Value Chain – Dutch Committee for Afghanistan

Value Chain Development Program

Value Chain Support for Livelihoods

Market-Based Livelihoods Value Chain

The value chain approach is widely recognized as an effective method for promoting poverty reduction and economic growth in developing countries. It recognizes that products move from producers to consumers through a series of interconnected steps, including production, harvesting, processing, and marketing.

At each stage, value is added by different actors. By identifying and addressing gaps across the entire chain, development organizations can significantly increase their impact on community livelihoods. Pro-poor interventions may include improved access to inputs and equipment, enhanced production and processing techniques, and stronger market access and demand for end products.

DCA’s Evolution in Afghanistan

DCA applies the value chain approach to strengthen livestock-based livelihoods and support local economic growth. Key value chain products supported by DCA include:

By supporting livestock farmers at multiple stages of these value chains, DCA helps increase household income and contributes to broader community economic development.

Key Value Chains Supported by DCA

Cashmere Value Chain

Until recently, many cashmere goat owners were unaware of the high value of cashmere wool and commonly sheared their goats, resulting in contamination with coarse guard hair. To address this, DCA introduced specialized combs for proper cashmere harvesting.

Through various projects, DCA trained cashmere goat owners in improved harvesting and processing techniques. The organisation also established cashmere collection points, linking farmers directly to buyers and ensuring fair pricing. Collaboration with cashmere processing plants further strengthened market access.

Dairy Value Chain

Household-level dairy production in Afghanistan is largely managed by women. However, knowledge of hygiene, food safety, and zoonotic disease risks has traditionally been limited.

DCA supports female dairy farmers through training in:

Milk collection centres are established for daily collection, processing, and transport to markets or dairy factories. Depending on the project, women may receive churning machines for butter and buttermilk production or drying trays for producing qurut (dried yoghurt).

Poultry (Layer) Value Chain

Poor women and widows are among the most vulnerable groups in Afghanistan. Engaging them in the poultry value chain provides a reliable source of income and improves social standing.

Under DCA poultry programmes, women receive:

Participants are trained in poultry management and linked to feed suppliers, veterinary services, and local markets. To reduce losses, DCA introduced improved egg packaging methods, significantly decreasing breakage during transport and marketing.