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University of Maryland Takes Leadership Role in Helping Afghan Farmers
T
tural sector can be an engine his past December, for economic growth, not only AGNR faculty member by raising on-farm incomes, but Jim Hanson, an extenalso off farm incomes from value sion economist and associate added processing, selling inputs, professor in the Department and increasing transport and of Agricultural and Resource other services in the value chain.” Economics, traveled to The recommendations for the Afghanistan as the team project include: revitalizing seven leader for a group of American agricultural research and extenand Afghan faculty experts sion centers in Afghanistan and who are working to revitalmaking them the central focus for ize agricultural research and delivery of new technologies and extension services in the The Agricultural Research and Extension Design and Implementation educational services to farmers; war-torn nation. The job of Team at the Badam Bagh Agricultural Research Station in Kabul Province. Associate Professor Hanson is fourth from the right. supporting six satellite stations the Agricultural Research and focusing on livestock programs; Extension Design and Implefunding agricultural research and extension programs in mentation Team was to develop a plan for the $115 million field crops, horticultural crops, natural resources, livestock, that USAID is providing for the project that will go out to bid and socio-economic subjects; providing post-graduate this coming spring. Agriculture is the largest component educational programs for agricultural specialists and extenof the Afghanistan economy, and Hanson explains that, “A sion agents; and creating a competitive grants program to robust agricultural economy will play a major role in helpimprove research and extension at the centers and to build ing to stem poppy production and create both economic partnerships with Afghanistan universities. and political stability.” Hanson is an expert in international The team’s successful presentation in December to agricultural extension, farm management, and sustainable USAID sets the stage for the bidding process to get underagriculture. He adds that this project aims to increase the way this spring. v productivity and profitability of farmers in Afghanistan. “It is important to emphasize that even farmers provided with By David Ottalini, Senior Media Relations Associate education and improved technology still need a micro-credit system, access to inputs (like seeds, equipment and fertilizer), and connection to markets if they are going to be profitable.” The report emphasizes: “A strengthened legitimate agricul-
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