LocationsFarmers and MSMEs Thrive with UNDP Support in South and West
December 7, 2025
In the quiet village of Sarband, located in Maiwand District, Kandahar province, Kefayatullah Maiwand, a 35-year-old farmer has been tending his vineyard for over 15 years to feed his large joint family of 22 members.
Like many farmers in the region, Kefayatullah faced challenges common across Afghanistan: inadequate access to quality inputs, outdated farming tools, and minimal market access, poor pruning, irrigation, pest management, and harvesting practices-all contributing to low productivity and heavy losses.
In the past, Kefayatullah lost nearly 9% of his grape harvest due to a lack of knowledge in vineyard management.
Kefayatullah Maiwand, 35, a grape farmer from Sarband village, Maiwand District, Kandahar.
Since April 2025, he has participated in six training sessions under the ACRP project of UNDP, learning modern techniques that transformed his life.
After adopting the new practices and using the tools supplied by ACRP, his losses dropped to just 3%. This not only boosted his vineyard’s productivity but also strengthened his family’s financial situation.
Before Kefayatullah’s vineyard produced about 21 tons of grapes per season, losing 3.5 tons to inefficient harvesting, making a total of 17.5 tons produced per season at a value of $5250 each ton for $300. His production has now increased to 24 tons, valued at USD 6,900 in each harvest season. This increase, combined with improved grape quality, has raised demand in the marketplace, leading to higher income.
“Now, with the support I received from ACRP, I can deliver better-quality grapes to the market and earn more income for my family.” Says Kefayatullah Maiwand
Kefayatullah Maiwand in his vineyard, Maiwand District, Kandahar.
With support of UNDP, Kefayatullah has hired ten male farmers, each supporting their own families, indirectly benefiting around 55 people in the community.
In another corner of Kandahar, Bibi Shabnam Khpalwak from Naqeleen village in Daman district is busy making pickles and jam. Since her husband has a physical disability Razia has to support her family of four - her husband and three children - on her own.
Shabnam, a UNDP-supported entrepreneur, expanded her production from 300 kg to 2,000 kg per month after accessing new markets.
“This successful business provides a future for our families and our village,” says Shabnam.
With support of UNDP, Shabnam constructed a processing center in her village, upgraded equipment, and hired ten additional women. Her enterprise now employs 20 women, most of them sole providers for their families, and her company is valued at USD 20,000 in capital.
Shabnam, a home-based entrepreneur
Afghanistan Community Resilience Program (ACRP) provides a comprehensive package of quality inputs to farmers, including urea and Di-Ammonium Phosphate fertilizers, pruning and harvesting shears, and harvesting baskets, along with hands-on training. This training, delivered both one-on-one in vineyards and through group sessions, focuses on strengthening pre- and post-harvest agricultural practices.
Through the ACRP project, UNDP aims to promote alternative livelihood practices. Thousands of farmers and MSMEs in the southern and western regions received support. Their enhanced skills not only strengthen their resilience and food security but also reflect the broader transformation taking place in the region from conflict-affected agriculture to inclusive and sustainable rural development.
Supporting Farmers and MSMEs in South and West
UNDP Afghanistan is working with farmers and MSMEs in country to equip them with modern learning techniques that transform their approach and enhance the quality of their harvests and products. So far, 4,475 farmers, including 2,038 women and 20 MSMEs, of which 7 are women-led, have been supported with grants across the southern and western regions.
