Cross Learning and Networking through a Field Day Herder’/Farmer’s Field Day in Daman District of Kandahar Province

Over 150 stakeholders travelled hundreds of kilometers to Sahibzada Kalacha Village of Daman District in Kandahar Province to demonstrate their achievements in the year. Attendees include Government officials, customary leaders, DCA staff including the Secretary General, processing companies, stop-shop keepers, herders, and farmers from Kandahar, Helmand and Zabul Provinces.

Representing wool processing company, Mr. Agha Sahib explained the history of the factory which has done sorting, washing (scouring), dying, and processing of wool. He demonstrated a comforter and blanket which is made 47 years ago from pure wool and still serving. “The processing company appreciates the linkages of stop-shop keepers and herders with the factory. “It’s important that we work together to add value to the wool”, says Mr. Agha.  It’s also important for DCA and other organizations to expand awareness campaigns to promote wool value chain and marketing.

Figure 1 Cashmere and wool demonstrations at the herders/farmers field day.

A herder from Daman District, Mr. Daad Mohammad on the other hand stressed on “promoting training and exposures to add value to wool and cashmere”. He says, “there was no attention given to these products before the start of the project; but now the communities are aware of the increasing trend in the price of wool and cashmere, thanks to the stop-shop keepers.” The project supported the communities in animal health and access to livestock feed to escalate productivity and quality of cashmere and wool thereby fostering a better income to the herders and stop-shop keepers along the value chain”.

“These days”, according to Mr. Mohammad Umar, one of the stop-shop keepers, “my counterparts are travelling to villages that never heard of cashmere and wool due to the war and lack of infrastructure; created awareness campaigns; familiarized the increasing price and purchase the products. “The price of wool and cashmere is tripled compared to last year. “I encourage organizations like DCA to spread their work to remote villages to increase the amount of wool and cashmere and processing”.

On behalf of the farmers, Mr. Zia Udin, appreciated the alternatives to poppy production through saffron, water reservoirs, and vegetable processing. He also confirmed the establishment of stop-shop keepers, veterinary field units, animal feed, stable improvement, small scale poultry (layers) for widows, wheat and maize and the likes that reduces poppy production. “I like the stables of animals and sometimes, other villagers come to visit the improved barn.” Mr. Mohamad Osman, saffron farmer, affirms that 10 of his family members (4 female and 6 male) are involved in the saffron production, drying, packing, and marketing creating job opportunities in their daily life.

Figure 2 demonstration of livestock and agriculture activities – UNODC poppy alternatives

Mr. Sayed Khalimullah, general director of cereal crop of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (DAIL), stated the strong need for sustainability. “The piloting of saffron production; vegetables, processing and post-harvest management; water harvesting; poultry and livestock production improvement; wool and cashmere value chain; distribution of maize and wheat and the extension campaigns implemented by DCA with the support of its donors is an important intervention and based on the needs of Kandahar and neighboring provinces.”  He further asserted the security situation has improved to welcome all countries and donors to work in Afghanistan. Introducing new experts, kicking off new approaches and scaling up in all areas of livestock and agriculture activities will enhance the potential opportunities in Afghanistan. The director of Livestock Department, Dr. Fahim Atiq Safi, augmented the previous opinions with a focus on sustaining the activities.

Figure 3 Speeches made by government, DCA, stop-shop keepers and herders/farmers representatives

DCA is implementing projects in 28 provinces of Afghanistan thereby improving food and livelihoods security, extension and awareness campaigns, value chain development, job creation and institutional capacities.