Known for its delectably sweet watermelons, the village of Parwana, just north of Herat city, finds itself at the frontline of Afghanistan's escalating battle with climate change. This once-thriving agricultural oasis of nearly 5,000 residents is now grappling with an acute water crisis.

Historical water sources, vital for Parwana's survival, have been decimated by successive extreme weather events and disasters. Flash floods have repeatedly laid waste to homes, farmland, and traditional karizes (underground irrigation systems kilometers-long), while persistent droughts over the last three years have exacerbated the community's struggles. Pest infestations and a high-intensity earthquake last year have further damaged both homes and infrastructure.

Agriculture is the lifeblood of Parwana’s economy, engaging 70% of its inhabitants in farming and livestock activities. Short of alternatives, many young men have opted to migrate to neighboring Iran. 

Water scarcity, compromised irrigation systems and polluted water supplies have severely impaired the quality and quantity of crops – not only the village’s famed watermelons, but also the wheat, turnips, and carrots it produces. Where once three operational karizes enabled full irrigation, only half of the village’s 800 Geribs (160 hectares) of fertile land received water in previous years.

To address this crisis, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in collaboration with Islamic Relief Worldwide (IRW) under the ABADEI initiative, partnered with the community to devise sustainable water management solutions. A newly constructed and extended canal now ensures a consistent, clean water supply, revitalizing agricultural productivity and boosting incomes by 20%. Water drops ensured that water is not contaminated. The traditional and centuries old karize has also be rehabilitated.

New protective barriers now safeguard the village’s primary irrigation canals from flood damage, ensuring adequate water supply for both crop cultivation and livestock needs. These efforts have enabled sustainable irrigation for 600 Geribs (120 hectares) of land, with wheat yields anticipated to increase from 1 metric ton to 1.2 metric tons per Gerib in the forthcoming harvest. The once-polluted potable water source, an hour from the community, is drinkable again.

Beyond infrastructure, the initiative has fostered a paradigm shift in local water management. A new water infrastructure management committee, comprised of village leaders and farmers, now convenes to strategize and oversee water management practices. This committee has also been trained to operate and maintain the new infrastructure, safeguarding long-term sustainability and efficacy.

Parwana's community took charge of the construction through a cash-for-work program that offered short-term employment to 317 individuals during the project phase. This initiative injected financial resources directly back into the village, benefiting over 2,200 residents thanks to thousands of labor days.

While women in the community report gaining benefits from flood protection and access to potable water, they continue to seek avenues for financial independence. Agriculture and its income are still managed by men. Many women express a desire to establish businesses such as clothing production, which could offer economic autonomy. Better tools, like solar-powered electric sewing machines, could increase productivity and efficiency. Embroidering a scarf, for instance, can generate 300 afghanis (around USD 4.50), but takes a month with their current manual machines.

While improvements in local productivity are prompting some men to reconsider migration, broader economic stability remains elusive. Villages like Parwana are in urgent need of augmented climate financing, which continues to bypass Afghanistan despite the country's acute vulnerability to climate impacts.

Afghanistan's $20.6 billion climate adaptation estimated needs are hampered by frozen aid and limited global investment. Since 2021, almost all climate funding has been stopped or suspended. Thankfully, international funds such as the Global Environment Facility’s conditional endorsement of Afghanistan's Community-Based Climate-Responsive Livelihoods and Forestry (CCLF) project, are signaling potential for scalable support. Other climate funding sources could follow suit.

In this complex political context, making sure that funding for small and medium scale climate projects reaches communities directly is central. This is where organizations like UNDP, with its widespread country presence and deep community experience, is particularly fit to deliver on facilitating interventions tailored to local needs. 

Parwana’s proud watermelon producers need sustained support and resources to thrive amidst daunting challenges. They need integrated strategies for water management, agriculture, and livelihoods. With continued investment, Parwana's watermelons could become a symbol of resilience and a gateway to sustainable livelihoods for future generations.