The RADP-South project was one of the three RADP (Regional Agricultural Development Program) projects that DCA implemented. This project was a special one, as it was DCA’s first long term, comprehensive project in the South of Afghanistan. Previous projects in the South were short-term (one-year ASAP extension) or geographically restricted (DCU project in Uruzgan). To have a base in the South of Afghanistan, DCA established a new regional office / training centre in Kandahar, and three provincial offices in Uruzgan, Helmand, and Zabul. The main objective of the overall RADP program was to improve the food and economic security of rural Afghans in the designated area. The RADP-S livestock component focused on livestock health, livestock nutrition, and marketing of livestock and livestock products. Many of the southern provinces have long been devoid of quality veterinary support. Therefore, the first aim of the RADP-South project was to build the capacity of existing VFUs. Technical refresher courses as well as business training and extension training were offered to the VFU staff. To fill the gaps in veterinary service provision, DCA trained many new Paravets. To the VFU staff, DCA also provided training in the operation of a successful business model. This helped the VFU staff to generate additional income, and to work efficaciously with the livestock owners in their communities. Activities also focused on the development of Farmer Extension Groups. Extension groups were organised by VFU staff or by special extension workers. The groups consisted of 15 to 20 livestock owners, meeting every month to gain knowledge and skills concerning good animal health practices. Gender was an important cross-cutting theme in this program, so in all activities the participation of women was encouraged. Originally, the project would last until October 2018. However, in November 2017 the RADP-S project was prematurely closed by USAID, much to the regret of DCA and our contractor Chemonics Inc that praised the results of DCA’s work in the south of Afghanistan.