Afghanistan | Mercy Corps

The Strange World of Kabul ›

Topics: Children, Economic Development, Education, Women's Empowerment

One Mercy Corps employee comments on experiences in Kabul, Afghanistan

Journey to Afghanistan ›

One aid worker comments on her experiences in Afghanistan.

Rubina's Story of Friendship and Hope ›

Topics: Women's Empowerment, Peaceful Change, Economic Development

A Mercy Corps program in southern Afghanistan is helping women learn new skills and build lasting friendships.

Aid Groups Raise Concerns on Use of Coalition Reconstruction Teams in Afghanistan ›

Topics: Emergencies, Peaceful Change

Provincial Reconstruction Teams hope to play a stronger role in security through increased involvement with non-military activities and direct engagement in the reconstruction process.

Civil Society in Afghanistan: A Framework for Long-term Impact ›

Topics: Civil Society, Agriculture, Economic Development

Mercy Crops successful approach to fostering functioning civil society incorporates three important principles: accountability, participation, and peaceful change.

A Difficult Balance: Building Local Capacity in Southern Afghanistan ›

Topics: Agriculture, Peaceful Change, Economic Development

Mercy Corps initiates a program intended to improve the rural livelihoods of Afghan people and to strengthen local NGOs with a focus on integrating principles of civil society.

New Beginnings in Northern Afghanistan ›

Topics: Peaceful Change, Emergencies, Health

After having his life disrupted by years of conflict, an Afghan doctor begins a new career with Mercy Corps.

Paving the Way to Peace and Prosperity in Afghanistan ›

Topics: Peaceful Change, Economic Development, Agriculture

Most Afghans view road construction as being vital to their country's future. Find out how Mercy Corps is helping to rebuild Afghan roads.

Signs of Hope in Afghanistan ›

Topics: Peaceful Change, Economic Development, Women's Empowerment

After decades of hardships Afghans are looking ahead to a better future. Mercy Corps' programs are building upon this optimism.

The Road Ahead ›

Topics: Peaceful Change, Emergencies

Much progress has been made in Afghanistan, but the needs of the nation remain enormous.

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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.

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Recent Blog Posts

August 13, 2009
Today's Afghan businesswoman
August 11, 2009
Hot as an anvil in Afghanistan
August 04, 2009
Invest in Afghanistan's mothers

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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