Principles of intervention

For MADERA development relies on 4 main principles: a participative approach, integrated development on complementary sectors with transfer of skills

MADERA, with its long standing presence in Afghanistan and strong integration in its intervention zones, benefits from in-depth knowledge of the country and its population, mainly in rural areas. The development of the latter is fundamental to allow Afghanistan to improve its own food security and gain autonomy.

The participatory approach

In terms of intervention methodology, MADERA is committed to enhancing the development dynamics of rural communities as well as their capacity to strengthen their territory. It places people at the center of the process and involves them in the process of identifying their priority needs and improving their living conditions. This approach of ownership of development actions offers more responsibilities to rural communities and contributes to their long-term empowerment. This requires a thorough knowledge of the country and its social structures as well as strong links with our Afghan partners. In addition, the implementation of participatory projects requires the careful consideration of the opinions of stakeholders. Participatory action is based on a very old Afghan tradition, the deliberative council ("Djirgah" in pashto, "Shura" in Dari). It is within these assemblies that projects of common interest are discussed. The idea is to ensure that this solidarity action benefits all members of the community.

Integrated Development

Rural economy cannot be reduced to breeding, agriculture, or horticulture. It is an intricate system which includes for example various forms of crafts and art, the construction of public buildings (schools, mosque, dispensary, communal room) and the training of craftsmen.... MADERA is therefore committed to carrying out integrated actions, however it is extremely difficult to implement integrated actions because of financing mechanisms often not well adapted to this approach or the thematic specialization of the actors in the field.

Transfer of skills

MADERA pays particular attention to the transfer of skills, the training of employees and the progressive transmission of responsibilities to national managers.

Areas of intervention which complement one another

More than three decades of armed conflict have and continue to cause countless human suffering, dismantle the country's institutions and hinder economic and social development, generating enormous reconstruction needs. In this context, MADERA helps rural communities in the following sectors:

Agriculture and horticulture: improvement of practices, experimental trials on different varieties, rehabilitation of arable land, support to producer groups, arboriculture;
Management of natural resources: reforestation campaigns, pasture management, creation of nurseries for the production of seedlings;
Animal health and breeding: development of vaccines, vaccination campaigns, zootechnics, curative veterinary care, livestock management;
Access to water: construction of irrigation and water distribution networks, dams and aqueducts;
Craftsmanship: training in wool weaving and rolling techniques;
Civil engineering: construction and rehabilitation of roads, bridges, retaining walls and enclosures.

MADERA also responds to urgent needs (refugees, natural disasters ...), when they present themselves, through distributions of food and agricultural inputs.