What does it take to successfully plant over 22,481 fruit trees?

2005

When Trust in Education first visited Lalander in the spring of 2005, the villagers asked TIE to help restore fruit tree orchards that had been destroyed during the war.

In one area, a 150 acre terraced hillside had no water. The aqueduct and irrigation systems that brought water to the hillside had been destroyed.  The villagers and TIE both agreed that once water was restored to the hillside, it would be planted with fruit trees. TIE found three local Afghan engineers, who each made a bid on an irrigation project that would bring water to the hillside. One engineer’s bid was selected and the irrigation project was completed that fall, at a cost of $19,000.

2006

With the water in place, TIE then embarked on a process to purchase and distribute fruit trees to Lalander’s farmers. Growers in the Lalander valley were willing to sell TIE two year old apricot and apple trees for $1.25. At that price TIE could afford to buy enough trees for 160 farmers.

These farmers were selected by the village leaders, who then placed their orders. Most selected apricot. The trees were planted during March  There were reports of a few farmers who took their trees to market in Kabul for desperately needed cash. We recognize how difficult it is for some families to think “long term.” The trees wouldn’t bear significant quantities of fruit for four to five years. Instant cash was more valuable than long term returns. But we were also gamed. Five years later, we’re much better at the games people play. We’re veterans.

2007

Another round of trees were planted in March 2007, bringing the total for 2006 and 2007 to 22,481 trees. In 2007, none were taken to the market in Kabul. Fool me once…..