The Nomads Enjoy Basic Services under the Citizens’ Charter Program

Kuchi means “nomad” in both Pashto and Dari languages in Afghanistan. The nomadic (Kuchies) population has been one of the marginalized and vulnerable groups in the country and little attention has been paid to their development. This sense of displeasure and lack of attention to their development priorities in turn, created barriers to their access to quality services and their participation in development programs. Deprived of basic services, the Kuchi community manages to continue their nomadic lifestyle with having very little access to living facilities. The Government of Afghanistan has, therefore, decided to promote the access of Kuchies to basic services, required for a sustainable nomadic life and herding.

The Kuchies Development Program under the Citizens’ Charter National Priority Program of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development (MRRD/CCNPP) is designed to establish 902 Kuchie Community Development Councils (KCDCs) for settled and semi-settled Kuckie communities across Afghanistan through transparent and democratic elections to provide them with basic services in a number of sectors e.g. water supply, power/renewable energy, irrigation and transport.

As a prime example, we can indicate the protection wall constructed for a Kuchie community in Shufal Koh KCDC in Farah province. The protection wall 400 meters long and 1 meter high worth AFN 1,200,000 funded by the MRRD/CCNPP including 10% community contribution (cash, labor or in-kind) is directly benefiting more than 100 Kuchie households in this community.

“The floods would cause immense damage to our herds, livestock and belongings every year. We have shared this problem with various entities for several times. However, none of them paid any attention to our difficulties. Fortunately, the protection wall, constructed for us through the MRRD/CCNPP under the Kuchies Development Program, has helped us get rid of flood risks. The devastating floods washed away our belongings and several animals last year. We were afraid that we would face such a blow again this year although we overcame the financial losses caused by last year floods with great difficulty. Without doubt, we would lose our living tents and livestock again this year if the MRRD/CCNPP did not construct us this protection wall.” Said, Abdul Rahim the Shufal Koh KCDC Head.

“Thanks to the MRRD/CCNPP – we are living comfortably now. None of the households in our community has any fear that they would lose their belongings or herds due to floods followed by seasonal rains”, added Abdul Rahim.

Not only does Abdul Rahim feel safe, but also more than 100 Kuchie households that have thousands of animals will be at no risk of being swept away by floods in Shufal Koh Kuchi community in future.

As of now, 769 KCDCs established, 521 project proposals developed, 240 projects received financing while 128 projects are ongoing that is expected to create 166,170 labor days for both skilled and unskilled laborers Under Kuchies Development Program.

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