Afghanistan
Afghanistan has been suffering from war since the beginning of the Soviet occupation in 1979, followed by a civil war resulting in an enormous impact on the country. Since the US-led “Operation Enduring Freedom” toppled the Taliban regime in 2001, the country has embarked on economic reforms and democratisation that are blocked by the resistance of warlords and Taliban in various parts of Afghanistan.
The country’s economy has grown since then, but mainly due to the influx of foreign aid. Illegal growing of poppy and the drugs production make up an estimated 30% the actual GDP. Returning refugees bring both initiative and money to the country.
The economy is highly dependent on agriculture. About two-thirds of the population live in rural areas. But 80% of these people have to survive on less than 1 dollar a day. Only 31% have access to improved water sources, and less than 1% to adequate sanitation. Over the last few years, overgrazing, deforestation, desertification and serious droughts have impacted the environment.
WECF with its partner Katachel e.V. aim to improve the rural conditions through ecological sanitation and better access to safe drinking water. The gender imbalance in Afghanistan increases the importance of WECF's work.
Information, 19 Jan 2010: Concerning the as yet uncleared information regarding misappropriation of goods or property by Katachel Afghanistan, WECF has decided to put its relationship with this NGO on hold until the situation has been clarified.
WECF Projects in this country
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Empowerment & Local Action (ELA) Building the capacity of poor local communities in rural areas. Partners: NGOs in several countries Issues: Energy, Agriculture, Water, Sanitation Duration: 01/2008 - 12/2010 |
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Afghanistan - Empowerment & Local Action Building the capacity of poor local communities in rural areas in Afghanistan. Partners: Katachel e. V. Issues: Agriculture, Energy, Water Duration: 01/2008 - 12/2010 |
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Afghanistan - Tapping Resources WECF and Katachel Afghanistan working on improved sanitation for the Kunduz region Partners: Katachel Afghanistan Issues: Poverty, Agriculture, Water, Sanitation Duration: 01/2005 - 12/2007 |
Latest News
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German aid worker wins Afghan hearts |
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Safe Sanitation and Water supply for 30,000 low-income people in the EECCA region |
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Afghanistan: project report November 2006 |
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WECF and Kata Khill Project Report 2005 |
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Afghanistan project, 2nd school almost finished |
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WECF press release - Afghanistan |
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WECF members in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan providing water and sanitation in conflict and disaster areas are the “fire-fighters”. |
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Two new WECF publications on dry eco-toilets |
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School built by WECF and Katachel in Afghanistan has been festively opened |
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Start up of the Afghanistan Project |
