Publisher's Synopsis
Agriculture accounts for 45 percent of Afghanistan's gross domestic product and is the main source of income for the Afghan economy. Over 80 percent of the Afghan population is involved in farming, herding, or both. However, decades of war, drought, and security challenges have devastated the country's agricultural sector, and the current level of U.S. government civilian support has been unable to keep pace with the tremendous need for assistance in this region. Revitalizing Afghanistan's agricultural sector is critical to building the government's capacity and to stabilizing the country.The symbol of the National Guard depicts the Concord Minuteman, one hand carrying a rifle and the other resting on a plow. It graphically depicts the fact that from the earliest days of America's history, farmers have played key roles in the militia. This proud lineage continues today as we perform operations in Afghanistan.In assessing the current situation in Afghanistan, General Stanley McChrystal, International Security Assistance Force Commander, says that "the fight is not a cyclical campaign driven by an insurgent 'fighting season.' Rather, it is ayear-round struggle, often conducted with little apparent violence to win the support of the people." A guiding principle is to "change the operational culture to connect with the people." The National Guard agribusiness development teams(ADTs) exemplify this premise and have proven their value.This handbook is a product of the National Guard Agribusiness Development Team Coordination Office with input from current and previously deployed ADTs. It contains information and lessons to assist ADTs preparing for deployment and those already deployed.
