Resilient Agriculture in Iran: CESVI Supports Afghan Refugees in Facing Climate Change

Iran, often overlooked in the context of migration crises, has hosted refugees from Afghanistan for over 40 years. According to UNHCR, the country currently accommodates more than 4.5 million Afghans, making it the world’s leading host nation, with new arrivals continuing daily. Many of these refugees have settled in semi-urban and rural areas, finding work in agriculture—a sector that does not require specialized skills. However, agriculture in Iran is increasingly challenged by climate change, particularly water scarcity caused by declining rainfall and snowfall. This situation severely impacts agricultural production and the livelihoods of those dependent on the land.

In response, CESVI, in collaboration with NRC, INTERSOS, and ICRI, and with support from the European Union (DG INTPA), is working to assist Afghan refugees in Iran. CESVI focuses its efforts on agricultural livelihoods, placing particular emphasis on climate-smart agriculture, an approach aimed at enhancing the resilience of farming communities to environmental challenges, which are becoming ever more pressing.

CESVI’s intervention is concentrated in the district of Islamshahr, near Tehran, where the local community, primarily composed of Afghan farmers, cultivates vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli. CESVI supports the community through the following initiatives:

  • Targeted Training: Farmers participate in specialized courses on climate-smart agriculture, with a focus on water management and efficient irrigation.
  • Resource Provision: CESVI supplies organic fertilizers, agricultural tools, and equipment, including spare parts for tractors, enabling the community to become more self-sufficient and less reliant on costly external loans.
  • Market Access Support: Small vehicles provided to farmers allow them to transport their fresh produce directly to local retailers and consumers, bypassing intermediaries and wholesale markets. This optimizes prices and ensures product freshness.

The tangible results of this project are evident in the testimonials of its beneficiaries.
“The training came at the perfect time for us. Autumn is our off-season, so we could focus on learning. The knowledge we gained is already making a difference in our farming practices,” said Heidar. Ramezan added, “Before this course, we could only harvest three tonnes. Now, with the techniques I’ve learned, I know we can increase our yield to eight tonnes. This motivates me to keep learning and improving.” Farzad shared, “Learning drip irrigation has been a game changer. It’s not just about saving time but also making the best use of our resources. With the same amount of water, I can now irrigate three times the area I could before.”

The trainers also highlighted the dedication and receptiveness of the farmers: “Although most participants are illiterate farmers, they’ve shown remarkable eagerness to learn. Many of these refugees come from rural areas in Afghanistan, so climate-smart agriculture is an entirely new concept for them. Yet, they are open to change because they understand the long-term benefits of adopting these techniques,” explained one trainer. Another trainer added, “Now that we know these farmers, their products, and their specific needs, we can provide more tailored advice. The social connections and trust built through these courses have an impact equal to that of the training sessions themselves.”

Kamran Malik, CESVI’s Head of Mission in Iran, remarked: “Afghan refugees living in semi-urban and rural areas welcome CESVI and its activities, viewing CESVI as the only organization striving to improve their income through agricultural livelihoods. This is also the first time Afghan refugees in Iran have been directly involved in climate-smart agriculture and the innovative solutions offered by this approach.”

One of the key advantages of integrated projects that combine training and resource distribution is the beneficiaries’ transition from traditional methods to modern agriculture. Witnessing tangible results encourages farmers to adopt and invest in these practices independently, ensuring the project’s sustainability over time. For instance, the use of refined seeds, initially met with hesitation due to their higher cost, has proven to be a profitable investment, significantly increasing crop yields. This success inspires farmers to continue along this path, strengthening their resilience and autonomy.