Supporting Afghan Refugees in Facing Climate Change
Iran, a country often overlooked in the context of migration crises, has hosted refugees from Afghanistan for over 40 years. According to UNHCR, Iran currently hosts more than 4.5 million Afghans, making it the one of the world’s leading host nations, with new arrivals continuing daily. Many of these refugees have settled in semi-urban and rural areas, finding work in agriculture—a sector that often does not require specialised skills. However, agriculture in Iran is increasingly challenged by climate change, particularly water scarcity caused by declining rainfall and snowfall in the region. This situation severely impacts agricultural production and the livelihoods of those dependent on the land.
To tackle the growing challenges faced by the Afghan refugees in Iran, CESVI, in a consortium with NRC, INTERSOS and ICRI, is implementing an intervention funded by the European Union (DG INTPA), focusing its efforts on agricultural livelihood. CESVI places a particular emphasis on climate-smart agriculture, an approach aimed at enhancing the resilience of farming communities to environmental shocks, which are becoming ever more pressing.
- Targeted training: Farmers participate in specialised courses on climate-smart agriculture, with a focus on water management and efficient irrigation.
- Resource provision: CESVI supplies organic fertilisers, agricultural tools, and equipment, including spare parts for tractors, enabling the community to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on costly external loans.
- Market access support: Small vehicles provided to farmers allow them to transport their fresh products directly to local retailers and consumers, bypassing intermediaries and wholesale markets. This optimises prices and ensures product freshness.
The intervention has been welcomed with enthusiasm by the community: “The training came at the perfect time for us. Autumn is our off-season, so we could focus on learning. The knowledge we gained is already making a difference in our farming practices,” said Heidar, one of the project’s beneficiaries. Ramezan added, “Before this course, we could only harvest three tonnes. Now, with the techniques I have learned, I know we can increase our yield to eight tonnes. This motivates me to keep learning and improving.” Farzad shared, “Learning drip irrigation has been a game changer. It is not just about saving time but also making the best use of our resources. With the same amount of water, I can now irrigate three times the area I could before.”
The trainers also highlighted the dedication and receptiveness of the farmers: “Although most participants are illiterate farmers, they have shown remarkable eagerness to learn. Many of these refugees come from rural areas in Afghanistan, so climate-smart agriculture is an entirely new concept for them. Yet, they are open to change because they understand the long-term benefits of adopting these techniques,” explained one trainer. Another trainer added, “Now that we know these farmers, their products, and their specific needs, we can provide more tailored advice. The social connections and trust built through these courses have an impact equal to that of the training sessions themselves.”
One of the key advantages of integrated projects that combine training and resource distribution is the beneficiaries’ transition from traditional methods to modern agriculture. Witnessing tangible results encourages farmers to adopt and invest in these practices independently, ensuring the project’s sustainability over time. For instance, the use of refined seeds, initially met with hesitation due to their higher cost, has proven to be a profitable investment, significantly increasing crop yields. This success inspires farmers to continue along this path, strengthening their resilience and autonomy, as well as generating a positive impact on the food systems and livelihood opportunities for the whole community.