Bibi Nazia, a farmer in Badizai village, in Kandahar Province, struggled to provide for her family. As the head of her household, she faced drought, poor seed quality, and limited access to fertilizers, challenges that significantly reduced crop yields and left her family vulnerable.

To address these hardships, the Special Trust Fund for Afghanistan (STFA) Joint Programme (JP) introduced a greenhouse farming initiative to help vulnerable households improve food security and increase incomes. After a thorough assessment, Nazia was selected as one of the 50 families in Arghistan District to receive a greenhouse package.

The package included a 1,000-litre water tank, a tank tower, a water pump, greenhouse plastic, an iron structure, drip irrigation pipes, a power button, and high-quality seeds, including 15 grams of cucumber seeds and five grams of tomato seeds. Alongside these inputs, Nazia participated in a comprehensive training programme covering greenhouse cultivation, maintenance, irrigation techniques, and market linkages to ensure she could maximize her production.

In October 2023, Nazia received her greenhouse and all necessary equipment. Within weeks, she started growing fresh vegetables, ensuring a steady supply of nutritious food for her family while earning income from surplus produce sold in local markets.

“Before, I struggled to provide food for my children. Now, not only do we have enough vegetables at home, but I can also sell the extra and support my family financially.” She said.

By integrating modern agricultural techniques with local farming traditions, the STFA JP is ensuring rural communities are adapting to climate change challenges and sustaining long-term productivity. For Nazia and many other farmers, this greenhouse represents more than just a structure; it is an opportunity and a step toward self-sufficiency.