The Afghanistan Humanitarian Trust Fund (AHTF) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) have signed a US$1 million grant agreement to launch a new agricultural and food security initiative in Afghanistan, funded by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD).

The agreement aims to support smallholder farmers, strengthen rural livelihoods, and help communities build resilience amid widespread food insecurity. The project will be implemented by the ICRC in partnership with the Afghan Red Crescent Society (ARCS).

Managed by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), the AHTF was established following a decision by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation’s Council of Foreign Ministers in December 2021. The fund serves as a mechanism to channel humanitarian aid, address urgent needs, and promote sustainable development across Afghanistan.

According to AHTF, nearly 80% of Afghanistan’s population depends on agriculture. However, farmers continue to struggle with limited resources, climate-related shocks, and deteriorating rural infrastructure.

The new initiative will promote improved farming practices and provide income-generating opportunities through a range of interventions, including cash-for-work programs focused on rehabilitating irrigation systems, strengthening land protection measures, and improving water management. The project will also distribute support grants and offer capacity-building training for farmers.

ICRC Head of Delegation in Afghanistan, Katharina Ritz, said the program would have both immediate and long-term impact. “By empowering local farmers, we are not only improving immediate food supplies but also fostering long-term resilience and stability,” she said.

Dr. Walid Abdelwahab, Director of the IsDB Group Regional Hub in Türkiye, said the partnership reflects “the power of collaboration in tackling critical humanitarian challenges,” thanking the Saudi Fund for Development for enabling thousands of Afghan families to strengthen food security and economic resilience.

The project is expected to support over 10,000 people, including financial assistance for 761 farming households and specialized training on crop planting, pest control, and irrigation management for dozens of farmers across eastern, northern, and northeastern Afghanistan. More than 500 people will also benefit from temporary employment through cash-for-work activities.

The IsDB and ICRC have previously partnered on humanitarian initiatives in Afghanistan. In 2022, the IsDB supported an ICRC health program that supplied medicines and medical equipment to more than 40 hospitals and health centers, benefitting an estimated 1.7 million people nationwide.