Afghanistan’s drug trade is seen as one of the biggest challenges to the country’s long-term security, development, and governance.

The Integrated Alternative Livelihoods Program in Kandahar province (IALP-K) seeks to demonstrate to rural Kandahari farmers that there are viable and sustainable alternatives to poppy cultivation by increasing the number of licit economic opportunities for them.

These opportunities will allow farmers to support their families with produce they can grow and eat or sell at local markets, while giving up the illegal cultivation of poppies.

The program was implemented under the leadership of the Government of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development and Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock.

The program aims to produce the following results:

• Tarnak Farm will be re-established as a hub for agricultural development in Kandahar province.
• The program will successfully support the reinforcement and diversification of licit livelihoods among Kandahari farmers.
• It will increase the access to and quality of agricultural education that will allow farmers to build the skills needed to strengthen and diversify licit livelihoods in Kandahar province.

• A variety of training sessions were held with local farmers in Kandahar in order to introduce new farming techniques, including the benefits and costs of winter vegetable gardening. Winter gardening has yet to become a common practice in the province but has the potential to significantly increase the income and livelihood opportunities of local farmers.
• A baseline survey has been carried out to assess and identify the existing licit livelihoods in the four districts covered by the project. A number of recommendations have been shared with the National Area Based Development Program (NABDP), MAIL, MoE and CIDA. A Master Plan for Tarnak Farms is now being developed.
• A research centre is currently being established at Tarnak Farms. This centre will provide hands-on learning opportunities for Kandahari farmers and relevant Agricultural Ministry officials.