In Nawur district in Ghazni province, dairy farming has traditionally served as a key source of income. Women are responsible for all production activities, while men typically manage the marketing. 

However, challenges such as unpredictable weather, dated farming practices, and limited access to markets have kept incomes low and food insecurity high. Many farmers face difficulties related to hygiene, limited technical knowledge, and a lack of necessary resources. With few opportunities to sell beyond their local areas, they often market small quantities of lower-quality products at low prices, restricting their financial advancement. 

To address these constraints, the Joint Programme (JP), in partnership with Afghanistan National Re-Construction Coordination, supported women-headed households with comprehensive dairy packages. These included essential tools and hygiene equipment such as stainless-steel milk buckets, filters, mugs, and 40-litre milk cans to improve hygiene and product quality. In addition to equipment provision, farmers received practical training on improved dairy farming techniques, hygiene standards, and approaches to enhance both product quality and marketability.  

Recognizing the limitations of supporting individual farmers in isolation, the project established common interest groups in each village. Each group brought together 20 women farmers to facilitate collaboration, knowledge exchange, and joint production and marketing efforts. This collective approach enabled them to access provincial markets, where they were able to secure better prices and expand their income-generating potential. 

Prior to the intervention, farmers sold 7 kg of whey (chakidah) for AFN 250 in local markets. With improved production practices and market access, the same quantity now sells for AFGN 750 – a threefold increase. On average, each household now produces 120 kg of diverse, high-quality dairy products per month, contributing to improved household incomes and greater food availability. The additional earnings have enabled families to invest in essential equipment, improve nutrition, and reinvest in their farming activities. 

“The difference is huge,” said Zahra, a local farmer. “Not only has our income increased, but we also feel more confident in the quality of our products and our ability to compete in larger markets.” 

In an area where food insecurity and limited economic opportunities persist, the initiative has expanded the role of women in local economies, increased household earnings, and strengthened the rural dairy value chain.