Panjshir province is located about 3 hours north of Kabul and is known for being the most scenic valley in Afghanistan. Its steep, rugged mountains give way to a valley full of small farming villages and orchards.

 

The people of Panjshir have braved many hardships over the past thirty years. Soviet tanks, forts and mines from the war still dot the landscape. During the Taliban, Panjshir was one of the few areas left unconquered, a proof of the extreme fighting and sacrifices made there. Most villagers rely on agriculture either for income or for personal sustenance. Many men are unable to hold full time or labor intensive jobs because of injuries incurred during the wars. Aiding villages with agricultural production allows for some of the neediest to succeed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Mountain Hope Foundation has joined with the Ministry of Agriculture in Panjshir to provide bee boxes for families to harvest the honey for extra income. The honey can earn a family an extra $100 dollars a year. The average income is $200 a year in this area. For several families taking part, this will be their only outside income. The honey harvesting project allows for minimal intensive labor and the bee box equipment can be used for years, providing maximum benefits. Other projects include purchasing farm animals for income from dairy and eggs sales.