A father and his children outside a DFID-funded health clinic in Danishmand, Afghanistan. Image: Sam French/Development Pictures
The Secretary of State has announced a review of the DFID Bilateral Aid Programme. The information on this page reflects current activity and is not an indication of the direction or possible outcome of the review.
Situated at the crossroads of the Middle East, China and central and southern Asia, Afghanistan was once the prosperous hub of one of the world’s most important trade routes.
Today, following 30 years of conflict, it is one of the poorest countries in the world.
Half of Afghanistan’s 25 million people live below the international poverty line and 40% do not have enough to eat.
The country’s economy is dependent on illegal opium cultivation, providing around 90% of the world’s heroin. There is also insecurity across most of the country and a widespread fear of corruption.
DFID has committed £510 million over 2009-13 to support the four priorities of the Afghanistan National Development Strategy:
- Make government more effective.
- Create jobs and encourage economic growth.
- Promote stability and development in Helmand.
- Provide alternatives to poppy growing.
At least 50% of DFID's funding to Afghanistan is channelled through Afghan government systems.