Introduction and Background
Rangelands account for 79% of Afghanistan’s agricultural land and are mostly used as community property. Rangelands are crucial for livestock production, which is of particular importance for the livelihoods and food security of poor and landless households. However, in the absence of effective governing systems, a growing population puts increased pressure on rangeland resources, resulting in their degradation through unsustainable use of vegetation and soil erosion, putting the rangelands at risk of desertification.
The Rangeland Management (RAMA) project is a 12-year programme of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) with the first phase (2018-22) implemented in 33 rangelands in Daykundi province. RAMA is co-funded by the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA) and the Swiss Development Cooperation (SDC). Afghanaid and The Liaison Office (TLO) are supporting MAIL in implementing RAMA Phase 1. RAMA supports the implementation of the National NRM Strategy by promoting the creation and implementation of community-based rangeland management plans.