Afghanistan’s western provinces — Farah, Badghis, and Herat — have faced many challenges over the years. Conflict, lack of infrastructure, and difficult living conditions have slowed down development in these areas.
However, these provinces also have great potential, especially in agriculture. Local farmers have been growing products like saffron, honey, and silk for generations. These traditional crops are the foundation of their livelihoods and can be a key to economic recovery if the right steps are taken.
Local economies are largely agrarian, with farmers and small-scale producers driving economic activity.
One important step toward recovery is market research, a process that helps us better understand the local economy. It involves talking to farmers, visiting markets, and gathering information about which products are selling well and which are not, helping us decide which crops have the best chance to succeed. In regions like Farah, Badghis, and Herat, market research provides a clear picture of how we can support local farmers and businesses.
In a recent project, Adroit combined market research with value chain analysis to identify opportunities in products such as saffron, silk, honey, pistachios, raisins, and jujubes. Value chain analysis examines every stage of a product’s journey — from how it’s grown to how it reaches the market. By understanding the needs of local farmers and small businesses, Adroit provided insights that could improve livelihoods and boost economic growth, even in conflict-affected areas.
Through fieldwork, we spoke directly with farmers and market vendors to understand the challenges they face and find ways to improve their production and market access. Adroit conducted focus group discussion, interviews, surveys, and direct observations of farmers and markets. These activities helped identify challenges and opportunities in each value chain.
This essay explores the resilience of local farmers, the potential of emerging markets, and the impact of empowering women in agriculture. The photos capture local farmers, markets, and community life, offering a glimpse into the resilience and traditions of these regions, all taken during the fieldwork phase.
Farmers on the Frontline
For centuries, farming has been the backbone of life in Afghanistan, passed down through generations. Agriculture is not only essential for survival but also deeply tied to the culture and identity of rural communities. Despite ongoing challenges — such as conflict, water shortages, and limited resources — farming continues to sustain millions of Afghan families, making it a cornerstone of the country’s economy.
In Farah, Haji Abdul*, a seasoned farmer, continues to use the traditional farming methods his family has relied on for generations. His saffron fields are a testament to this enduring way of life. However, he faces modern challenges, including limited access to water and markets. Haji Abdul remains hopeful that, with improved infrastructure and support, farmers like him can expand their production and reach new markets, securing a better future for their families.
In Badghis, Zainullah* is part of a growing group of farmers adopting new techniques. With water scarcity threatening honey production, Zainullah turned to drip irrigation and modern beekeeping methods. These innovations have allowed him to increase yields while conserving water. Inspired by market research, Zainullah’s success has encouraged other farmers in his community to embrace change while staying rooted in tradition.
Local Markets: The Pulse of Economic Life
In provinces like Herat, Baghdis, and Farah, local markets are the heart of economic activity. These markets connect farmers and small producers directly with consumers, making them a vital part of the community. Every day, farmers sell their goods — from saffron and silk to honey and raisins — allowing them to earn a living and support their families.
Market research has shown that while these markets are important, they also face several challenges. Many markets lack proper infrastructure, and farmers struggle with limited access to information about pricing and demand. This makes it difficult for them to get the best price for their products or to know which crops will sell well.
Herat’s bustling community markets serve as a crucial connection between local producers and consumers. This photo captures the scene of a seasoned merchant conducting business, highlighting the enduring importance of traditional market exchanges in sustaining livelihoods. While these markets are vital to the local economy, the value chain analysis emphasizes that enhancing access to market information and improving infrastructure could further benefit small-scale traders and farmers alike.
Tapping into Untapped Markets
Through our value chain analysis, three products stood out as having the most potential for growth: honey, jujubes, and pistachios. These products could see great success locally and internationally with the right support. By investing in better roads, storage facilities, and market connections, farmers could tap into larger markets, driving economic growth in regions like Farah, Badghis, and Herat.
Honey Producers in Farah
Honey production has been an important part of life in Farah for generations. It provides steady income for many families, but our research has shown even more room for growth. Diversifying honey products, improving quality, and increasing access to new markets could allow local producers to expand their businesses. By forming cooperatives, honey producers could also share resources and negotiate better prices.
Reviving Heritage Crops
Badghis is well known for its pistachio cultivation. Despite challenges like droughts and instability, the pistachio industry in Badghis has shown growth potential. With better resource management and investment, pistachios could play an important role in boosting Afghanistan’s agricultural economy.
Women as Economic Catalysts
In many parts of Afghanistan, especially in provinces like Farah, women play a crucial role in agriculture. They are deeply involved in growing and processing products like jujubes and silk, contributing significantly to their families’ incomes and the local economy. However, women often face barriers such as limited access to resources, credit, and training, which makes it harder for them to fully realize their potential.
In Farah, women like Mariam* are central to the success of jujube farming. Mariam works tirelessly in the fields, ensuring the quality of the jujube harvest, which is becoming an increasingly important product for both local and international markets.
Our market research shows that empowering women through better access to these resources can have a huge impact, not just on their individual success but on the entire community. When women like Miriam are given the tools they need — such as business training and access to credit — they can improve production, increase profits, and even lead local initiatives.
Rebuilding Through Value Chains: Key Drivers for Economic Growth
Our value chain analysis highlighted honey, jujubes, and pistachios as products with great potential for market growth. These products, long grown in the region, have room to thrive with the right support and investments.
One such example is Rahimullah*, a honey producer from Farah, who initially struggled with outdated methods. Through training and market research, he learned how to diversify his products and improve their quality. Rahimullah also joined a cooperative, which gave him access to better resources and markets. Now, his honey business is thriving, setting a new standard for production in the region.
A similar story unfolds with pistachio farming in Badghis, where farmers have faced political instability and environmental challenges like drought. Despite these obstacles, market research and government support have helped them better manage resources. Today, pistachio farmers in Badghis are exporting their products internationally, a sign of hope for Afghanistan’s agricultural revival.
Community Solutions and Collective Voices
Market research goes beyond identifying profitable products — it also helps bring communities together. Through focus groups and interviews, farmers expressed a need for better infrastructure, training, and support for cooperative models that could empower small-scale producers.
Our focus group discussions in Badghis and Farah played a crucial role in uncovering the local agricultural challenges faced by farmers. These conversations, directly with the community, revealed key issues such as limited access to credit, water scarcity, and a lack of market information. More than just identifying problems, the discussions highlighted potential solutions and emphasized the need for collaboration between farmers, local governments, and NGOs. Participants stressed that government support in the form of favorable policies, subsidies, and technical assistance is essential for helping farmers manage risks, particularly those linked to climate change and fluctuating market conditions.
The focus groups also underscored the importance of training and capacity building to empower small-scale farmers and local entrepreneurs. Another significant point raised was the value of forming cooperatives. Farmers recognized that by pooling resources, they could increase their bargaining power and gain better access to markets.
Conclusion
The resilience of Afghanistan’s farmers, combined with the strategic insights from market research, provides a clear path toward economic recovery. By focusing on local needs, supporting value chains, and fostering community collaboration, Afghanistan’s agricultural sector can grow stronger, even in conflict-affected areas. This photo essay offers a glimpse of the untapped potential in targeted investments and collective efforts. With the right tools and partnerships, there is hope for a sustainable and prosperous future for Afghanistan.
*Disclaimer: To protect the privacy and safety of the individuals involved, all names used in this essay have been changed.
