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Nurturing New Growth ›

Topics: Agriculture, Education, Youth

Mercy Corps is equipping a new generation of Afghan farmers with a modern education in agribusiness and modern farming practices.

Supporting Themselves Through Agriculture ›

We are boosting agricultural productivity to combat the food crisis in Afghanistan and elsewhere.

Running Water Uphill ›

Topics: Agriculture

When Mercy Corps explained how they wanted to help Agha Mohammad irrigate his pistachio orchard, the Afghan farmer thought it was "ridiculous." But he quickly changed his mind when he saw what we had in store.

Mercy Corps mourns loss of Dr. Wasi Kohistani ›

Mercy Corps is deeply saddened to report that Dr. Wasi Kohistani, one of its staff members in Afghanistan, was killed in an automobile accident on Friday.

Video: Afghan Women Learning Skills Toward Independence ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Livelihoods, Agriculture

Afghanistan is one of the world’s least developed countries. Most women in Afghanistan are wholly dependent upon their husbands and sons, and many are illiterate.

Video: Improving Water Distribution for Farms and Orchards ›

Topics: Agriculture

In Afghanistan, half the population lives below the poverty line and the unemployment rate is 40%. Of those who do have jobs, most work in agriculture.

Real Challenges ›

Topics: Agriculture, Economic Development, Microfinance

Afghanistan Country Director Nigel Pont gives his unique perspective on the present situation and what Mercy Corps is doing today and in the future to help communities and families in this challenging region.

Shamsia: Profile of a Borrower ›

Topics: Economic Development, Microfinance

Learn how one young teacher in Kabul has transformed her school with the help of our innovative microfinance program, Ariana.

Life in Shashtepa Takes a Turn For The Better ›

Topics: Agriculture, Economic Development

A village in Afghanistan is improving their food security and their livelihoods by taking part in Mercy Corps' Afghanistan Rural Recovery Program.

A Story of Glitter and Plastic Flowers ›

Topics: Economic Development

This modern Afghan woman is helping new brides fulfill their dreams of a beautiful wedding while realizing her own hopes of providing her family with a better life.

Afghanistan Facts

  • Population (2008): 32 million
  • Size: slightly smaller than Texas
  • Human Development Index rank: n/a
  • Mercy Corps has worked here since 1986
  • Primary work: microfinance loans to female entrepreneurs, veterinary services for livestock farmers, up-to-date education in agriculture and marketing practices, eliminating farmers' dependency on opium poppy production
  • Labor force in agriculture: 80%
  • Percentage rise of opium production since 2006: 15% (Washington Post)
  • Foreign troops stationed in Afghanistan: 71,000+ (Javno.com)

Program Details

Mercy Corps has been in Afghanistan since 1986, and we are currently assisting more than 2.5 million Afghans to stabilize and rebuild their lives. Dozens of our projects throughout the country focus on agricultural and economic development to build stronger communities.

Read more ›

Recent Blog Posts

Related Posts

Recent posts on globalenvision.org, Mercy Corps' student-written blog that explores the confluence of markets and poverty alleviation through news, commentary and discussion.

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Mercy Corps exists to alleviate suffering, poverty and oppression by helping people build secure, productive and just communities.

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