Project Name: Alternative Livelihood and Food Security Assistance to Communities Susceptible to Narcotics Production and Trade in Helmand, Nangarhar, and Laghman provinces  

Donor: UNODC  

Implementer: DACAAR  

Project Start Date: 1^st March 2022  

Project End Date: 31^st December 2024  

Saeed Anwar, a resident of Wada Ton village, received comprehensive support under the Alternative Livelihood and Food Security Assistance project. The assistance aimed to empower individuals in areas vulnerable to narcotics production and trade by providing them with sustainable and legal means of livelihood.

Anwar participated in hygiene and milk production process training conducted by the DACAAR Technical team. The training covered both theoretical and practical aspects of milk production, equipping him with essential skills to enhance his capacity.

In addition to training, Anwar received the following materials and equipment for milk production:

- Buttermilk Machine

- Milk bucket

- Milk filter

- Pot for yogurt-making

- Nets and tablets for cheese-making

- Jar for butter storage

- Pot for boiling milk

- Dettol soap and Pyodine for hygiene maintenance

Saeed Anwar’s cheese production

The training and equipment provided have significantly transformed Anwar's livelihood. He now produces cheese from milk and sells it in the Ali Shang district's bazaar. This new venture has proven lucrative, allowing Anwar to meet his family's daily needs and invest in his children's education and health.

"I gained training in the milk production process and learned various types of milk production processes. I want to continue the milk production process because I already produce 35 kg of cheese a month and sell 1 kg for 350 Afghani. This income meets my daily needs." Anwar said.

Reflecting on his journey, Anwar acknowledges the project's role in his success but emphasizes the ongoing need for support to expand his enterprise further. His story exemplifies how initiatives like this not only foster economic independence but also foster hope and resilience in communities once plagued by instability.

By empowering individuals like Saeed Anwar, the project not only provides sustainable income opportunities but also contributes to reducing dependency on illicit activities in vulnerable communities.

Saeed Anwar with cheese produced by him

Written by: Israrullah Sahil