What Oxfam is doing

At the end of 2008, Afghanistan was facing a serious food crisis caused by persistent drought and exacerbated by unpredictable food and fuel prices. Here are some of the steps Oxfam is taking to help people with their immediate needs.

Cash for Work: With two partners, we are implementing a cash-for-work program that will help people buy food now as well as seeds for the next planting season. Community work will include clearing and improving irrigation canals and rainwater catchments.

Grain Banks: We are buying grain and setting up 25 grain banks. The banks will be managed by local community development councils, which will be in charge of the borrowing process and restocking the banks once the next harvest comes in.

Reducing Disaster Risk: Through local partners, we are working with communities to limit their risk to disasters by constructing mud flow channels, planting trees, and developing early warning systems.