Background and Objectives:
Afghanistan is prone to a number of natural disasters that have adversely affected a large number of already vulnerable communities throughout the country.
Afghanistan, with a total geographical area of 652,225 square kilometres, is a landlocked country with a semi arid climate. The Hindu Kush mountain range runs like a backbone from the north east to the south west and is the prime factor behind the formation of precipitation.
This has allowed the formation of glaciers, snow and water reservoirs, which in turn have contributed to the formation of lush and fertile plains and valleys. The Margo and Sistan deserts to the south west of the country bear witness to the fact that without the Hindu Kush, Afghanistan would have been a barren desert very much like the Arabian Peninsula.
As Afghanistan is vulnerable to natural disasters such as earthquakes, floods and droughts, this project introduces a culture of prevention and preparedness. This is done through the identification and implementation of community-based disaster mitigation measures in carefully selected pilot areas.
Activities:
The main activities include:
Preparing training packages for flood preparedness and mitigation in order to develop community awareness and preparedness.
Conducting Training On Trainers (TOTs) for the Disaster Preparedness and Community Action Plan (CAP) for national and provincial trainers.
Preparing TOT guidelines for earthquakes, droughts and floods.
Conducting disaster preparedness and Community Action Plan workshops.
Preparing public information materials and producing folk dramas for earthquakes, droughts and floods.
Engaging mass media to conduct media campaigns.
Results:
Guidelines developed on earthquake, flood and drought preparedness and mitigation.
Public information materials disseminated in 34 provinces: 20,000 earthquake posters, 20,000 flood posters, 22,000 flood brochures, 20,000 drought posters, and 20,000 drought brochures.
524 Community Action Plans for floods developed.
5,960 CDC and community members participated in the earthquake preparedness and Community Action Plan workshop in 598 villages. Of the total participants 22 per cent were female.
6,573 district officials, Community Development Councils and community members participated in a Community Action Plan flood workshop in 534 villages. Of the total participants 24 per cent were female.
1,754 district officials, Community Development Councils and community members participated in a Community Action Plan drought workshop in 157 villages. Of the total participants 25 per cent were female.
