Achievements

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.

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.

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.

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 initially in northern region, Parwan , Kapisa and Punisher and later expand to south-east Paktia, Paktika, Khost. 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 wellbeing. PRB was instrumental in setting up 100 animal health clinics with support from FAO, marking a significant milestone in the field of animal health. The project not only facilitated the training of over 100 BVWs who were introduced to PRB clinic to various organizations to improve animal health services, but also conducted extensive training programs for numerous DVMs and assistance DVMs. Additionally, PRB spearheaded the construction of multiple animal health clinics, making a substantial impact on the well-being of animals and communities alike. PRB led the way in the privatization of animal health centers after 1995. Based on FAO proposal these clinics began sourcing high-quality medicines for animal medical treatments, charging fees for their services, and depending on their own income. The transition from being subsidized to becoming self-reliant was successfully achieved. Within a couple of years, all clinics were operating based on their generated income. This accomplishment significantly reduced the burden of veterinary service costs on the government while PRB had continue it technical support though the entire country was in grape of conflict and tension during those years.
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.
3. Cashmere: The Afghanistan Cashmere Supply Chain Project, which was implemented by PRB in Herat and Balkh, aimed to position Afghanistan as a leading supplier of premium cashmere, a highly sought-after luxury material. With approximately 95% of Afghan goats producing cashmere, known for its soft and stylish wool favored by top-tier fashion houses.The project sought to establish a sustainable and ethical cashmere industry benefiting Afghan herders, producers, and communities. By promoting responsible practices and environmentally friendly approaches, the project endeavored to create a thriving cashmere sector in Afghanistan.Cashmere project focused on several key areas to achieve its goals. Firstly, it emphasized sustainable production by encouraging herders to adopt practices such as proper grazing management, animal welfare standards, and responsible use of natural resources. Secondly, it supported quality improvement efforts by providing training, access to superior breeding stock, and enhanced shearing techniques for herders and producers. Additionally, the project facilitated market access for Afghan cashmere by connecting local stakeholders with international buyers and highlighting the unique characteristics of Afghan cashmere in the global market.Moreover, the project upheld fair trade principles throughout the supply chain, ensuring that herders and producers received equitable compensation for their labor and products. It also promoted women’s empowerment by actively involving women in the cashmere supply chain, offering training opportunities and encouraging their participation in decision-making and leadership roles. Furthermore, through capacity building initiatives in collaboration with Oxfam Novib, the project aimed to strengthen Afghan institutions and organizations involved in the cashmere sector, ensuring the long-term sustainability and success of the project. By providing valuable training and enabling herders to sell their cashmere at double the price in the market, the project not only empowered thousands of herders but also unveiled the untapped income potential of cashmere goats for herders in the northern region. For more information about cashmere click the lick to download the cashmere report. Cashmere Report
4. Kabul Milk Scheme: The Kabul Milk Scheme, initiated by PRB with financial backing from FAO in late 1998, was designed to enhance milk production and create market opportunities for farmers in Chardhi, Charasib, and Paghman districts of Kabul. The project encountered challenges in establishing community Shurra, setting up 13 collection centers, ensuring milk quality, and effectively marketing the dairy products.Despite the initial obstacles, the project transformed into a sustainable endeavor. By early 2003, FAO expressed interest in assuming control of the program, facilitating a successful transition. This transfer of responsibility laid the foundation for the establishment of the renowned Guzargha Dairy Firm.PRB’s endeavors in uniting 375 farmers from the designated districts through eleven collection centers resulted in the provision of substantial support packages. These packages encompassed concentrated feed, veterinary services, artificial insemination for cows, fodder crop and urea treatment, as well as construction materials to improve farm sanitation. The project received positive feedback from consumers and the supported farmers. An evaluation conducted by PRB experts in March 1999 underscored the project’s impressive sustainability. This model has been replicated in other major cities like Mazar, Herat, and Jalalabad to a great extent. Today, a significant portion of dairy products is manufactured within Afghanistan, reducing the country’s reliance on exports from Iran and Pakistan to meet the dairy needs of the Afghan population.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. Poultry: Several 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.

Relief & Humanitarian Assistance

PRB has played a crucial role in providing relief during various man-made and natural disasters. Natural disasters such as droughts, earthquakes, floods, and avalanches, as well as man-made disasters like destruction caused by conflicts and landmines, have been areas where PRB has actively participated in relief efforts. One significant initiative was the Subsidized Bread Sales Program launched by the World Food Programme (WFP) in Kabul city in January 1994 and PRB assumed responsibility of monitoring of these bakeries. The program aimed to address widespread hunger and famine. The initiative was extended to Jalal Abad as well. Over 133 bakeries were enlisted to provide subsidized bread to more than 225,000 beneficiaries, including disabled individuals, widows, and the impoverished. This program not only provided essential food support but also helped alleviate hunger among vulnerable groups in these areas. In late 1998, PRB engaged in the rehabilitation of earthquake-resistant shelters in Share Buzurg, Badakhshan, and Rustaq in Takhar provinces following an earthquake. Similarly, from 2000 to 2001, PRB implemented various projects in drought-affected areas of northern provinces such as Balkh, Faryab, and Badakhshan. These projects included distributing food in exchange for work, providing improved wheat and fertilizer, digging wells, rehabilitating canals, reconstructing roads, and constructing shelters. During the severe drought that struck Badakhshan province in 2009-2010, OXFAM GB identified districts Yawan and Argo as the most affected areas. PRB, with funding from OXFAM GB, conducted a comprehensive survey of both districts and implemented a project that included distributing wheat seeds to farmers, constructing water supply systems, building toilets, reconstructing villages, rehabilitating roads, and promoting hygiene practices.

Empowerment of Women and Recovering Tradition Handcraft

In the pre-war era, handicrafts were widely practiced across Afghanistan, with each region having its own traditional crafts. PRB focused on promoting key handicrafts in its area of operation to improve the livelihoods of the local community. The main crafts in PRB’s income generation programs include carpet weaving, tailoring, flower making, jewelry, leatherwork, knitting, Patu weaving, and embroidery. The primary objective of oPRB is to empower women by leveraging all available resources, with a specific focus on empowering women and revitalizing traditional handicrafts. By combining these efforts, we aim to equip women with the tools and opportunities they need to achieve self-sufficiency. Through promoting skill development, fostering entrepreneurship, and preserving cultural heritage, we aspire to create a sustainable impact that enables women to thrive independently. Fortunately, PRB has been a pioneer in spearheading these efforts. However, due to prolonged armed conflict, many small-scale handicrafts unique to specific regions of Afghanistan suffered a decline. PRB has been working to revive these crafts as sustainable sources of income for the communities it serves.
For instance, the displacement of Turkmen and Uzbek communities in northern and western provinces led to the loss of traditional carpet weaving skills. PRB intervened by supporting carpet weavers through training programs in Kabul and Faryab, providing them with tools, materials, and resources to restart commercial carpet weaving. PRB also conducts vocational training programs in embroidery, leatherwork, patu weaving, and jewelry making in regions where these crafts have deep roots in the community. These initiatives aim to preserve traditional handicrafts, empower individuals with valuable skills, and stimulate economic activity in these areas.

• 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. Afghanistan is renowned for producing the finest quality lapis lazuli, a gemstone that has been highly prized for centuries. Its exceptional quality has been appreciated since ancient times, the blue lapis lazuli stone in the famous funeral mask of the Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun was exported from Badakhshan in Afghanistan to Egypt in 1300 BC. Crafting ornaments and jewelry with lapis lazuli and silver presents an affordable alternative to using gold, making it a popular choice in the jewelry industry. Moreover, the accessibility of lapis lazuli has created opportunities for women to engage in this sector and generate a substantial income. Recognizing this potential, an institute conducted a study from both economic and social perspectives. Subsequently, they initiated a training program aimed at empowering women by teaching them the art of producing decorative items and crafting jewelry.Through this program, numerous women acquired the necessary skills to create exquisite decorative pieces and jewelry, enabling them to not only earn extra income but also contribute to the growth of the industry. This initiative has not only empowered women economically but has also enriched their lives by providing them with a means to showcase their creativity and talent in the realm of jewelry-making.
• 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.

Building and Restoring Public Infrastructure

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.

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
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.
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.
4. Irrigation Structure and Rehabilitation: 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. Parwan Canal: The Parwan canal, drawing water from the Panjshir River in Parwan, is a vital resource in a densely populated area north of Kabul, providing water to tens of thousands of people. This canal plays a crucial role in irrigating vast lands in the northern plains, particularly in the Shamali region known for its vineyards and home to the famous Bagram airbase. In 1999, the canal faced severe damage due to conflict, leading to the disruption of irrigation water supply to a significant portion of the Shamali plain. Following discussions in INGO and NGO forums, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) stepped in as a donor and collaborated with the PRB to develop a strategy for rehabilitation among numerous competitors. Despite facing challenges, the PRB successfully restored the canal during a harsh winter, ensuring its operation. Today, after passing through twenty-five dams, the water channel reaches the Parwan canal, marking a remarkable achievement and a testament to our collective success.
6. 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.
7. Survey: PRB’s expertise was sought by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) to conduct a meticulous survey of poppy varieties specific to the Badakhshan province. The survey was executed with precision and efficiency, resulting in a comprehensive report that was promptly delivered to UNODC. Impressed by the quality of work, UNODC extended their request for a more expansive poppy cultivation survey encompassing Badakhshan, Takhar, Kunduz, and Balkh provinces. This subsequent survey, conducted between 1998-1999, was executed successfully by PRB, and the detailed findings were compiled into a comprehensive report that was submitted to UNODC for further analysis and action. The collaboration between PRB and UNODC proved instrumental in providing valuable insights into poppy cultivation practices.
8. 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.