Current Development Projects in Kandahar Province
Backgrounder
Canada is focussed on a targeted set of objectives in keeping with proven Canadian strengths and consistent with Afghan objectives and the efforts of the international community.
The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is helping the Government of Afghanistan provide jobs, education, and essential services, like water to its people; provide humanitarian assistance to people in need, including refugees; and, build Afghan institutions that are central to our Kandahar priorities and support democratic processes such as elections.
Agriculture
Kandahar Regional Agriculture & Rural Development Institute at Tarnak Farms
Current Phase: 2010
Project Budget: $4.7 million
The Government of Canada is funding the establishment of the Kandahar Regional Agriculture & Rural Development Institute (KRARDI) at Tarnak Farms. This is a sub-component of Phase II of the Integrated Alternative Livelihood Program — a $12 million program that is helping to create new livelihood opportunities for Afghans. The project will establish the institute, develop teaching materials in Pashto and train staff. It will also develop a Master Plan for Tarnak Farms and recommend projects to re-establish the location as a hub for agricultural development for Kandahar province.
Horticulture Export Development Project
(Kandahar Local Initiatives Program)
Current Phase: 2009
Project Budget: $1.1 million
The project improves the production, processing and marketing of raisins and pomegranates. Activities include expanding the adoption of improved production methods for raisins and pomegranates, strengthening farmer-trader links and developing a strategy for building sustained links between local firms and international companies.
Rehabilitation of Agricultural Infrastructures in Kandahar
(Kandahar Local Initiatives Program)
Current Phase: 2009-2010
Project Budget: $586,000
Canada is funding the rehabilitation of two irrigation canals and several dykes linked to the Dahla Dam irrigation system. The canals irrigate land used for crops such as orchards, vineyards and vegetables. Once the rehabilitation is complete, 3,900 families will benefit from the land irrigated by these canals.
Poultry Raising Program for Improving Alternative Livelihoods
(Kandahar Local Initiatives Program)
Current Phase: 2009-2011
Project Budget: $485,000
This project promotes community-based poultry production as an alternative source of sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable men and women in target rural communities in Kandahar. Project beneficiaries are 300 men and women.
Economic Growth Opportunities Assessment in Panjwayi
(Kandahar Local Initiatives Program)
Current Phase: 2010
Project Budget: $318,000
This project is a community-based assessment of economic growth opportunities in Panjwayi district, the results of which are shared with the Afghan Government and the donor communities to ensure that projects implemented in that district are aligned with needs expressed by the communities.
Economic Growth Opportunities Assessment in Dand
Current Phase: 2010
Project Budget: $235,000
This project is a community-based assessment of economic growth opportunities in Dand district, the results of which are shared with the Afghan Government and the donor communities to ensure that projects implemented in that district are aligned with needs expressed by the communities.
Animal Husbandry and Livelihood Security for Women
(Kandahar Local Initiatives Program)
Current Phase: 2009-2011
Project Budget: $145,000
This project promotes food security and enhances women’s self-reliance and confidence through the raising of goats, training in milk production and marketing their products locally to supplement household income. Approximately 165 vulnerable women and their households will benefit from this project.
Education
School Boundary Walls
(Kandahar Local Initiatives Program)
Current Phase: 2010-2011
Project Budget: $645,000
This project builds boundary walls at 13 schools in Kandahar, an essential measure for student security.
Gender and Education Initiatives
(Kandahar Local Initiatives Program)
1. Computer Training for High School Girls
Current Phase: 2009-2010
Project Budget: $19,840
This project supports computer training for up to 200 high school girls.
2. Women’s Rights
Current Phase: 2009
Project Budget: $51,324
This project helped to increase awareness of women’s rights with a special focus on women’s roles in elections and in public life in Kandahar province.
Humanitarian Assistance
Wheat Seeds and Fertilizer Distribution in Kandahar with Mercy Corps
Current Phase: 2009-2010
Project Budget: $1.7 million
The project’s first phase, the distribution of the seed and fertilizer, was completed in January 2010. Phase two, which is ongoing, is to train farmers and Kandahar Agricultural faculty members and also see the rehabilitation of irrigation canals. Phase two runs until December 2010.
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Information:
Media Relations Office
Canadian International Development Agency
Telephone: 819-953-6534
E-mail: media@acdi-cida.gc.ca
