Islamic Republic of Afghanistan - Enhanced Integrated Framework ...

Further, the unstable security situation coupledwith capacity constraints presents major obstaclesto program implementation, includingcommunity mobilization, survey and design ofprojects, service and input provision, selectionof qualified contractors and NGOs willing towork in high-risk areas, and the ability tomonitor projects for quality assurance and financialcontrol purposes. These constraintsaffect the pace, cost and quality of developmentactivities.Most farmers are engaged in subsistence ornear-subsistence agriculture, and many farmingfamilies lack food security with risky livelihoodsoften combined with chronic debt. Further,many rural households are involved indown-stream agricultural activities, includingprocessing, transporting and marketing. As aresult, the country’s vulnerability to naturaldisasters and food shortages is high. The abilityto engage in agricultural pursuits is centralto improving wellbeing of the rural poor.Limited coordination between ministries andbetween the Government and the internationalcommunity has impeded progress. Governmentfunds have been channeled throughhighly centralized ministries, with many nationalprograms and donor-funded projectsworking independently of each other. The roleof provincial administration units has been andremains unclear, especially in the areas of economicplanning, budget execution and servicedelivery. Provincial governments have limitedauthority, budgetary resources or technicalskills to facilitate development. Ministrieswhich deliver services to the rural populationare still struggling with the legal structures ofpast administrations and over-centralization ofadministrative processes has impeded thetimely and effective delivery of services to localcommunities.The Government recognizes that to meet theseenormous challenges nationwide, progressmay be slow, incremental and uneven; it maytake a generation or more to adequately meetthe needs of all rural Afghans. Nevertheless,the Government is committed to providing aproper enabling environment for the ruraleconomy and working to address the needsand articulated priorities of the rural population.This long term effort requires a consideredand cohesive policy framework.Policy and Strategic FrameworkThe Government is committed to working toaddress the needs and articulated priorities ofthe rural population. This long term effort requiresa considered and cohesive policyframework across ministries and sectors. Thefollowing are the key components of this policyframework of this sector:• Comprehensive and strategically cohesivepoverty reduction programs• Public/Private sector responsibilities• Assurance of food security• The restoration and expansion of Afghanistan’slicit economy through the promotionof livelihoods free from dependency onpoppy cultivation• Land tenure security• Assistance to farmers to increase productionand productivity• Environmental protection and assistance tocommunities to manage and protect Afghanistan’snatural resource base for sustainablegrowth• Improvements in agricultural and ruralphysical infrastructure and irrigation systemsproviding services to meet basic humanrights• Development of human resource capital• The strengthening of local governance• Institutional coordination• Cross sector policy development• Strengthening of national capacities• Mitigation of natural and man-made disastersThe strategy intent focuses on five thematicareas of programming. The following five thematicareas are loosely sequenced, based upontheir level of interdependence• Local Governance• Agricultural Production• Agricultural and Rural Infrastructure• Economic Regeneration• Disaster and Emergency Preparedness (SeeANDS Volume Two for more details)The key priorities of this program are the:• Development of a comprehensive set ofprograms and projects – the ComprehensiveAgriculture Rural Development program– designed to improve rural livelihoodsand reduce rural poverty; andEconomical and Social Development 89