Findings from field studies of post-harvest storage and processing in Afghanistan

Post-harvest storage and food processing have been largely overlooked in Afghanistan’s agricultural rehabilitation agenda since 2001, with limited investments focused on refrigerated facilities for urban markets rather than rural food security.

This study, conducted by SPARC and the Afghanistan Research and Evaluation Unit, engaged 47 households across 18 villages in Laghman, Herat, and Badakhshan provinces to document existing and improved storage practices.

Findings show that grain staples are typically stored with low losses, while perishable crops suffer high losses, compelling households to sell surpluses at harvest when prices are lowest and repurchase later at higher costs. Women play a critical but under-recognized role in post-harvest management.

Results highlight the need to prioritise improved storage for food security, design interventions sensitive to agro-ecological and social contexts, and ensure inclusive access for vulnerable groups. Expanding storage for smallholders must emphasise subsistence needs alongside market engagement.