In the remote village of Piyar, located in Duab district, Nuristan province, Afghanistan, life becomes increasingly difficult as winter approaches. The harsh cold, heavy snowfall, and lack of basic facilities threaten not only the well-being of the villagers but also their primary source of livelihood—livestock. For families like Meer Saeed’s, livestock are the backbone of their survival, and the winter season puts them at risk of losing their animals, which could mean losing everything.

Before DACAAR’s intervention, many villagers were forced to sell off some of their animals just to keep the remaining ones alive. The situation was dire, as they lacked the necessary resources to care for their livestock during the harsh winter months. The fear of losing their animals to the cold and hunger loomed large.

In October 2023, a lifeline arrived in the form of the "Food Assistance, Livelihood Protection, and Restoration for Food Insecure Vulnerable People in Nuristan Province" project, funded by the Afghanistan Humanitarian Fund (AHF) https://www.unocha.org/afghanistan/about-afghanistan-humanitarian-fund and implemented by DACAAR. The project provided essential support to the villagers, including 50kg of oil, 200kg of wheat straw, 50kg of wheat bran, and 2 liters of dewormer. This assistance was critical in ensuring the survival of their livestock.

Thanks to this timely intervention, Meer Saeed and his fellow villagers no longer face the grim prospect of selling their animals or borrowing money to keep them alive. “Since DACAAR assisted us, our life has changed because we don't sell our animals. Also, we are not compelled to borrow money from other people to feed our animals and protect them from hard conditions,” said Meer Saeed, expressing his relief and gratitude.

While the villagers are pleased with the support they have received; but concerns about the future remain. They worry about the sustainability of such projects, as the lack of facilities and opportunities in Nuristan continues to make life challenging. They suggest that future initiatives should focus on providing seeds for cultivating animal feed, building roads, constructing check dams, and establishing animal clinics to protect both their livestock and their way of life.

DACAAR’s project has made a significant impact on the lives of Meer Saeed and his community, ensuring that their animals, and consequently their livelihoods, are safeguarded for the winter ahead.

Written by: Israrullah Sahil