Women Farmers in Jawzjan Face Rising Costs and Seek Support

Marzia, a resident of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan, has been supporting her family for nearly two decades by selling dairy products. Her daily routine involves milking her cow, preparing yoghurt, cheese, and cream, and selling these products at the local market in Shiberghan. Despite her efforts, Marzia faces increasing challenges due to rising production costs and the difficulties associated with livestock farming.

Marzia lives with her disabled husband and four children in Yaka Bagh village. Her husband became paralyzed about ten years ago, which increased her responsibilities at home. Each morning, she rises before dawn to care for her livestock and prepare dairy products, a task she describes as demanding yet essential for her family's survival.

She earns between 5,000 and 10,000 afghanis monthly from her dairy sales, which helps cover the family's basic needs. However, the rising prices of livestock feed and production costs have made her work more challenging. Marzia hopes for support in the form of feed, financial assistance, or equipment to expand her livestock and production.

Local agriculture officials, recognizing the crucial role women like Marzia play in agriculture and livestock farming, have expressed plans to expand support programs. Zabihullah Khairandesh, spokesman for the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, stated that over 500 women in Jawzjan are engaged in various agricultural activities, including livestock rearing. The department aims to launch more training and support programs to enhance women's contributions to agricultural development and the local economy.

Economic expert Abu Raihan Entezar emphasizes the importance of investing in women's economic empowerment, describing it as an investment in Afghanistan's future economy. He suggests that providing women with technical training, market access, and production resources could significantly improve household incomes and promote economic growth.

Marzia remains determined to continue her work and dreams of increasing her livestock numbers. She believes that each container of milk sold is a step towards securing a better future for her children.