A carpet weaving business owner said the end of support from a U.S.-funded project to modernize the industry forced her to let go of many of her workers, raising fears of worsening unemployment and deepening poverty.
Date: 5/25
Region: Europe & Central Asia
Country: Afghanistan
Topic: Economy & Livelihoods
Policy Lens: Economic & Trade Interests
Entry Type: Field Observation
Additional Context: This testimonial was collected by the Afghan Analysts Network. The project mentioned was funded by USAID and provided technical and financial support, modern looms, apprenticeships and training for those in the carpet-weaving industry. This assistance meant to span the entire supply chain, including the herders who provide the wool, dyers, weavers as well as those in charge of marketing and exporting.
Devex Researcher Note: The impact of aid withdrawals on livelihoods and employment opportunities which the business owner was concerned about are well documented. In a recent report published by the U.N. Development Programme, or UNDP, the need for livelihoods and employment support increased by 17 percentage points from 2024 to 2025 as the withdrawal of aid has been compounded with severe drought and a growing influx of returnees.
Source: Afghan Analysts Network