Local Governance

Background:

Awlyar community is one of the targeted communities in Gulistan District of Farah Province where the Rural Rehabilitation and Agriculture Assistance (RRAA) successfully implemented the Afghanistan Community Resilience and Livelihoods Project (ACRLP) with funding from UNOPS.

The project aimed to strengthen local governance, improve livelihoods, and support the most vulnerable households through a community-led approach. Prior to the intervention, the community lacked the structural capacity to actively participate in planning, decision-making, and oversight of development activities.

Objectives:

The project was implemented under the leadership of the Community Representative Group (CRG) and facilitated by RRAA. Interventions included:

• Institutional capacity building of community structures through the CRG.
• Short-term job creation (Cash for Work) and improved access to basic services.
• Financial support provided to the most vulnerable households.
• Women empowered with skills and productive assets to support income generation.

In addition to the CRG, sub-groups were established, including the Community Participatory Monitoring and Grievance Redress Mechanism (CPM/GRM) and a Vulnerable Group Sub-Committee. RRAA provided the required training regarding responsibilities and increasing awareness of how to address community challenges transparently.

Impact & Success:

As a result, the community developed strong ownership of the project and its outcomes. One of the most notable and sustainable achievements is the establishment of a community grain bank.

This initiative was led by the Vulnerable Sub-group and supported by the wider community. Community members contributed seasonal agricultural products, which are recorded in a logbook. The stored grain is then distributed to the most vulnerable households, ensuring food security and social solidarity throughout the year, without external support.

The Awlyar success story demonstrates how community-driven development, when supported by strong facilitation and inclusive governance, can lead to lasting resilience, empowerment, and sustainable local solutions.