Alternative Development
Afghanistan is the world's largest illicit opium-producing country, accounting for more than 90 per cent of global output. Illicit opium cultivation is a major obstacle for the reconstruction of the country that has suffered from over 20 years of conflict. UNODC assists the Afghan Government in the rebuilding process including with alternative livelihoods-related activities. Capacity building for alternative livelihoods Over the last years, UNODC in cooperation with the Ministry of Counter Narcotics has been providing capacity building on alternative livelihoods at central and provincial levels. Training on needs assessment, monitoring and evaluation of alternative livelihoods programmes for civil servants are provided to increase general awareness and promote the institutional strengthening of the Afghan Government. The participation of major development agencies and non-governmental organizations at these training sessions foster cooperation amongst the stakeholders.
Mapping of alternative livelihood projects
The economic and political importance of opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has prompted efforts by both the Government of Afghanistan and the international community to find solutions by enacting a combination of strategies including identifying livelihood opportunities for small opium poppy farmers. UNODC contributes to these efforts through a team of highly qualified alternative livelihood experts based within the Ministry of Counter Narcotics in Kabul and five provinces (Badakhshan, Balkh, Herat, Kandahar and Nangarhar). The Alternative Livelihoods experts support the Ministry's provincial offices in a variety of tasks focusing on programme coordination and knowledge management. This support builds on the assistance provided through the UNODC designed Alternative Livelihood Donor Database provided to the Afghan Government in 2005.
UNODC, is close collaboration with the Government of Afghanistan and other key stakeholders has developed the Afghanistan Opium Poppy Free Road Map. The Road Map should result in an increased number of opium free provinces, coupled with improved governance records. The approach has the Good Performance Initiative at its core and severs a double purpose. Firstly, it advocates for the provision of an increased package of incentives and positive rewards for good-performing provinces in the field of drug control. Secondly, it maps the role of stakeholders and promotes operational coordination at the field level, augmenting synergy and the impact of existing interventions in a cost-effective manner.