U S Government Accountability Office

Afghanistan development U S Government Accountability Office

"Eighty percent of Afghans are dependent on agriculture for their livelihoods. Agricultural assistance is a key U. S. contribution to Afghanistan's reconstruction efforts. Since 2002, the U. S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has awarded about $1.4 billion for agricultural programs to increase agricultural productivity, accelerate economic growth, and eliminate illicit drug cultivation. This report (1) describes the change in U. S. focus on agricultural assistance since 2002, (2) assesses USAID's performance management and evaluation of its agricultural programs, (3) analyzes the extent to which certain programs met targets, and (4) addresses efforts to mitigate implementation challenges. GAO reviewed USAID documents; analyzed program data; and interviewed program implementers and USAID officials in Washington, D. C., and Afghanistan. GAO has prepared this report as part of its ongoing efforts to monitor key aspects of U. S. efforts in Afghanistan. "