How Can We Enable Capacity and Continuity in Afghan Ag Research, Extension, and Education, Through Strengthening a Fledgling Professional Society.

Among challenges faced by Afghan ag professionals are maintaining vision and motivation for their work, and remaining themselves as credible and visible, in an environment where donors, projects, and even regimes may come and go.  International advisors working with junior staff of provincial directorate for agriculture in northern Afghanistan, created an organization to provide an animating environment for junior staff .  The original concept was to make the offices a positive place where staff can access both professional and recreational opportunities.    Classes in English and computer usage, field trips, sports, and a weekly lunch were among early activities.

Subsequently, the organization served successfully as co-author, recipient and manager for small grants for capacity building.  In early 2012, cuts in national funding eliminated salaries of a number of public sector staff who were among the organization's members (subsequently rehired through different funding).  During the stressful time of unemployment and uncertainty, as members of the informal group these individuals were able to continue professionally-relevant work, in a professional context.  Although unpaid, they remained visible, credible, and motivated.  

The experience led us to consider the possibility of developing the group into a professional society that can provide a rofessional identify and focal point for qualified members.  This is a valuable function in an uncertain future.   What would be the next steps?  And, should it be expanded to include university members, private sector, and /or members of NGOs, in order to encompass the full breadth of agricultural research, extension, education, and services?    Experiences of ASA members may be able to provide ideas.