> About RALF
RALF 01 Projects
RALF 02 Projects
  Reporting Formats
  RALF-DFID Meetings
RALF Workshop Presentations
Progress Reports
  M & E Reports
  Final Reports
RALF Steering Committee
Publications
Announcements
Funding Opportunities
FAQs
 




 
The purpose of the Research in Alternative Livelihoods Fund (RALF) is to develop and promote innovative alternative livelihood options for rural Afghans currently economically dependent on opium poppy. Having alternative livelihoods in place (goal) will contribute to the supergoal of sustainable elimination of opium poppy in Afghanistan.

The beneficiaries will be the, predominantly poor, farming population and casual workers who currently depend on the illicit activity of growing poppy for their livelihood. The outcome of RALF will be licit alternatives to opium production that are practicable in the socio-economic environment of Afghanistan, and that are accessible to rural people.

The overall scope of RALF is applied research and promotion of natural resource-based livelihoods, including post-harvest processing and services, specifically directed at farmers and other rural stakeholders in areas currently affected by poppy production.

RALF will be managed by the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA). A Project Review Panel, including independent experts, a representative of the Afghan Government, DFID, and ICARDA will review proposals submitted by 'partnerships' comprising international and Afghanistan-based agencies. This combination will maximise synergy between international research practice and knowledge of the local Afghan context.

Read more about the background, rational and objectives of the RALF programme here:
RALF Programme (PDF: 295 kb)

RALF Programme Manager: Please contact  RALF Manager
 
ICARDA Home                RALF Home