Afghan Women Rely on Traditional Dairy for Income Amid Crisis
Women in the central Bamyan province of Afghanistan are increasingly relying on traditional dairy production to support their families. As economic challenges and climate impacts intensify, these women have turned to making dairy products such as qurut, yoghurt, and cheese to generate income. The region's prolonged humanitarian crisis and limited employment opportunities have made this a vital economic activity.
Every day, women in Bamyan's rural communities begin by milking livestock and processing the milk into various products including yoghurt, cheese, butter, buttermilk, and qurut. These products are then sold in local markets and roadside stalls, providing a critical source of income for households.
Ruqia, a resident of Bamyan, shared her experience, stating, "I use milk and yoghurt. I sell milk, yoghurt, and dried curd. I make qurut from it and sell it. I also sell butter and clarified butter. This is how I cover my household expenses." Another resident, Sadaf Ahmadi, noted her reliance on dairy production to support her family, saying, "I am the breadwinner of my family. I work with dairy products such as qurut, oil, and butter."
The economic difficulties faced by women in Afghanistan have been compounded by restrictions and limited opportunities, affecting their access to employment and business activities. For many households, especially those relying on women's earnings, traditional small-scale businesses have become essential for survival.
The province's rural communities also face increasing challenges from climate-related issues such as reduced water availability, drought, and changing weather patterns. These factors have placed additional pressure on farming and livestock-based livelihoods, which are central to Bamyan's economy.
Despite these daunting challenges, women involved in dairy production continue to contribute significantly to their families' financial stability and the local economy. Humanitarian organizations emphasize the need for greater support to help these communities manage Afghanistan's overlapping economic, climate, and humanitarian challenges.
