Oxfam's work in Afghanistan in depth

Three decades of war and disorder have caused widespread destruction of government institutions and facilities. Oxfam first provided support to projects in Afghanistan in 1964, and has been directly providing humanitarian and development assistance in the country since 1991, including during Taliban rule.

Oxfam in Afghanistan

Currently, Oxfam GB is working in 65 villages within two provinces, helping communities to improve their means of earning a sufficient, sustainable living; and is supporting the National Solidarity Programme (which supports development projects led by elected community councils) in six districts.

Since 2001, we have implemented a rural development and water and sanitation project in the southern provinces of Zabul and Kandahar: we have extended the water distribution network, built sanitation facilities, provided vocational training to women and trained local authority personnel.

Oxfam promotes gender equality in every aspect of its poverty-reduction work around the world – and makes every effort to ensure that women and men benefit equally from it. Working with Oxfam affiliates, we are now prioritising community-led development activities. We are establishing civil society groups (especially in agriculture, livestock and horticulture); training participants to become community trainers; and forming women’s self-help groups to encourage their leadership and social and economic participation at community and household levels. This work also includes liaising with local government officials.

We continue to respond to recurrent humanitarian emergencies. For example, we continue to work with vulnerable communities in drought-affected areas.

Oxfam calls for policy change that will reduce poverty and promote rural development, reconstruction and stability. We advocate stronger arms controls; greater support to peace-building at local level; increased support for agriculture; international trade policies that support poverty reduction; greater resources for reforming the education system; and for increased and more effective international assistance to the country. We’re also pressing for greater protection and support for civilians, displaced people and refugees – all of whom are at risk every day because of the country’s insecurity and the ongoing military operations.

Last updated: July 08