The Aga Khan Foundation has signed a €12m partnership agreement with the European Union in Afghanistan aiming to meet basic needs and support essential infrastructure.  

Projects looking at sustainable food practices, climate-smart agriculture, community-based employment, income-generation and savings opportunities, and market-oriented business development were all earmarked as places for funding. 

The foundation says it will directly benefit over 70,000 individuals (of which 62 per cent are women) and close to 500,000 household members across seven provinces in rural, underserved areas. 

“This project will support efforts to safeguard the livelihoods of some of the most marginalised communities in Afghanistan and build their resilience to external shocks and stressors. The funding will directly contribute to improved food and income security for vulnerable households, and promote their self-reliance”, said Najmuddin Najm, CEO of the Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan. 

The Aga Khan Foundation began working in Afghanistan in 1996, distributing food aid during the civil war. Since 2002, it has provided $1 billion in development assistance to the country via its partners.  

The foundation assists locals to restore important cultural sites, and, according to its mission statement, prioritises gender equity.

Shafi Musaddique is a news editor at Alliance magazine.