2017年-世界发展银行全球_Afghanistan_Unlocking_the_Potential_of_Horticulture___Discussion_Note_and_Input_to_Agribusiness_Jobs_Charter_74页_2mb

Summary of "Afghanistan Unlocking the Potential of Horticulture"

Core Content

This document, prepared by the World Bank team in June 2017, provides a comprehensive analysis of the horticulture sector in Afghanistan and outlines strategic recommendations to unlock its potential. The report is part of the Agribusiness Jobs Charter initiative and emphasizes the need for a market-driven approach to enhance the sector's contribution to economic growth and employment.

Main Points

1. Economic Contribution and Employment

• Economic Importance: The horticulture sector contributes 34% to Afghanistan’s agricultural GDP, 7% to national GDP, and 50% of export earnings.
• Employment: It provides employment to approximately 2 million people, including small-scale farmers, traders, harvesters, sorters, and processors.
• Key Crops: Grapes/raisin, almonds, pomegranates, apples, pistachios, and apricots are the main horticultural crops. Vegetables are also grown and consumed domestically.

2. Sector Performance

• Yields and Exports: Despite its potential, the sector has underperformed due to reliance on low-value domestic and regional markets. Exports to high-end international markets (e.g., Europe, Middle East) are limited and often rejected due to poor quality and unreliable delivery.
• Export Delays: Export delays have increased over time, from 67 days in 2005 to 86 days in 2014. Compliance with documentary requirements takes 228 hours and costs US$344 per container.

3. Constraints

• Business Environment: The sector is hindered by insecure conditions, political uncertainty, and a fragile business environment.
• Infrastructure: Limited transport infrastructure, poor road conditions, and lack of cold storage facilities impede trade and export efficiency.
• Human Capabilities: There is a lack of skilled labor, inadequate knowledge of export markets, and limited use of modern production techniques.
• Financing: Access to finance is a major challenge, with high transaction costs and limited investment in high-value crops and processing.

4. Policy and Institutional Framework

• Institutions: Key institutions include the Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock (MAIL), the Afghanistan National Horticulture Development Organization (ANHDO), and the Afghanistan National Standards Agency (ANSA).
• Donors and Programs: Various donor-funded initiatives, such as the Agricultural Development Fund (ADF) and the Accelerating Sustainable Agriculture Program (ASAP), have supported the sector.
• Trade Agreements: The Afghanistan-Pakistan Transit Trade Agreement (APTTA) and the Pakistan-Afghanistan-Tajikistan Transit Trade Agreement (PATTITA) are critical for improving trade efficiency.

Key Recommendations

1. Business Environment

• Trade Facilitation: Address border and customs issues, including closures, burdensome procedures, and cross-loading requirements.
• Green Channel: Develop a secure and efficient 'green channel' for perishable horticulture products under the APTTA review.
• Air Cargo Development: Support the development of air cargo facilities and services to enhance export capabilities.
• Quality Certification: Strengthen standards and quality assurance procedures to meet international requirements.

2. Infrastructure

• Agribusiness Parks: Facilitate access to serviced industrial and agricultural land through agribusiness parks and private developers.
• Transport Networks: Improve transport infrastructure, particularly roads, to reduce costs and delays.
• Cold Storage: Invest in cold storage facilities to preserve perishable products and support export activities.

3. Human Capabilities and Technology

• Farm Management: Improve farm management practices and provide training on modern techniques.
• Extension Services: Enhance the effectiveness of extension services to disseminate knowledge and best practices.
• Innovation in Agronomy: Promote innovation in crop production and post-harvest handling to increase productivity and quality.

4. Financing

• Access to Finance (A2F): Introduce 'patient capital' through insurance and long-term financing to support strategic investors.
• Matching Grants: Provide competitive matching grants to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to encourage innovation and risk-taking.
• Agricultural Bank: Evaluate the establishment of an agricultural bank as an alternative to current financing mechanisms.

5. Governance and Implementation

• Integrated Mechanism: Establish an integrated implementation mechanism involving key ministries such as MAIL and MOCI, working closely with the private sector.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage public-private partnerships to support leading investors along the horticulture value chain.
• Strategic Priorities: Identify and prioritize strategic initiatives through collaboration with the government and stakeholders.

Next Steps

• Engagement with Government: Identify 2–4 concrete strategic priorities.
• Background Notes: Prepare short background notes on these priorities.
• Public-Private Dialogue: Launch discussions on each priority using a Public-Private Dialogue mechanism.
• Implementation Plans: Develop detailed and realistic immediate implementation plans.
• Support Mechanisms: Leverage existing World Bank Group instruments to support implementation.

Conclusion

The horticulture sector in Afghanistan has significant potential to drive economic growth and create employment. However, it faces multiple challenges related to infrastructure, market access, quality, and financing. A paradigm shift towards a market-driven approach, supported by policy reforms, infrastructure investments, and public-private collaboration, is essential to unlock this potential and enhance the sector's competitiveness in international markets.