Achievement

PRB decades old inspiring work has been undertaken through its effective strategic approach of targeted: agriculture, livestock production, animal health, engineering, education ,vocational training, capacity building, women development, advocacy and economic empowerment. It is no doubt PRB in the tuner of its successive presence in the areas of his work has championed the vulnerable and hard-to-reach populations including men, women, youths.  PRB interventions are aimed at mitigating the psychosocial and economic impact of those living with poverty, injustices and abuses suffered.

The showcase of the success recorded by the PRB Program and Management team from the implausible work that has been accomplished in the tuner of service with the communities summed up that if service render to marginalized, destitute and vulnerable population. PRB feels development of the economic base, particularly to create job increase production and support rural trade as well as improving the rudiments for the sustainable use of the resources exist in the target community.

1.Agriculture

PRB agriculture activities include rehabilitation of agriculture and its products in Afghanistan. The trial and distribution of improved wheat seed, maize, rice and vegetable seed are the first priority of agriculture activity. PRB has provided hundreds of farmers with improved varieties of wheat and vegetable seed over the past years. The seeds were either produced in PRB farms or provided by FAO, ICARDA and other agencies. PRB also runs a series of demonstration plots in both fruit and forestry nurseries. PRB has produced different fruits saplings and distributed to farmers at prices lower than market. Considering the environment enhancement as a critical issue in the country. PRB established a forestry nursery and distributed to private and government sectors free of charge. PRB had planned to carry out a variety of training activities in areas of seed handling, nursery management, handling and planting of trees, soil and water conservation, and conservation education. Also plans for development of cash crop such as cotton, sugar beet, saffron and soybean. Meanwhile drip irrigation had taken into consideration for development of kitchen gardening in urban and semi-urban areas. PRB has applied drip irrigation system in Shamali Plain of Kabul. Another area in which PRB engaged was hydroponic farming and pest control for pomegranates, melon, grapes and cotton.

Green house

2.Animal Health & Livestock production

PRB is one of the few specialized agencies in animal health and livestock production in Afghanistan. Its specialized staff has made a remarkable contribution in the rehabilitation and production of livestock and animal husbandry in Afghanistan. The program is consisting of two sections (a) veterinary (b) livestock production.

2.1 .Veterinary

In the veterinary services PRB has made an incredible contribution in the twenty years of its service to the nation (1990-2010). In the 90s the activities were carried out in south-east Paktia, Paktika, Khost next to in Central Kabul (Parwan and Kapisa). In 2000 -2010 PRB veterinary expanded further to north regions of North (Balkh, Samangan, Jawzjan, Sari-e pul and Faryab). Northeast (Taloqan, Baghlan, Kunduz, Takhar and Badakhshan). The VFU (veterinary Field Unit) in each district of the province is housed in suitable building either built or rented. All the VFUs are staffed with technical personnel: DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine), Asset DVM, Para-vet and BVWs. The activities carried out by these VFUs are Vaccination, Treatment and De-worming.

PRB was pioneer in establishment construction, rehabilitation and running of more than hundreds animal health clinics, distribution of vet kits, provision instrument, tools and equipment, quality animal medicine as well as training, refresher for hundreds of Basic Veterinary Workers in north, east and center region of Afghanistan. Besides PRB has also carried out complementary activities such as remodeling and hygiene campaign for animal well being

2.2 .Livestock production

In the pre-war era livestock products were the major components of Afghanistan export. It is one of the main sources of revenue of the rural area of the country. As a vital component of Afghan economy, livestock production is one of the major programs of PRB. On the basis of strategic work plan of PRB (1997-2004. the following activities are undertaken.

2.2.1 .Kabul Milk Scheme

The Kabul Milk scheme was established by PRB with financial assistance of FAO in late 1998 in Kabul. Launching of such project was complicated in term of establishing community Shurra, convincing and establishing 13 collecting centres for quality and testing the milk and selling the product in shopping spots. The project was developed in sustainability level. However, FAO showed the desire to run the program, therefore in early 2003 the project was handed-over them. It become remarkable base for establishment large Guzargha Dairy Firm.

2.2.2 . Livestock Extension Program

The farmers of Afghanistan have limited knowledge about the technical aspect of livestock raising and need extensive training and awareness. PRB has launched several extension programs for the small as well as large livestock owners. The training includes new techniques of animal husbandry, feed preparation, marketing of the products and hygiene. Similarly, distribution of cattle, milking sheep and goats along with necessary training was also executed by PRB. PRB extension program for Balkh and Faryab had great success.

2.3  . Bee Keeping

PRB bee keeping activity started in early 1998 and this activity consisted of training, procurement of boxes and development. PRB provides bee colonies to the trained targeted farmer in Panjshir and Baghlan. A large number of beekeeping farmers’ families have benefited from the program. Similarly, in 1998-99 beekeepers’ cooperative was established in the districts Chardi, Charasib of Kabul in order to share the knowledge and income between the farmer.

2.4 . Sericulture Program

Silk production and handicraft were practiced in north and western provinces of Afghanistan for centuries. The war and conflict made big blow up in the silk production and handicraft due to cutting of mulberry trees for feeding of silkworm and unavailability of the improper seed of worm and cocoon. PRB on the basis of its strategic work-plan to enhance the revitalization of the silk production and handicraft two districts Chardi and Charasib were selected as its areas of activities. Number of selected women were trained in the silk production and cocoons rising provided by PRB experts. PRB also established mulberry nursery in Kabul to produce feed for the silkworms.

2.5  .Poultry

A number of chicken distribution and training projects were successfully executed by PRB in Kabul, Balkh, Baghlan , Nagarhar provinces which covered both layer and broiler poultry production aimed at establishment small scale enterprises for most vulnerable families in target  communities.

3 . Relief & Humanitarian Assistance:

• PRB has actively participated in relief operation of both man-made and natural disaster.
  The natural disaster includes drought earthquake, flood and avalanches.
  The man-made disaster destruction due to fighting and land mines. This section is responsible for management and implementation of PRB relief activity
  In January 1994 a Subsidized Bread Sales Program was initiated by WFP in Kabul city due to wide speared huger and famine which later on extended to Kabul province and the surrounding provinces of Wardak, Logar and Ghazni. Over 133 bakeries were involved in the program which were distributing baked bread for a subsidized rate to over 225,000 beneficiaries including the disabled, widows, vulnerable and the poor. PRB has been responsible for monitoring of these program.
• In late 1998, PRB participated in rehabilitation of quake resistance shelter in earthquake affected area of Share Buzurg, Badakhshan and Rustaq of Takhar provinces. Similarly, in 2000 -2001 PRB implemented a number of projects in drought-stricken areas in northern provinces Balkh (Kohi Alburs, Zari, Imam Sahib and Sakhi camp), Faryab (Mimana, Pushtoon Kot, Andkhoi and Khoja Namosa) and Badakhshan (Faizabad, Jurm and Bahark). The projects were in the form of distribution of food for work & distribution of improved wheat and fertilize, digging of wells, rehabilitation of canals, road reconstruction and shelter construction.
• In the 2009-2010 when drought badly hit most parts of Badakhshan province, the donor agency OXFAM GB selected districts Yawan and Argo of Badakhshan province as most drought-stricken areas for project. PRB with the funding of OXFAM GB after conducting a comprehensive survey of the both the districts had implemented a project with the components including: wheat seed distribution to the farmers, construction of water supply schemes , construction toilets, reconstruction of village ,road rehabilitation and hygiene
  
  

4 . Income generating & empowerment program

Handicraft and small-scale industries: In pre -war era handicraft has been practiced in most parts of Afghanistan. Each geographical areas of Afghanistan had its own traditional handicrafts. PRB has selected some of the vital handicrafts, which were practiced in its area of activities and enhancing the livelihood of the target community. The main handicrafts in PRB income generation programs are: Carpet Weaving, Tailoring, Flower Making, Jewellery, Leather Work, knitting work, Patu Weaving (man weaving cloth) and Embroideries.

• Carpet Weaving: Carpet weaving had been practiced between Turkman, Uzbek and other communities in the provinces of northern and western Afghanistan. During the war era and due to displacement and migration from these areas to other provinces of Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. The industry has become popular and practiced in Pakistan and other parts of Afghanistan. Being a profitable business and one of the options for enhancing the livelihood and eliminating the poverty, PRB has contributed in the industry by training and distributing of looms, raw materials and other accessories needed for the carpet weaving among the women in its areas of activities. In late 2002-2003 PRB started a carpet weaving training aimed at improve the living condition of the community, business development and marketing of product and encourage asset rising among housewives in Kabul and Andkhoi (Faryab). The carpet weaving project in Kabul was completed in early 2004, while the Andkhoi project was continued till early 2010. From the four districts of Andkhoi in the tenure of eight years training PRB successfully trained a number of women in carpet weaving and also equipped the trained women with the required tools, equipment, materials of carpet weaving.
• Patu Weaving: Patu is a long woven cloth used in the cold season by both male and female. The handicraft has been practiced in south, east and central parts of Afghanistan. The handicraft is one of the sources of livelihood in the areas which it is practiced. PRB selected Dehmiskin in Parwan as its target area for this handicraft. A good number of women were trained and now-a-days their earnings are satisfactory.
• Embroidery: The handicraft has been practiced in different parts of Afghanistan, each parts of the country has its own styles, designs and artistic skills. The silk handkerchief of Herat is very famous and attractive inside the country and aboard, Similarly the shirt needle works of Kandahar, women dress of south style and various type of clothes, Shawals, woman scarf, table cloths and caps of north are very attractive and famous. Since the handicraft generates income for the women therefore, the training and revival of the business has been selected one of the income generating activities for women in PRB target areas. Various types of embroideries were undertaken by PRB in its different areas such Istalif, Kalakan in Shamali Plain, districts 5,6,7 in Kabul.
• Tailoring: In the tailoring activities PRB trained a number of vulnerable women and widows in different parts of the country. Due to prevailing situation in Afghanistan the training was conducted home-based so far. In order to procure better access for the women, PRB established tailoring centres in different areas of its activities such as Chelstoon, Char Qala and Khoshal Khan of Kabul city.
• Leather Work: Leather work is a traditional handicraft practiced mostly in Kabul, Parwan and northern province of Afghanistan. PRB established centres for leather work activity in districts 5,6. and 7. In these centres a number of women were trained.
• Jewellery The handicraft is one the most profitable businesses in Afghanistan. Thus PRB included this activity in training centres in districts 5,6 and 7 and score of women were trained.
• Flower Making: Flowering making is a fancy handicraft and very popular among women and youngsters. PRB included the handicraft in the training centres in districts 5,6, and 7

5  . Rural and Urban Engineering/Construction

This discipline was one of the most important branches in the organization. Numerous vital projects were identified and participated by the communities. The branch consists the following sections: – reconnaissance survey, detail survey, design & cost estimation, feasibility study, construction. supervision and monitoring & evaluation. The engineering department is still active but implements only those projects funded by donors and approved by ministry of economy. Also the construction projects implemented by the communities are facilitated by PRB engineering teams. More than 100 infrastructure projects were either constructed or rehabilitated by PRB in infrastructure sector.

5.1 .Buildings

PRB construct/ reconstructed public utilities buildings such as schools, hospitals, BHCs (basic health centre) CHCs (comprehensive health centre), veterinary clinics, hospitals, different types of schools, ware houses, government offices, shelter for disaster affected people. PRB has the capacity to construct all types of buildings in advance technology.Some exemplary popular buildings are reconstruction of Zargona girls High School in Kabul, Sultan Razia girls school in Balkh, Makhfi Badakhshi girls school in Badakhshan, Bazarak high school in Panjshir. Vocational training centre in Sheberghan, construction of Rahman Mena CHC, Mir Bacha Kot governor office in Kabul

5.2 .Road and infrastructures

PRB, since its early inception reconstructed number roads and their related structures in the provinces of Khost, Paktia, Logar, Kapisa, Badakhshan, Takhar, Balkh Jawzjan. and Kunduz The roads are either connected district to the district, districts to the provincial capital or villages to the district centre. PRB staff had received training in road construction from reputed international firms for long and short term training program.

5.3.Bridges

PRB is engaged in construction/reconstruction of bridges in a number of provinces. The types of the bridges constructed were wooden, concrete, arch type from bricks/ stone masonry and suspension. The suspension bridge constructed over Kokcha River and several other locations. These bridges were mainly to connect villages to the district centre. They are mostly pedestrian or small vehicle bridges.

5.4.Irrigation Structure

PRB strategy was from the outset to increases the agricultural production through rehabilitation and improvement of irrigation structure i.e. siphons, retaining walls, intakes/ diversion structures, flood protection walls, culvert, flumes, aqueducts, turnouts, tunnels, drop wash and etc. Scores of these structures have been constructed in different parts of the country during past years. Canal Parwan, Chemtal Canal in Balkh, Takhar flume Rehabilitation of Emtala canal are same exemplary popular projects.

5.5.Safe Drinking Water & Sanitation

Safe drinking water is very precious and there is a great need for availability of safe drinking water in most part of the country. Due to scarcity of safe drinking water there is a lot of water borne diseases among the inhabitants, which is recorded in the media. PRB has executed a number of activities in this sector, the activities include: networks of water supply, shallow and semi deep wells, rehabilitation of spring and water tunnels. In sanitation PRB has worked in sanitation system of urban as well as rural areas.

5.6.Consultancy and engineering services

PRB being one of the sound technical organizations in Afghanistan provides the following services to organizations, companies and government departments upon their requests. -Survey, feasibility study, cost estimation and design of the projects. – Provision of engineers on contract basis. -Engineering supervision & inspection. -Technical training and transfer of know-how.