From Malay Mail · · 1m 30s
Drought in Afghanistan: Olive Groves Provide Lifeline
Afghan farmers turn to drought-resistant olive groves as climate crisis deepens.
In brief
Afghan farmers turn to drought-resistant olive groves as climate crisis deepens. Afghan farmers in Nangarhar province are cultivating drought-resistant olive trees to combat water shortages, creating jobs and sustainable income despite international market barriers. Originally reported by Malay Mail.
Drought hits Afghanistan
Drought and water scarcity affect more than half of Afghanistan's population, pushing farmers to seek alternatives to traditional crops.
Abdullah Orzala's olive grove
Abdullah Orzala planted olive trees 15 years ago on his family's land in Saidan Arabi village, Nangarhar province, as a drought-resistant alternative.
Olive benefits for farmers
Olive trees require less water than crops like wheat, rice or onions, improving soil health and reducing erosion.
Local olive processing
Villagers hand-pick olives and cold-press them at an experimental mill, selling oil for up to US$17 per kilogram in Kabul.
Job creation
Orzala has planted thousands of olive trees, creating 16 permanent jobs across two villages in Nangarhar province.
Olive industry growth
The state-owned mill produces 135,000 litres of olive oil annually, with plans to expand output to 143,000-165,000 litres this year.
Market challenges
Afghanistan's banking isolation and diplomatic exclusion prevent access to international olive oil markets despite growing production.
Local adoption
Farmers initially doubted olives but now see them as better than poppies for income due to water resistance.
“people look at this tree with great hope”
Future outlook
The olive industry aims to expand sales across Afghanistan and beyond while overcoming international market barriers.
What matters most
Afghan farmers in Nangarhar province are cultivating drought-resistant olive trees to combat water shortages, creating jobs and sustainable income despite international market barriers.
