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USAID/OTI Afghanistan Program Description
AFGHANISTAN ASSISTANCE
FY2002 Budget - $26,869,476 (TI, IDA, DA, and ESF funds)
FY2003 Budget - $17,000,000 (TI, IDA, DA, and ESF funds, estimated)
Background
Despite ongoing security concerns, particularly outside Kabul, the process of rebuilding Afghanistan is well underway. In late January 2002, Afghan Interim Authority Chair Hamid Karzai visited the U.S. and laid out his government's priorities for reconstruction. In June, a successful Loya Jirga elected Karzai as the leader of a broad-based Transitional Government. The Constitutional Loya Jirga is expected to be held in December 2003, with elections scheduled for summer 2004.
Program Goals and Objectives
USAID/OTI's goal is to support the process of rehabilitation and political stabilization in post-conflict Afghanistan. Working with its implementing partners, the International Organization of Migration (IOM), Ronco, and Internews, OTI's current program is designed to: Increase the capacity of the Afghan government and build citizen confidence; Increase the capacity of the Afghan state and independent media; and increase public information about the political process. USAID/OTI's program began in October 2001, and is scheduled to close September 2004, shortly after national elections are held.
Support for Humanitarian Information (October 2001 - March 2002)
Responding to rapidly unfolding events in October 2001, OTI supported the development of relevant and timely information on humanitarian assistance for the Afghan population, particularly Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) and other vulnerable groups. Activities included production of a daily humanitarian information bulletin for radio broadcast, distribution of 30,000 radios, small grants to build communication and education among civil society groups, and expansion of the Voice of America's broadcast capacity.
Support for the Emergency Loya Jirga (June 2002)
OTI provided rapid support to the Emergency Loya Jirga through (a) technical and operational support for the UN Operations Center; (b) provision of a short-wave radio transmitter and extended transmissions during the Loya Jirga; (c) production assistance to the Loya Jirga Commission; (d) radio and print journalist training prior to the Loya Jirga; (e) support for a public information officer for Karzai.
Support for the Afghan Political Transition (January 2002 - September 2004)
OTI is helping to build regional stability and provide space for longer-term development assistance by establishing initial key relationships within the Government and communities of Afghanistan, mainly through programs that will:
- Increase Capacity of the Afghan Government: From project identification through completion, initiatives are designed to build linkages between the Afghan government and communities, with communities contributing significantly to the labor required, and local government participating as a full partner in all aspects of the implementation process. OTI provides direct assistance to the Afghan government (e.g. technical and material support to enable Afghan ministries and commissions to function) and community development projects that have been identified as priorities by the Afghan government and local citizens such as water projects, schools, roads, bridges, and others.
Working with the Ministry of Telecommunication, OTI established government provincial communication centers that are now serving as coordinating units on a number of issues including reconstruction efforts. In addition, OTI supported capacity building for the Afghan Government through the UNDP Trust Fund, established as part of the Bonn Agreement.
OTI is also working closely with the Ministry of Women's Affairs to construct 14 provincial women's centers which will be used for training on a range of topics relevant to the needs of Afghan women. In addition, Afghan women's NGOs are being supported in the implementation of a range of training and income generating opportunities which is also helping to increase the capacity of the NGOs themselves, most of whom are small and relatively inexperienced.
As of September 2003, USAID/OTI has provided 353 reconstruction and small-scale capacity support grants to enable various government entities to function.
- Increase the capacity of the Afghan media: Through the development of media infrastructure, OTI provided the Government of Afghanistan with mechanisms to dialogue with its citizens. Activities are designed to build the capacity of local state and independent broadcast media, hands-on training to produce balanced and accurate reporting, technical support and upgrades of equipment, and development of an Afghan media policy and regulatory framework. OTI also supported the development of Afghanistan's first private FM radio station in Kabul, Arman FM. Arman FM has become Kabul's most popular radio station, employs both male and female DJs, and has begun funding its own costs through advertising revenue.
- Increase public information about the political process: OTI has funded 28 small grants that provide civic education and information campaigns about the political process to help the public make more informed decisions in advance of the Loya Jirga that was held in 2002, the Constitutional Loya Jirga scheduled for December 2003, and elections planned for summer 2004.
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