BEST Launches Farmer Support Programme with UNOPS Across Six Provinces

Basic Education and Employable Skill Training (BEST) has commenced implementation of the WERP/NOORAB Farmer Support Organisation initiative in partnership with UNOPS Afghanistan, funded by the World Bank. Running from April to December 2026, the programme supports vulnerable farming households in Badakhshan, Takhar, Balkh, Laghman, Kunar, and Ghor provinces.

The programme combines three mutually reinforcing components: cash-for-work opportunities tied to productive agricultural infrastructure, distribution of seeds, tools, and essential agricultural inputs to restore farm productivity, and support for women- and youth-led micro, small, and medium enterprises linked to agricultural value chains.

Agriculture remains the primary livelihood source for the majority of Afghan families. Through this initiative, BEST is helping rural communities rebuild productive capacity, strengthen market linkages, and sustain income beyond the project cycle.

This programme reflects BEST’s growing agriculture and rural livelihoods portfolio, delivered alongside its long-standing work in education, vocational training, civil society capacity building, and health.