this occasion in Sharana district, this intervention includes the following activities: a- Construction of 14-meter length gabion box check dam. b- Construction of 12-meter length gabion box check dam. c- Excavation of 5152 trenches. d- Cleaning of 3941 meters Canal. ORD technical team distributed PPE and hand tools to 300 laborers at this opening ceremony the Paktika Economy, Agriculture, and related stockholder representatives participated and observed the CfW starting process.

(UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1)

Today on 29 August 2024, Khost Province: (UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1) District: Maton Center of Khost, ORD/FAO Khost team distributed the Home Gardening Intervention Package to 50 eligible households in the Maton Center of Khost Province. According to the contracted LOA, each beneficiary received the below items: 1- Vegetable Seeds (Onion OPV, Tomato (Hybrid), Eggplant (OPV), Okra (OPV) and Carrots (OPV). 2- Hand tools (Rake with handle, Hoe with handle, and Shovel with handle). Additionally, every beneficiary received primary information on vegetable seed cultivation and protection. The Economy, and Agriculture Department representatives directly monitored the distribution process.

(UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1)

Today on 31 August 2024, Paktia Province: (UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1) District: Sayekaram district of Paktia, ORD/FAO Paktia team distributed the Home Gardening Intervention Package to 50 eligible households in the Gardiz Center of Paktia Province. According to the contracted LOA, each beneficiary received the below items: 1- Vegetable Seeds (Onion OPV, Tomato (Hybrid), Eggplant (OPV), Okra (OPV) and Carrots (OPV). 2- Hand tools (Rake with handle, Hoe with handle, and Shovel with handle). Additionally, every beneficiary received primary information on vegetable seed cultivation and protection. The Economy, and Agriculture Department representatives directly monitored the distribution process.

(UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1)

Today on 01 Sep 2024, Khost Province: (UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1) District: Musakhil of Khost province, ORD/FAO Khost team distributed the Home Gardening Intervention Package to 50 eligible households in the Musakhil District of Khost Province. According to the contracted LOA, each beneficiary received the below items: 1- Vegetable Seeds (Onion OPV, Tomato (Hybrid), Eggplant (OPV), Okra (OPV) and Carrots (OPV). 2- Hand tools (Rake with handle, Hoe with handle, and Shovel with handle). Additionally, every beneficiary received primary information on vegetable seed cultivation and protection. The ARM, Economy, and Agriculture Department representatives directly monitored the distribution process.

(UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1)

Today on 02 Sep 2024, Paktika Province: (UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1) District: Sharana Center of Paktika province, ORD/FAO Paktika team distributed the Home Gardening Intervention Package to 50 eligible households in the Sharana District of Paktika Province. According to the contracted LOA, each beneficiary received the below items: 1- Vegetable Seeds (Onion OPV, Tomato (Hybrid), Eggplant (OPV), Okra (OPV) and Carrots (OPV). 2- Hand tools (Rake with handle, Hoe with handle, and Shovel with handle). Additionally, every beneficiary received primary information on vegetable seed cultivation and protection. The ARM, Economy, and Agriculture Department representatives directly monitored the distribution process.

(UNJP/AFG/133/UNJ-SE1)

District: Maton, Qalander, and Musakhil of Khost province, ORD/FAO Khost team started the distribution process of the Micro Greenhouse Intervention Package to 90 eligible households in the Maton, Qalander, and Musakhil Districts of Khost Province. According to the contracted LOA, each beneficiary will receive a complete package of around 43 items of MGH and Irrigation system materials including Cucumber and Sweet Capsicum seeds. Additionally, every beneficiary received primary information on Micro Greenhouse installation maintenance and sustainability. Khost Economy, Agriculture Department Musakhil, and Qalander districts representatives directly monitored the distribution process.

(OSRO/AFG/203/ASB)

On 25/08/2024, today ORD Farah team organized a comprehensive training session on silage-making techniques for the livestock intervention program in the Shib Koh district of Farah province. This training was part of the FAO (OSRO/AFG/203/ASB) project. We conducted the training in 2 communities within the district and have completed similar activities in 17 communities in Anar Dara Jowin and Shib Koh districts. Currently, we are in the process of conducting training in 15 communities in Shib Koh and Purchaman District. During the training, we covered 8 topics in accordance with the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). The entire process was closely monitored by ARM and local government authorities.