Decades of conflict and stagnation in Afghanistan devastated the knowledge and expertise base. Children were separated from the wisdom of their ancestors; professionals left to find jobs in other countries; and those that remained were isolated from peers and progress. Women were especially denied educational opportunities. As international agriculture advanced to meet the demands of the global marketplace, Afghanistan was left far behind.

Now, the central government and its institutions are struggling to gain the confidence of the Afghan people. ICARDA and other partners of the Future Harvest Consortium are upgrading the skills of Afghan researchers, including degree training.