Harnessing solar power to save Afghan farming communities

As global leaders gather for COP29 to tackle the urgent climate crisis, Dahir Abdullahi, Islamic Relief’s Communication and External Relations Manager in Afghanistan, is calling for immediate action to address the severe impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

In the Dehdadi district of Afghanistan’s Balkh province, once barren and dry fields have been transformed into green, thriving farmland. Just a few years ago, this land seemed impossible to cultivate. But today, it stands as a symbol of resilience, thanks to the efforts of farmers like 42-year-old Fida Mohammad.

Fida, a father of 9 and has lived his entire life farming in Dehdadi. For generations, his family relied on their 3-hectare farm to grow wheat, beans, and vegetables, but as climate change worsened, the once fertile land turned to dust. Water scarcity and unpredictable weather made it almost impossible to farm, threatening his family’s survival.

“No one thought anything could grow here,” Fida said, recalling how traditional farming methods failed in the face of climate change.

Fida’s story isn’t unique. In Afghanistan, 80% of people rely on agriculture in some form, and most of them are small-scale farmers like Fida. As the climate becomes more unpredictable, they face a battle for survival. Without proper support and resources, this battle is becoming harder to win.

In response, Islamic Relief launched the Resilience Building Through Advancing Livelihoods (ReAL) programme in 2021. The goal was to help over 200 rural farmers adapt to the changing climate by giving them the tools they needed to survive.

Fida was among the first to receive high-quality sesame and cotton seeds from Islamic Relief, which brought a successful harvest.

“I made good income from it, Alhamdulillah,” he said. But that was only the beginning.

Recognising the crucial role of water, Islamic Relief installed a solar-powered irrigation system on Fida’s farm. This technology gave him a reliable water supply, allowing him to grow crops year-round, without worrying about erratic rainfall or costly fuel for traditional pumps.

The results were immediate. Fida’s wheat harvest more than doubled last year, going from 15 to 35 bags.

“After the solar system was installed, we started growing three or four crops each year,” Fida explained.

“This means we have a steady income for our families.”

The surplus vegetables he grows provide extra money, which goes back into the local economy. This is the kind of community-driven, sustainable solution that COP29 must focus on.

It’s not enough to talk about climate policies and carbon targets in the abstract. We need to see how real people, especially in vulnerable countries, are already adapting to a crisis they had no hand in creating.

Afghanistan’s contribution to global carbon emissions is almost negligible, yet the country’s farmers are on the front lines of climate change.

Every day, they grapple with the effects of drought, unpredictable rainfall, and a lack of resources. Projects like the one that helped Fida are critical to their survival, but they are only the beginning. As global leaders discuss how to tackle climate change, we need more investment in practical, scalable solutions like solar irrigation systems.

Fida’s success also highlights a broader challenge. He dreams of expanding his farm, but he doesn’t have the labour needed to do so. He also needs more water storage tanks to get through Afghanistan’s scorching summers. His determination is undimmed, but he can’t do it alone, and neither can other Afghan farmers facing the same struggles.

Fida’s story is a reminder that real lives are at stake. His journey shows that with the right support, communities can adapt and thrive.

Solar-powered irrigation is just one example of how innovation can transform lives. It provides more than just water, it delivers food security, economic stability, and hope. When we talk about climate justice, we need to talk about solutions like these that make a tangible difference on the ground.

We must not only focus on reducing emissions but also on providing the resources to help the world’s most vulnerable people adapt to a new reality.

As COP29 progresses, it’s vital that the international community takes urgent action to support farmers like Fida. With the right investments, we can ensure that climate resilience becomes a reality for many, not just a few.

Afghanistan’s future, and the future of millions of others across the world, depends on it.

Help us continue this vital work of adapting to the future. Your donation today can make a real difference in the lives of those on the front lines of climate change. Donate Now.