Life and Security in Rural Afghanistan - Softcover

A detailed study of the terrible insecurity in which Afghans live. . . . Highly recommended. * CHOICE * A welcome contribution on what is needed between the international community and the Afghan population: renewed trust. The authors help us better understand how enhancing the human security and livelihoods of Afghans sets the framework for reconstructing peace, dignity, and hope. -- Ariane Brunet, Coalition for Women's Human Rights in Conflict Situations This excellent book develops a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the situation of the Afghan people as they face current and emerging threats to their security. The authors bring both an intimate understanding of the complex social structures relevant in Afghanistan and empirical evidence of the causes and consequences of human insecurity in the country. -- Annalies Borrel, United Nations Children's Fund An important and captivating book that contains one of the first analyses of local perceptions of human security in the immediate aftermath of the demise of the Taliban regime. It demonstrates that evidence-based research can play a crucial part in informing policy development. Donors, aid agencies, and scholars should pay more attention to research that puts the 'view from below' at its core. -- Antonio Donini, Feinstein International Center, former director of UN humanitarian coordination in Afghanistan

To access the maps mentioned in this book, Click Here.Despite the fall of the Taliban, Afghanistan remains a country in dire need of strong international support. Only with an understanding of the conditions in both urban and rural areas will the international community be able to offer aid and remain committed to long-term development. This fascinating and clearly written book mines a rich and unique array of data, which was collected in rural areas of Afghanistan by an expert team of researchers, to analyze countrywide trends in the relationship between human security and livelihoods. The team's research and recommendations, published here for the first time, suggest that international assistance or national development strategies that ignore the long-term developmental and structural goals and sideline the moderate elements of Afghan society will be doomed to failure. The authors' deeply informed policy recommendations will help to focus further action on vital issues such as co-optation of aid by armed political groups; water scarcity; contamination and degradation of the environment; education; health care; agriculture, livestock, and land health; and justice. A valuable resource for students, policymakers, donor governments, and national and international organizations, Life and Security in Rural Afghanistan opens a rare window into the otherwise hidden lives of the people of rural Afghanistan.