Several years since the fall of the Taleban, Afghanistan remains one of the poorest countries in the world with an average life expectancy of just 43 and widespread security problems. However, there are real opportunities for Oxfam's work to make a difference.

In Ashterlay district of Daikundi province, livestock is vital for the local economy - local communities derive more than 40% of their income from livestock production because animals provide milk to drink and wool to sell. However, droughts in recent years have meant that livestock levels have fallen to as low as 35% of normal stocks. Farmers have to spend a lot of time collecting livestock fodder far from their villages, reducing the time they have for other activities like tending to crops.

Oxfam Unwrapped funding has helped communities in the region to improve their livelihoods and food security by distributing sheep, and by training the recipients how to feed, shelter and provide medical care to their animals.

Fatima's story

Fatima is a widow living in Baghal e Kando village of Ashterlay district with her 4 children. Her husband died when the Taliban captured her village in 1998. She says: "I have no agricultural land and our life [depended on] livestock production, but since my husband died I sold all our livestock and assets and [we had] nothing left for us."

When Oxfam distributed animals in the village, the Community Development Council identified Fatima as being in need of assistance. She received two female sheep, and animal vaccinations. She is now "very happy" to have animals again. Her income has increased and she plans to send her two younger children to school this year.