Empowering Rural Communities through Resilient and Inclusive Development

PACo’s rural development interventions aim to build resilient, self-reliant communities by addressing systemic challenges and enhancing access to essential infrastructure and services. In alignment with Afghanistan’s national development strategies and global commitments, including the Sendai Framework and the Sustainable Development Goals, PACo adopts a locally driven, risk-informed, and inclusive approach to rural transformation.

Our rural development initiatives focus on the following key areas:

1. Community Engagement and Resilience Building

• Participatory Planning and Decision-Making: Actively involving communities, particularly women, youth, and marginalized groups, in identifying development priorities and co-designing sustainable solutions.
• Resilience Strengthening: Supporting communities to build adaptive capacities to cope with environmental, social, and economic shocks.

2. Capacity Building for Risk Reduction

• Disaster Risk Analysis and Planning: Enhancing local knowledge and institutional capacity to conduct risk assessments and develop Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) and contingency plans.
• School and Community DRR Awareness: Conducting awareness sessions in schools and among vulnerable populations to promote a culture of safety and preparedness.

3. Environmental Protection and Climate Adaptation

• Environmental Restoration and Protection: Supporting community-led initiatives to rehabilitate degraded ecosystems, prevent deforestation, and protect natural resources.
• Climate Adaptation Measures: Promoting practices and infrastructure that enhance resilience to climate-induced hazards, such as floods, landslides, and droughts.

4. Disaster-Resilient and Social Infrastructure Development

• Resilient Infrastructure Construction: Promoting the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure that can withstand environmental hazards.
• Social Infrastructure: Developing community assets such as schools, health centers, water systems, and multi-purpose community centers that serve as safe spaces during crises.

5. Access and Connectivity

• Protective Structures: Constructing physical protection measures (e.g., flood walls, check dams, retaining walls) to safeguard communities and agricultural lands.
• Road Development: Building and rehabilitating rural roads to improve mobility, connect communities to markets, and facilitate access to essential public services.

Through these integrated interventions, PACo contributes to long-term rural development that is sustainable, inclusive, and resilient, ensuring that rural populations are not only protected from future risks but are also positioned to participate fully in Afghanistan’s development journey.