Government of Afghanistan and the World Bank sign agreement: Afghanistan Food Crisis Response Project

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Contacts:
In Kabul: Abdul Raouf Zia (93) 702 80800
Azia@worldbank.org
In Washington: Erik Nora (202) 458 4735
enora@worldbank.org

Kabul – 11 September 2008 – Today the Government of Afghanistan and the World Bank signed a US$8 million grant agreement to enhance wheat and other cereal production by supporting small scale irrigation at the community level. The agreement was signed by Finance Minister HE Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady and World Bank Country Manager Mariam J. Sherman in Kabul.

The Afghanistan Food Crisis Response Project focuses on medium-term investments needed to increase food security over time. The project will support the rehabilitation of around 500 small, traditional irrigation schemes critical to the recovery of the country’s agriculture.

"Agriculture and irrigation are priorities for the government," said HE Anwar-ul-Haq Ahady, Afghanistan Finance Minister. "Considering that nearly 70 percent of Afghanistan’s wheat production comes from irrigated lands, it is important that we give priority to the rehabilitation of irrigation systems. For the immediate response, the government is working to purchase wheat, as well as coordinating with the United Nation’s World Food Program and other aid agencies, to address the crisis."

The additional funding for community irrigation will increase the total number of small irrigation schemes supported by the Bank to over 6000 since 2002. In addition the Bank has also funded nearly US$100 million for the rehabilitation of medium-size irrigation systems.

"Afghanistan needs more resources for the current food crisis," said Mariam J. Sherman, World Bank Country Manager for Afghanistan. "The Bank’s support is a starting point and we are working closely with Afghanistan’s other development partners and relief agencies to address shortfalls."

The Bank’s new Global Food Crisis Response Program financed this project. The project will be implemented by Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development through elected Community Development Councils in the provinces most affected by drought and food shortages.