Middle East regional project 298-0353 · 1978 · Experience, Inc.

Agriculture in Afghanistan, particularly small farmer agriculture, is hampered by inadequate irrigation systems and inappropriate use of water and land resources. This study identifies three main problem areas inhibiting development of irrigated agriculture in Afghanistan and proposes possible solutions. Failure to effectively inventory and exploit resources and lack of adequate conveyance systems limit available irrigation supplies, the use of which is further constrained by the reluctance or inability of farmers to adopt irrigation practices. Several solutions proposed for this resource problem are to: (1) establish a National Water Resources Committee (NWRC) responsible for the review of all proposed projects; (2) develop groundwater resources by drilling wells and by artificially introducing water; (3) undertake a comprehensive soil inventory and description; (4) conduct a soil/water conservation program for irrigated catchment areas; and (5) construct surface water storage reservoirs. The problem of conveyance system inadequacies can be lessened by construction of new river diversions and consolidation of existing ones; introduction of supply pumps; and reductions in the amoun

Source: DEC abstract, PN-AAH-668 (1978). The source's own text.