vol-11-chapter-6-laghman-group-data

1. Volume 12
CHAPTER – 6
FROM BORDER TO SHIBIRGAN
AS ASSESSED FROM INFORMATION GATHERED BY TRANSOXIANAS LAGHMAN
GROUP
(AWAITING CHAPTER 6 FROM MAJEED GROUP)
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL BASELINE CONDITIONS
6.0 GENERAL
Preliminary assessment of environmental and social conditions around the T/L along COI in
Afghanistan from Aqina border with Turkmanistan to Shibergan is very important to evaluate the
impacts on communities and environment.

2. Portion of the project in Afghanistan from Turkmanistan border to Shibirgan . Socially and
culturally sensitive/strategic areas/sites and environmental conditions including the Ecological
situation has been identified.
A COI of 1 to 1.5 km from T/L to existing road is considered for the assessment of socio-
economic, biological and physical environment, however, for assessment of directly affected
people and infrastructure a COI of 500 m on either side of centre line of T/L has been
considered. Secondary data pertaining to Metrology, Geology, Physiographic, Landaus, Flora
and Fauna has been collected from secondary sources. Maps of Survey of Afghanistan and
Geological Survey of Afghanistan have also been made use to get available information about
Project Area.

3. Environmental aspects include soils and topography of the area, landuse, physical
infrastructure, drainage, water resources, ambient air quality, noise level, flora, fauna, aquatic
life etc. Socio-economic indicators such as demographic aspects, occupations, housing
conditions and livelihood, indigenous people, social settings, women issues, historical and
archaeological monuments, and other relevant aspects have also been taken into account.
The Project Corridor falls in Faryab province Andkhoy district, Shebirghan which is the capital of
Jowzjan province. There is adequate area available all along the route and there is no major
hurdle, natural streams, rivers, mountains, highways and snowy areas are crossing the corridor.
Groundwater system is relatively deep and water table (as stated by local communities) exists
at 15 to 20m depth in valley areas and 80-100m in desert areas. Water quality is salty in major
areas from Aqina to Andkhoy but the degree of the salty water decreasing whenever moves to
Shebirghan. The corridor passes through the semi-hilly and plain barren areas where what little
agriculture is practiced is on dry farming techniques dependant on erratic uncertain rainfall.
Land along the route is mostly uncultivable however in nearby area streams very small areas
exist which are being cultivated.

4. There aren’t major infrastructural/settlements existing from AP1 Aqina crossing border to
Andkhoy such as towns, villages, madrassahs, schools, graveyards, streams, water supply
schemes, check posts etc. However, when the T/L passes center Andkhoy there are some
villages, madrassahs, schools, graveyards, small streams, water supply schemes along the
corridor between AP4 and AP5. Agriculture is practiced is on dry farming techniques dependant
on erratic uncertain rainfall between AP2, AP3,AP4 and AP5.
After Andkhoy AP6 the T/L will move along the Faryab and Jowzjan Road and there is no major
infrastructure/settlement till Shebirghan. From Andkhoy the T/L will pass villages such as
Chakman, Khowja Duda and Rahmat Aabad but these villages and other poor
infrastructure/settlement are located near the Road and the T/L coordinates are far from these
infrastructure/settlement.
Then T/L will go straight ahead along the Road and makes AP7 in Kwaja Duko location and
then move up to Rahmat Aabad village (AP8). A little agriculture is practiced is on dry
farming techniques dependant on erratic uncertain rainfall between AP6, AP7 and AP8.
After AP8 the line will continuo in a desert area and makes AP9 in a desert area then end at
Shebirghan sub station (AP10).
6.1 ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL STRIP MAP

5. The main features include T/L, villages, land use, semi-hills etc. The information on this chapter
is indicative and helps to have a bird eye view of the existing land use of the Project Area.
6.2 PHYSICAL ENVIRONMENT
6.2.1 PHYSIOGRAPHY
Faryab province is situated in the Northern part of Afghanistan, bordering Turkmenistan in the
north, Jowzjan Province in the east, Badghis Province in the south and bordering Iran in the
west. The province covers an area of 20293 km2.
The town (founded by Alexander the Great) stands between the northern spurs of the Paropamise
and the Oxus, it is 100 m. due west of Balkkh on the edge of the Turkmen desert. The khanate is
of importance as being one of the most northern in Afghanistan, on the Turkmenistan border.
Until 1820 it was subject to Bokhara, but in that year Maxmud of Astrakhan besieged it for four
months, took it by storm and left it a heap of ruins. To preserve himself from utter destruction
the khan threw himself into the arms of the Afghans.
Typical Turkmen conical house
The tract in which Andkhui stands is fertile, but proverbially unhealthy; the Persians account it "a
hell upon earth" by reason of its scorching sands, brackish water, sand flies and scorpions of

6. one of most poisonous and painful bites. The district was allotted to Afghanistan by the Russo-
Afghan boundary commission of 1885.
Renovation of Andkhoy started in 1959, mainly at the eastern parts of the old town. The original
plan of the infrastructure was reconditioned and reduced to half its volume of the developments
to take place. The property owners refused to sell their land for further developments and the
plan consequently failed. The infrastructure remained poor; for example, in 1973 only 13% of
the houses had access to electricity and only at night. Lack of sanitary drinking water remained
a major problem. The 15 meter deep wells had salty and awfully bad tasting water and the
trenches had only twenty days running water in a month. To counteract this, there were water
pools to preserve water for bad days to come every month.
6.2.2 CLIMATE
The climate is continental in nature, with cold winters and hot summers; Most of the country is
semi – arid or arid, with low amounts of precipitation and high or very high variability between
tears. Snowfall is concentrated in Faryab and Jowzjan provinces. Winter temperatures are
extremely low in both these areas, below -150
C for many weeks during winter, most of
Afghanistan is influenced by weather fronts from the Mediterranean, with low and erratic rainfall,
typically in spring.
This T.L has extreme climate with cold to severe cold winters and hot to very hot summers.
During summer months there is much difference in daily temperature in the open and under the
shade of hilly areas and summer nights are relatively cool.
The elevation of the proposed route of the T/L does not varies most of the areas are flat with
small hills.
There is one weather stations recording meteorological data as under:
 Metrology office, Jawzjan, Shebirghan
The winds are generally from northerly direction in winter and from the south-west in summer.
6.2.3 SOIL
The areas having gentle slopes bear their primary soils, which are course textured admixed
without stones. Valleys contain alluvial soils, mixed with gravels and pebbles deposited by storm
water channels and drains. These are of generally coarse nature. These soils are moderately to
strongly calcareous and well drained. The soils occupying level to gently sloping are from
pediment materials having medium to textured (very fine sand and very fine sandy loam). The
soils of these plain area particular areas access to water which is located in different portion of
corridor are fertile and fit for agriculture and other plain areas are for rain fed.
6.2.4 GEOLOGY & SEISMOLOGY
The Tadjik block of northern Afghanistan formed the southern margin of the Eurasian
continental plate during Permo-Triassic times. The Palaeozoic basement was intruded by
Triassic granitoids as a result of subduction related to the first stages of the closure of the
Tethys Ocean during the Cimmeride Orogeny. Subsequent to this, a Jurassic clastic sequence
was deposited, which changes upwards to Cretaceous carbonate platform sedimentation. This
area is now the prime target for hydrocarbon exploration, although the exposed granitoids in the
northeast of the block are prospective particularly for precious (and base) metal mineralization.

7. The proposed transmission lines in the area run through the provinces of Faryab, and Jowzjan
to the south of Jowzjan province.
6.2.5 LAND USE
A big portion of land in the corridor is unused, barren and un- vegetated due to shortage of
water availability. The proposed route passes through settlements which are close to the road.
Generally the project corridor is bordered by desert or semi hills to the both sides. There are no
high hills or mountains or deep river in the corridor.
6.2.6 AGRICULTURE
Scanty scrub vegetation along slopes and other areas are used as grazing and fuel wood
gathering grounds. Natural vegetation has been cleared in the cultivated areas since long.
Some areas are dry formed when there are good rains are able for cultivation. The severe and
uncontrolled usage of this vegetation by man and his animals has totally changed the vegetation
type and has deteriorated its quality and density. At present practically all grass lands and
grazing types are in a serious state of reduction. Low mountainous areas, uncultivated areas
provide fire wood and grazing.
6.2.7 WATER RESOURCES
The major river is the Amu Darya, which rises in the Pamirs, forms much of the northern border
of Afghanistan, and traverses a large area of Cevtral Asia, drying up before it reaches the Aral
Sea,
There are two distinct rainy seasons in the Afghanistan winter (December – March) and
summers (April-mid of Ma) with usual onset of weak monsoon in July. During intervening
periods of May to October-November season remains dry. There is no water storage facility in
the area hence most of the water is received either from rainfall or snow.
Last few years have experienced very little rain in the Project Area. It has made the area dry.
The drought resulted in most of the perennial flood streams remaining dry during most part of
the year. A small percentage of houses have been constructed along the corridor indicating the
low probability of flooding in the proposed transmission line route.
Groundwater is salty at most portion of the area from Andkhoy to Jawzjan and it is available at a
minimum depth of 10 m up to 80 m and more depending on various factors, most important
being the lateral distance from a river or stream. Dry Farming is a common practice for use of
rainwater for harvesting crops especially at the corridor. Extraction of underground water by
electric or diesel pumps is quite expensive. Agricultural cultivation or farm forestry is found at
isolated pockets only where spring, surface or underground water is available. There are not
pumping stations for collection and supply of drinking water along the corridor.
6.2.8 AMBIENT AIR AND NOISE QUALITY
Turkmenistan is being a land locked country part of its international trade passes through Aqina
border. A large number of vehicles ply on this route hence the major source of air and noise
pollution is from heavy traffic load on the Aqina border – Shebirghan and Kabul road. As well as
Pakistan being a land locked country part of its international trade passes through Turkam
border. A large number of vehicles ply on this route hence the major source of air and noise
pollution is from heavy traffic load on the Aqina – Shebirghan and Kabul road.
Use of fuel wood for cooking purposes also contributes in the air pollution. In addition to this
fugitive dust from quarries also adds to air and noise pollution. The Project Area has no Industry

8. or major commercial activities except at few urban areas including Shebirghan hence not much
Noise and Air pollution in the corridor.
6.3 BIOLOGICAL ENVIRONMENT
6.3.1 GENERAL
Vegetation (Flora), Wildlife, Reptiles, Insects and Butterflies, Birdlife, Fresh Water Fish (Fauna)
etc. are the ecological resources of the Study Area.
The plain areas of Aqina border to Andkhoy covered by vegetation and barren. Due to the
abuse vegetational cover in this track only shrubs and bushes remain which, however, yield
considerable firewood and pasture.
Fruit plants include melon, water melone, seasone and zegher grown in corridor different
locations.
The Fauna available along the corridor in Afghanistan are found from place to place as the
follow:
Table 6. 1: list of Fauna available along the corridor in Afghanistan
Sno Latin name English name remarks
Canis lupus Wolf
Vulpes vulpes Jackal
lepus capensis Rabbit
Hystrix indica Jarah
Dryomys nitedula Forest dormouse
rattus rattoides Turkistan rat
mus musculus House mouse
Calomyscus lailward Long tailed hamster
Cricetulus migratorius Gray hamster
Crocidura russula Common white toothed shrew
Pipistrellus pipistrellus Common pipistrelle
Vulpes vulpes Red fox
In Faryab and Jowzjan provinces the project corridor passes through Dry Arid Habitat poorly
vegetated/forested with quite minimal biological diversity due to shortage of water, limited
rainfall and scanty soil cover. Wherever occur shrubs and bushes provide rangelands for
grazing and fuel wood gathering grounds.
6.3.2 RESERVED FORESTS
No reserved forest exists even up to 5km from the proposed corridor of transmission line in the
area.
6.3.2 VEGETATION DISTRIBUTION ALONG THE PROJECT CORRIDOR

9. The proposed Transmission Line (T/L) route in Afghanistan starts from a Northerly direction to
the Turkenistan-Afghanistan border near Aqina Border and thereafter follows the road to
Shebirghan.
The route shown on the map follows the road to Andkhoy and Shebirghan. The route is located
on the west side of the road form Aqina border to Andkhoy and then to the south side of the
road from Andkhoy to Shebirghan but there is a big distance between AP1 and the main road.
Then from Aqina border to Andkhoy the line comes near to the main road AP2 and passes with
a sufficient distance from the road. Some long part of the rout located on desert and some
small part on vegetation area, but when the rout comes near to Andkhoy A3 the rout passes
some vegetation areas and then the city of Andkhoy. Inside the city the rout passes some poor
developed settlements and some vegetation areas AP4, AP5 and AP6. After AP6 the rout
passes very long areas of desert and a small part of vegetation but not infrastructure/ settlement
till AP9 and there is insufficient distance from AP9 to AP10 from the road.
Major tree species, shrubs, medicinal plants and herbs found in COI ( 1 to 1.5 km) are given in
Table 6.1.
Table 6.2: Vegetation along the COI ( 1 to 1.5 km)
S.# SCIENTIFIC NAME COMMON/VERNACULAR
NAME
REMARKS
1. Cedrus deodara Lemanz or Archa Tree
2. Picea smithiana Surp Tree
3. Abies spectabilis Bejor Tree
4. Pinus wallichiana Neshtar Tree
5. Pinus gerardiana Jalghoza Medicine and fruit tree
6. juniperus semiglobosa Obakht Tree
7. Pinus selvestris Kaj-e-Safid Tree
8. Pinus helepensis Najo Tree
9. Quercus
semicarpifolia
Kacho Tree
10. Quercus dilatata Maro Tree
11. Haloxylon
ammodendron
Black Saksawol Medicine tree
12. haloxylon pesrsicum Whit Saksawol Medicine tree
13. Pistacea vera Pesta Fruit tree
14. Juglans regia Walnut Fruit and medicine tree
15. Robinia pseudoacacia White Acacia Tree
16. ulmus campestris Pashakhana Tree
17. ailanthus glandolsa Willow Tree
18. Cercis griffithii Arghawan Tree
19. Elaeagnus
angustifolia,
Sorbs Fruit tree
20. Populus pyramidalis Chenar-e-Ar Ar Tree for fire
21. , populus alba, Safidar Wooden beam
22. Populus ciliate Plane tree Wooden beam
23. salix aemophyla Willow Tree fire

10. 24. salix wallichiana Willow Tree fire
25. salix angustifolia Bead-e- zard Tree
26. salix elegan Btter willow Tree
27. salix babylonica Weeping willow Tree
6.3.5 ENDANGERED FLORAL SPECIES
Table 6.3: List of plant endangered species in Afghanistan
Sno Latin name English name
1 Abies spectabilis East Himalayan fir
2 Corydalis adiantifolia No common name
3 Corydalis hindukushensis No common name
4 Taxus contorta Himalayan Yew
5 Ulmus wallichiana Himalayan Elm
6.3.6 FAUNA
Fauna of the area comprise of Wildlife Mammals, Domesticated mammals, Reptiles,
Amphibians and Avifauna (Birds).
Mammals
Due to degraded habitat and sparse vegetation not many wild animals exist in area. Commonly
found wildlife in desert and semi desert area includes: Jackals (Asiatic jackal), Fox
Vulpesvulpes, Cat Felis catus, Rupell’s Fox Vulpes rueppellii and different species of bat family.
Rarely wolf Canis lupus is also met with. However, other small wild mammals found are
Porcupine Hystrix indica, Squirrel Funambulus pennant, Bat Pterous mediusm, Rabbit Lepus
cunniculus Wild Hare Lepus nigricollis, Mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus, Mouse Mus
musculus, and Rat Rattus rattus etc.
Reptiles, Amphibians, Insects And Butterflies
Snakes, Scorpions, Lizards, are the common reptiles in the area.
Amongst snakes mostly non-poisonous snakes like Rat eaters are found. People usually resort
to spiritual healers in case of snake bite. Black and soil colored, scorpions are in abundance,
and latter is more poisonous. Among Lizards Agama, Geko and Varanus are met with. Goh
(Varanis monitor) is the largest lizard. Frog and Toads are common amphibians.
Due to scanty vegetation not many insects are found. However, flies and mosquitoes are very
common. A variety of butterflies is found on shrubs and herbs. Millipedes, centipedes and bugs,
beetles are also found.
Birds (Avifauna)

11. Project Corridor passing through Afghanistan is not very rich in Birdlife due to lack of suitable
habitat. However, there isn’t rich diversity of avifauna in area from Aqina border to Shebrighan.
The only places which we can find a small number of birds are vegetation area center of
Andkhoy district and near to Jowzjan province. The main avifauna found in and around area
includes Pigeon (Columba livia), Dove (Macro-phygia magna), Myna (Acridotheres tristis), Owl
(Strix nebulosa), House sparrow (Passer domesticus), common Teal (Anas crecca), Eagle Owl
(Bubo bubo) Chukor (Alectoris chukor), Shikra (Accipeter badius), Behri (Falcon peregrine),
Kestrel (Falco tinunculus), Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer), Crow, Kite, Duck, Quail, Patridges,
Sandgrouse etc.
And the most important endanger bird is
Siberain crane (Grus leucogeranus) in
Afghanistan.
6.3.7 WILDLIFE SANCTUARIES
There is no wildlife sanctuary in or near the
COI.
6.3.8 ENDANGERED WILDLIFE
SPECIES
Table 6.4: Endangered Wildlife
species in Afghanistan base on IUCN
categories and Afghanistan Wildlife
Executive Committee (AWEC)
No. Latin Name Common Name Year
Evaluated
IUCN
Designation
Status Criteria
Mammals
1 Acinonyx jubatus Asiatic Cheetah 2008 Critically
Endangered
D
2 Capra falconeri Markhor 2008 Endangered C1
3 Capra sibirica Siberian Ibex
(Bamyan Population)
2008 Critically
Endangered
A2ad + C1
4 Cervus elaphus
bactrianus
Bactrian Deer 2009 Endangered C1
5 Gazella bennettii Indian Gazelle 2009 Critically
Endangered
D
6 Gazella subgutturosa Goitered Gazelle 2009 Endangered A2cd
7 Moschus cupreus Musk Deer 2008 Endangered A2cd
8 Ovis ammon polii Argali 2008 Vulnerable A2bde + 3bde
9 Panthera pardus Persian Leopard 2008 Endangered C2a(i)

12. 10 Uncia uncia Snow Leopard 2008 Endangered C1
11 Ursus thibetanus Asiatic Black Bear 2008 Endangered A2cd + 3d, C1
Amphibians
12 Batrachuperus mustersi Paghman
Salamander
2008 Critically
Endangered
B2ab(iii)
Birds
13 Aquila heliaca Eastern Imperial
Eagle
2009 Endangered C2a(ii)
14 Grus leucogeranus Siberian Crane 2008 Critically
Endangered
D
15 Gyps bengalensis White-Rumped
Vulture
2009 Critically
Endangered
A2bce+4bce
16 Marmaronetta
angustirostris
Marbled Teal 2009 Endangered B2ab(iii), D
17 Neophron percnopterus Egyptian Vulture 2009 Endangered A2bcde+3bcde+4bc
de
18 Oxyura leucocephala White-headed Duck 2009 Critically
Endangered
D
19 Vanellus gregarius Sociable Lapwing 2009 Critically
Endangered
A3bc+A4bc
Insects
20 Parnassius autocrator No common name 2008 Endangered B2ab(ii,iii)
Plants
21 Equus hemionus Asiatic Wild Ass 2010 Critically
Endangered
D

13. 6.3.9 WETLANDS IN THE PROJECT AREA
There are not wetlands in within the COI of Aqina to Shebirghan.
6.4 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL ENVIRONMENT
6.4.1 GENERAL
This section presents the collective results of the socio-economic baseline surveys carried out
for sample populations settled along the COI (1 to 1.5 km), however affected structures and
were identified within the COI of 500 m i.e. 250m on either side of centre of T/L.
During the in-depth survey of the Project Area, it was noted that about 04 Nos. villages/ towns/
settlements fall along the COI (1 to 1.5 km). As per requirement of ADB, 20 percent sample size of
affected families (30 Nos.) were randomly selected and accordingly interviewed by giving due weight age
to various villages/settlements. Based on the data collected a socioeconomic baseline data have been
accomplished, which will provide the basis of subsequent further investigations during the preparation of
detailed ESIA in upcoming stages of the proposed project.
6.4.2 POLITICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE SETTINGS
Following the 11 September 2001 terrorist attaches, a US, joined, and northern union military
action topped the Taliban for sheltering Ossaman bene Ladin.
In late 2001, a conference in BOON, Germany, established a process for political reconstruction
that finally resulted in the adoption of a new constitution in presidential election in 2004, on 9
October 2004, Hamid Karzai became the first democratically elected president of Afghanistan,
The government of Afghanistan was already taking modest steps to address some of the
environmental problems of the country, especially those of water supply, deforestation and
wildlife conservation. As early as 1972, the government requested assistance form UNDP and
FAO and developing a strategy for the conservation and management of natural resource and
wildlife, the strategy was eventually published in 1981, it provided detailed information on the
physical and biological environment of Afghanistan as well as it’s ecological history and current
conservation challenges in the area of forestry, agriculture, endangered species, wetland
management, legislation, and education,
To identify the most pressing institutional, policy and legal need for environmental management,
UNEP collected information on the current organization of the environmental sector. The
following sections provide a broad over view of existing government structures, polices, lows
and instruments for environmental management,

14. The department of irrigation, water resources and environment
For the first time in the history of the country, and authority for environmental management was
mandated in the new governmental structure, the Ministry of irrigation and water resources
(established under the interim administration) was allocated the additional responsibility for the
environmental management and renamed as the ministry of irrigation, water resources and
environment (MIWRE)
A deportment of environment has been created , but it does not at present have dedicated staff
to work specifically on environmental management issues rather the staff consists mainly of
technical water and irrigation experts , consultants and engineers.
Other relevant environmental management bodies:
Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and livestock
// planning
// Public health
// urban development and housing
// Rural rehabilitation and development
// Water and power
// Information and culture
In the current transitional period the Boon agreement determined that the 1964 constitution
enacted under the monarchy shall continue to govern Afghanistan’s legal system to the extent
that it is not in agreement with other components of the agreement.
6.4.3 SETTLEMENT PATTERN
During the detailed field survey, it was noted that there are about 04 villages/ towns/settlements
along the project corridor. The major villages/settlements/towns along the COI included center
of the Andkhoy district, Chakman, Khwaja Doco and Rahmat Aabad village. Thus both rural
and urban population is located along the COI of Aqina Border – Turkhamistan. Motioned
settlements is both small and large ranging from 15-40 houses including 200-900 persons and
most of the population resided along the project corridor is rural.
As far as the land ownership is concerned, along the project route, the land is a communal
property by the tribes and within them by localized clans. As the land is a communal property,
so that there is no practice of sale and purchase of land, however, in case land is required for
some development projects, acquisition is done through in consultations with the elders of
concerned tribes.
6.4.4 ETHNICITY/TRIBES
The main tribes located along the route are the Uzbek 53%, followed by Tajiks (27%-30%)
Other is Pashtuns (13%) and Turkmen people (4%-6%). All the land and other natural

15. resources located along the COI are owned by the above tribes. Each tribe has further sub-
tribes/ clans and has their own traditions and customs.
The political administration is supported by tribal elders (Arbabs/Maliks) man and women
Shuras, which represent different clans and are recognized by the government. They are the
persons commanding most authority and influence in their tribe. The Arbabs/Maliks supervise
and coordinate the implementation of law and order and exercise their functions as mediators
and as members of special tribal councils (Jirga/Shura), which are organized as and when
required. Generally, it is organized in order to take some decisions on certain major types of
disputes/ conflicts. The FCR provides legal cover to the local council (Jirga/Shura) to settle
disputes arising out of blood feuds, relating to women, wealth and land disputes. The
Jirga/Shura represented by the Arbabs/Maliks, who also serve as a medium of communication
for the public participation.
6.4.5 DEMOGRAPHIC ANALYSIS OF THE PROJECT CORRIDOR
The demographic features include the information on size of households, gender composition,
literacy status, housing, expenditure, income etc. of the population in the project area.
i) Family Size and Gender Composition
Along the COI, majority of the population are living as a joint/extended family system in the
same compound. This explains the predominance of extended families in the project area. The
extended or joint families include all the family members consisting children, wife, mother,
father, brothers, sisters and grandparents are living under the same compound led by the family
head. The elder of the house is responsible to look after all the social matters and other
activities of the house including income and expenditure etc. Based on the field survey, the size
of most of the households located along the COI is between 10 to 30 persons, while the
average family size is to the extent of 26 as discussed below.
The average family size estimated at 12.5 considering the nuclear family, while in general
people are living as joint/extended family system, where the average size is estimated at 26.0.
The gender composition reveals that the proportion of males and females was to the extent of
57 percent and 43 percent respectively (Table 6.1).
Table 6.5: Average Family Size and Gender Composition of Population Located within
the COI
Average
Family Size
(No.)
Gender Composition
Male (%) Female (%)
12.5
(26.0)*
57.0 43.0
Figure in parenthesis is the average size of joint families in the Project Area
iii) Education Status

16. There are about 1000 teachers and 40000 students in Andkhoy and the surrounding villages.
The first school for boys (Abu Muslim) was founded during the time of King Amanullah while
Yuldoz Girls School was start about 50 years ago. Now there are now many schools for girls
and boys not only in the town of Andkhoi but also in all the villages in the four districts
surrounding Andkhoi. Great changes have been made possible by a German NGO called
VUSAF (in Afghanistan) or Afghanistan-Schulen (in Germany. The lady who founded the
committee is called Ulla Nölle. The hero who made it possible that the education system in the
area improved so much was, unfortunately, shot at sunset in front of his house in February
2007. The people of the area still miss the hero in education Rahmanqul Shaheed. In 2009
Khancharbagh Lycee was given his name in honor of his achievements for the girls and boys of
the Andkhoi area.
Among them stood the Tomb of Hazrat Baba Wali and its affiliated Madrasa or school that are
considered very sacred by the Turkmen and Uzbek people of the region and are a major
attraction of local tourists.
iv) The Nature Occupation
The major occupations are service/drivers, business/ transporters, labor and others (working
abroad & some were involved in farming). Table 6.6 reveals that on overall basis, the proportion
of drivers/service was to the extent of 18.0%, while the business especially transporters were
30.4 percent of the total population resided along the project corridor. There were 19.1%
laborers (skilled/unskilled), 20% shopkeepers and remaining 12.5 percent were working abroad
& some were engaged in farming activities. The farming activity mostly continue in a very limit
form due to shortage of the water from AP2 to AP3 and to AP4 and some part between AP3 –
AP4-AP5-AP6-AP7-AP8 and AP9.
Table 6.6: Major Occupations of Sample Affecters
Major Occupations (%)
Service/
Drivers
Business/
Transporter
Labor
(skilled/unskilled)
Shopkeeper Other
(abroad,
farming)
28.0 40.4 19.1 12.5
6.4.6 STATUS OF AGRICULTURE
As mentioned before, from Aqina to Shebirghan the existing land within the COI is mostly plan,
semi hilly and barren also doesn’t access to water area therefore cultivation isn’t easy in
practice.
During the field survey, it was observed that on overall basis, the average size of the cultivated
area is varying from 0.4 ha to 0.7 ha in case of individual land owners, while in case of
communal land such cultivable land is ranging from 1 ha to 1.5 ha.

17. The summarized data as depicted in Table 6.7 shows three main crops are being grown, i.e.
wheat, sesame and Zegher however wheat is the main crop. Fodder for livestock is usually
cultivated during the both seasons.
Table 6.7: Cropping Pattern and Intensity along the COI
Wheat Sesame Zegher Fodder Cropping
Intensity
(%)
61.0 20.3 30.5 8.5 127.2
The average yield per ha of wheat has been worked out to be 4152 kg, while it is 1,120 kg/ ha in
case of sesame and 13,720 kg/ ha for fodder. It is worth noting to mention here that the
cultivable land is only available in the near, plain and fertile area
6.4.7 HOUSEHOLD INCOME/ LIVELIHOOD
The income is an indicator for assessing the livelihood/well-being of a household. In the project
area, the major sources of household income are business especially transport, shops, hotel,
auto-workshops; remittances from both in-land and abroad services and carpet waving mostly
by female. Furthermore, a significant proportion of the population was engaged in daily wage
labor. Partly the household income is also supplemented through the sale of livestock
(especially goat/sheep) and farming activities especially onward, where land is being cultivated/
cropped. The survey results depicted in Table 6.8 show that for the whole COI, the average
annual household income estimated as US$ 4200. The average annual per capita income
computed to be US$ 340.
Table 6.8: Average Annual Household Income of Sample Households along the
Project Corridor
Average Household Income
(US$)
Average Per Capita Income
(US$)
Annual Monthly Annual Monthly
4200 350 340 30
6.4.8 HOUSEHOLD EXPENDITURE
The household expenditure and pattern of expenditure, (which includes food and non-food)
provides an indication for assessing the standard of living of a household. The expenditure on
food items includes cereals, pulses, flour, sugar, cooking oil/ghee, milk etc., while non-food
items consist of expenditure on education, medicines/medical treatments, clothes, shoes,
cosmetics etc. The survey results presented in Table 6.9 indicate that the average annual
household expenditure both on food and non-food items worked out to be US$ 2460 out of
which, 80.9 percent and 19.1 percent expenditure incurred on food and non-food items
respectively.
Average annual household expenditure on food is computed to be US$ 1990 (80.9%) along the
project corridor respectively. In case of non-food items, such expenditure is to the extent of US$
470 (19.5%).
Table-6.9: Average Annual Food and Non-Food Expenditure

18. Food Expenditure
(US$)
Food
Expenditure (%)
Non-Food
Expenditure
(US$)
Non-Food
Expenditure
(%)
Total Food &
Non-Food
Expenditure
(US$)
1990 80.9 470 19.1 2460
iii) Housing Conditions
Housing conditions are also one of the indicators for the assessment of living
standard/livelihood of a household. Based on field survey results as presented in Table 6.10
that on the whole, all sample affecters had their own houses, As far as the housing condition is
concerned, out of total sample affecters, 15.9 percent had paved houses, 40.5 percent had
paved + unpaved and remaining 43.6 percent had un-paved houses. As regards the availability
of toilets in the houses/ compound, survey results indicated that on overall basis, about 20%
houses have toilets with flush system, while remaining 80% houses have not toilet facility, so
that the family members are using open field for toilets in the project area.
Table 6.10: Housing Conditions in the project Area
(Percent)
Housing Conditions Toilet Facilities
Paved Paved+un-paved Un-paved Flush system Open field
15.9 40.5 43.6 20% 80%
iv) Extent of Credit Utilization
Generally, credit is obtained to meet the additional expenditure incurred due to some
unforeseen matters. Credit is obtained from formal (banks) and informal sources
(friends/relatives) and used for investment and domestic purposes. In all the cases, credit was
obtained from informal sources including friends, relatives, elders, neighbors and
businessmen/shopkeepers. During the survey it was observed that most of the people are
doing business including transports etc, while several people are working abroad. It was further
noted that sometimes, people needs some extra money to meet the domestic expenses
especially participation/performing social obligations like marriage etc. In this respect some
people get loan from informal sources such as friends, relatives, neighbors, businessmen,
shopkeepers resided in the area. It was noted that on overall basis about 10 percent of the
respondents obtained credit from informal sources. The average amount of loan worked out to
be US$ 750 per year. This amount of loan is mostly using for domestic purposes. The credit
used for business (shops), and social matters (especially marriage) as reported by the 25.5
percent and 64.5 percent sample people respectively, while 10 percent sample people utilized
their amount credit for medicine/medical treatment (Table 6.11).
Table 6.11: Incidence of Credit and its Utilization
Proportion
obtained Credit
Average
amount of
Loan
(US$)
Purpose of Credit Procured (%)
Business/
Investment
Medical
Treatment
Marriage/
Social
Purposes
10.0 611 25.5 10.0 64.5
6.4.9 PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE/SOCIAL AMENITIES

19. In the Project Area, drinking water is not available to the population as reported by the 80% of
the sample affecters/respondents particularly in Andkhoy location. However, in some places, the
women are involved in fetching drinking water from nearby water source (A reservoir which exist
at the center of the city), where community is fetching water for domestic purposes. Stream and
wells water is reasonable for some domestic purposes such as washing dishes, cars and
sprinkling.
Based on the survey, it was noted that generally, the minority of the households (20%) had the
access and availability of drinking water facility in the village/town or at nearby place or nearby
their residence. The major sources of drinking water observed in the project area are streams,
wells along the streams/ springs, lift pumps installed at nearby water source.
More than 60 percent of the sample population residing along the COI (1 to 1.5 km) had access
to electricity. Access to health facilities, schools and roads is to the extent of 30 percent, 40
percent and 30 percent respectively.
Table 6.12: Availability to Social Infrastructure
Access to Social Infrastructure
(Percent)
Drinking
Water
Electricity Health Center/
Facility
School Road
75.0 40.0 30.0 40.0 30.0
6.4.10 Women Issues
In the COI (1 to 1.5 km), about one – half of the population is female. In the tribal area, the women have a
limited role in decision-making process at household level. The men shares the idea with women but the
final decision makes by men. The women living along the project corridor were involved in several
activities such as, fetching of drinking water from streams/wells as well as tube wells located at the edge
of stream; collecting fire wood in nearby hilly area; washing clothes and household utensils; child rearing;
livestock rearing especially goat/sheep, livestock grazing etc. However, in some families in tribal area, the
extent of women’s involvement remained limited to domestic matters only.
During the survey of the project the following concerns/issues were pointed out:
 Women indicated a terrible need for the availability of drinking water;
 Local customs, traditions and privacy element will be affected due to the project
implementation;
 Women daily routine activities will be hindered due to the project activities;
 Outsiders employment in the project will interrupt their privacy and routine activities;
 Blasting during the work may injure their children, livestock and will create higher level
of noise in the area;
 Local tracks/passages will be blocked and people especially women, children & aged
group people will have to follow a long distance route in order reach at her/his
destination.