Labour-based Road Construction, Rehabilitation and Maintenance (LBRC)

Afghanistan is one of the least developed countries and the scene of ongoing conflicts. Poverty is widespread and especially prevalent in mountainous rural areas. Degradation of natural resources, extreme weather events and other natural hazards and lack of access to markets and services hamper development and contribute to the vulnerability of the populations.

The people in the project area mostly rely on subsistence farming. Limited livelihood options have often led to harmful survival strategies such as selling livelihood assets (e.g. livestock), migration, child labor and early marriage.

An ongoing Swiss livelihood intervention (Livelihood Improvement Project Takhar) shows promising results, which will be reinforced by disposable income and safe driveable access in the area.

Men and women, girls and boys, especially from poor families living in Rustaq district, improve their livelihoods.

The project targets the population of two watersheds in Rustaq district of Takhar province. The project area covers 24 villages with an estimated total population of 35’000 people. Over the duration of the phase (3 years), approximately 1’100 workers (= 300’000 person days of work) will be directly engaged in the construction works.

O1: Men and women, girls and boys make better use of basic services and economic opportunities.

O2: Local institutions facilitate the construction and maintenance of local roads.

Expected results:  

O1.1: Poor families in the target area earn a reliable and fair income.

O1.2: Local communities have all-year driveable access to services and markets.

O2.1: Natural Resource Management Committees and Watershed Associations coordinate and oversee con-struction works.

O2.2: Community Development Councils coordinate and oversee maintenance works.

O2.3: The provincial representation of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development is familiar with the labour-based approach and aware of its benefits.

Results from previous phases:  

The project started with an inception phase (september 2015-October 2016). So far (August 2016) the following results have been achieved:

• The road design was approved by the relevant ministry
• 10 road construction groups from 4 villages were mobilized
• 729 workers gained an average salary of CHF 104.25
• A total of 14’768 person days of work were created
• Construction is ongoing on 5 km of road
• Provincial government representatives visited the project site
• 35 youth were engaged in vocational training and child protection activities

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Livelihood Improvement Project Takhar (implemented by Terre des hommes)

National Rural Access Program (under the lead of the Ministry of Rural Rehabilitation and Development)

Enhance Balanced Education project (GIZ), Water, Sanitation and Hygiene project (DACAAR)

Phase 2 01.11.2016 - 31.10.2020   (Completed)