In the sun-scorched district of Arghistan, north of Kandahar province, water had all but disappeared. For years, the drought seasons grew longer and more intense. Rivers ran dry, traditional underground karez systems crumbled, and the earth cracked, barren to seeds. Families who had farmed this land for generations were left with no choice but to leave, driven by one simple reality: without water, there is no life.
But in the village of Mangochar, the story took a different turn. Instead of being forced to leave, villagers were given an opportunity to build
Check dam, before the project, in May 2021 (left), Check dam with water during drought, two years after the project's completion, May 2025 (right). Photo by DRC
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A dam built by and for the community
In late 2021, the Danish Refugee Council (DRC) began meetings with Mangochar’s community elders. With their local guidance, DRC identified a site to construct a check dam, one that could store rainwater, recharge groundwater, irrigate fields, water livestock and restore hope.
Over five months, a 110-meter-long dam took shape. The project provided short-term jobs for 86 local workers. This dam helped recharge nine downstream karez systems, supporting more than 1,080 households – over 9,400 people. It has helped protect the community against future drought, stabilized the land and reduced erratic rain damage.
Azizullah, a 43-year-old father of five, was one of them. For him, the dam was not just about water, it was about staying home:
"We have seen a lot of benefits from this check dam, for many villages along the stream. Before, water was very scarce and many were planning to leave the area, including myself. I used to struggle a lot, I was surviving from one daily wage to another, often far apart."
"Now, I take care of a tree garden, I support the harvests, and even grow vegetables for my family. I don’t have to leave anymore. I am safe, and I can enjoy what I have."
Before, water was very scarce and many were planning to leave the area, including myself. I used to struggle a lot, I was surviving from one daily wage to another, often far apart.
/ Azizullah
Two years later, the benefits are visible: less erosion, greener pastures, stronger crops, and a buffer against erratic rains
Lifestock grazing in green pasture. May 2025 (left). New cumin seed crops, May 2025 (right). Photos by: Manon Rodasta/ DRC
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Azizullah’s story: from uncertainty to stability
Before the checkdam, Azizullah survived on sporadic daily labor, when they was any available.
As the wells dried up and the fields failed to produce enough food, he feared he’d have to leave Mangochar behind to find a way to provide for his wife and children. But when construction began, he joined the team of workers and started to see a possible future for himself.
Today, he manages a shared garden that feeds 11 families and earns a steady income.
When we met him, he proudly showed us the garden, the old pomegranate trees and the young fig trees, planted after the check dam was completed.
These fig trees are now two years old, and preparing for their first harvest.
Azizullah showing his new figs garden. May 2025 (left). First Figs blooming, May 2025 (right). Photos by: Manon Rodasta / DRC
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A national water crisis
Afghanistan currently stands at the brink of a water catastrophe. Across the country, it is estimated that nearly 80% of the population does not have adequate access to water.
Communities face widespread water shortages, and groundwater in rural areas is rapidly vanishing. Erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts and sudden flash floods – all fueled by climate change – have displaced over 500,000 Afghans in 2024 alone.
Building community infrastructure in fragile environments is not without its challenges. However, successful local efforts show some ways forward.
In Arghistan, one major hurdle was the absence of hydrological data. With no official records on rainfall or flood levels, engineers have little to guide them.
In Mangochar, it was local knowledge that filled part of that gap. DRC teams conducted site walks and numerous conversations with long-time residents to piece together a picture of flood history, rainfall patterns and seasonal water flows.
This experience highlights a broader issue across the country: the urgent need for investment in local hydrological monitoring systems and stronger institutional capacities for water governance, so future projects can be planned with greater precision and long-term resilience.
Without consistent institutional oversight and sustainable financing, community infrastructure alone is not enough.
Investing in robust data systems, governance, and climate-resilient infrastructure support must become a priority. Without it, the country risks sliding deeper into severe water scarcity, forced displacement, and lost opportunities for recovery.
Tree gardens in Arghistan, small oasis in drought-affected areas, May 2025. Photo by: Manon Radosta / DRC
