Alternative Livelihoods Project South, Export Promotions Project, 2006-2007

Afghanistan

Alternative Livelihoods Project South, Export Promotions Project, 2006-2007, USAID funded project, managed by Chemonics International, U.S. $360,000

In the major poppy-producing regions of southern Afghanistan, many households depend, directly or indirectly, on the temporary opium economy. Roots of Peace was charged with developing opportunities in the licit economy that provide sustainable income alternatives to poppy. Because of our previous GRAPE program in the region, our team already had an established rapport with the two trader/processor associations and the farmers of the region, allowing us to quickly build on prior success.

Roots of Peace worked in cooperation with the Fresh Fruit Exporters Union of Kandahar (FFEUK) and Dried Fruit Export Association of Kandahar (DFEAK) to implement this project which promoted the export of fresh fruit and dried fruit to foreign markets. Specifically, we conducted trade missions to Amsterdam, Kiev, Dubai, and India resulting in 1,340 MT of immediate test shipments of Afghan fruit and nuts that were followed by larger bulk shipments. To continue developing the infrastructure to ensure high-quality produce, we managed trader-funded extension teams to promote best practices with farmers. We also gave FFEUK and DFEAK the necessary business training needed to strengthen association management in areas that included effective board meetings, financial record keeping and the establishment of a $1,000,000 line of credit. In partnership with FFEUK and DFEAK, we also launched a website, afghangrown.org, as a forum to share market information and promote and sell Afghan products.