More than thirty years of war have devastated Afghanistan. In addition to fighting insurgents, the ISAF is working to rebuild and foster development in Afghanistan through Provincial Reconstruction Teams (PRTS). ISAF personnel also support other humanitarian assistance initiatives provided by the Afghan government, and other international and or Non Governmental Organizations.  

 

Since 2002, USAID has provided over 4 billion in aid to Afghanistan, which has been their largest source of bilateral civilian assistance.  This support is vital as Afghanistan seeks to develop economic growth led by the private sector, establish a functional democratic state governed by the rule of law, and provide basic services for its people.

 

One example of USAID assistance is the case of Malika, a 49-year old Afghan widow. She's the mother of three children, and lives in Helmand Province where women are the most vulnerable members of the population. As the family  bread winner, Malika farms her deceased husband's property to make ends meet and provide her family's basic needs. Although she worked hard, much of her small farm remained uncultivated because she couldn't afford to irrigate and fertilize it. 

 

Happily, Malika received a $500 grant from USAID to purchase fuel for her irrigation generator,  and buy fertilizer in order to increase the productivity of her farm.   This modest help enabled her to diversify her crops and start cultivating the idle portions of her land.  She now supplies a variety of vegetables to vendors at the bazaar in the district center, and earns enough money to not only sustain her farm, but also to provide a better standard of living for her family.