Mr. Hayatullah filling the reservoir with water, that is used for sustainable irrigation of newly planted saplings by the FAO/GEF project. ©FAO/ Sharifullah Safi

Afghanistan has approximately 1.78 million hectares of forest and shrubs accounting for about 2.8 percent of the total land area. However, there was a rapid decline in forest and shrubs cover between 1990 to 2000 - deforested at an annual average rate of 2.3 percent.

Kunar in eastern Afghanistan is characterized by a rugged mountainous landscape and is sparsely populated. The province is famous for pine, cedar, conifers, and deciduous tree species. Intense deforestation caused severe environmental damage, such as heavy sedimentation in the Kunar River, floods, and landslides.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), with funding from the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and in collaboration with the communities in Asmar and Manogi districts, is supporting the rural societies by constructing 73 water reservoirs with different capacities to curb soil erosion, help in water conservation, and sustainably manage forests.

Tela Mohammad, a beneficiary of the project and a member of the Sondry Aw Shamond Forest Management Association (FMA) in the Manogai district who was assisted to build a water reservoir with a water capacity of 36 cubic meters along with being issued with 2100 walnut saplings,  stated that prior to the construction of water reservoir and plantation of walnut saplings, the area seemed to be like a desert and there was no sign of life.

“After the reservoir was constructed, the spring water was conserved, and the walnut saplings that were provided by FAO were planted. The area started turning green and unmistakable signs of biodiversity can now be seen,” he said.

This effort not only aimed to raise awareness among communities about proper irrigation and restoration of degraded forests but also to increase biomass, promote biodiversity conservation, enhance carbon sequestration, as well as reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“I built a house near the afforestation site and shifted my family to look after the saplings as I prepared the rest of my land for gardening, as well as to grow fruit and non-fruit trees for a better bio-diversified environment while sustainably using the available water resource,” Tela Mohammed added.

Mr. Hayatullah Himat, a resident of Gondil village as well as a member of Managi FMA, received 3000 walnut and 1000 pinus eldarica saplings, a long with a water reservoir of 150 cubic meters to support irrigation.

“Previously, I used rainwater for irrigation and sometimes waited for months to have rainfall. The lack of a reliable water supply often led to crop failures and financial losses. However, after the construction of the water reservoir, I am able to irrigate my plants whenever needed throughout the year, regardless of whether there’s rain or not. The reservoir is fed by available uphill spring water” he said.

He added that the reservoir helped him irrigate over 30 ha of land as well as assisted in restoring the groundwater table which has enhanced access to drinking water and reduced the risk of drought.

Conservation and management of water resources are vital factors for economic growth and meeting the people’s needs for food. FAO contributes to improving water management and avoiding forest degradation to enhance crop productivity and environmental sustainability.