The State of Self-help Groups (SHGs) in Afghanistan: Evidence-based Analysis of the SHGs Situation and Implications for Social and Sustainable Development

Self-help groups have played a crucial role in fostering community empowerment, economic sustainability, and social resilience in conflict-affected regions like Afghanistan. This article explores the SHGs' situation, focusing on their role in socio-economic development and challenges they face due to political volatility, cultural norms, and infrastructural limitations. Therefore, the article checked if the Afghanistan Rural Enterprise Development Program (AREDP) groups are functional in post implementation era and also it outlines some major issues identified in AREDP and Women Economic Empowerment Development Program (WEERDP) groups and suggested some policy majors to overcome these issues. The assessment, conducted in June 2021, and assessed the functionality of SHGs and Village Savings & Loan Associations (VSLAs) promoted under the AREDP in all the four targeted provinces (Balkh, Herat, Nangrahar and Parwan). The study found that while groups were negatively affected by the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and lack of post-implementation support, while the VSLAs maintained regular operations on more sustainable way. In addition, the SHGs and VSLAs of WEERDP during 2020, across all six regions (Kabul, Nangarhar, Khost, Balkh, Herat and Kandahar) were monitored. The major issues groups disintegrations and groups members’ dropout were identified. Furthermore, the current political and economic environment in Afghanistan has created additional uncertainties for SHGs, considering the unique socio-political context and the ongoing challenges including economic instability, Security concerns, and a lack of institutional support often hinder the functioning and sustainability of SHGs in post-2021 This manuscript provides essential insights into the current scenario of SHGs in Afghanistan. The empirical data collected offers crucial information about their status and suggests ways to improve the situation. This research can help stakeholders develop strategies to enhance the economic conditions of society.