Afghanistan’s Kuchi nomads have been identified by the United Nations as one of the country’s largest vulnerable populations. There are reportedly three million Kuchis in Afghanistan, with at least 60 percent maintaining a fully nomadic lifestyle. USAID recently partnered with the Ministry of Rural Reconstruction and Development (MRRD) to provide solar lights for Kuchis in Nangarhar province, improving safety and quality of life.
The solar light is a rugged, long-lasting, solar-powered, and rechargeable alternative to the expensive kerosene lanterns that many Kuchis currently use. The solar light could potentially save users more than 20 to 30 percent of the their monthly income by reducing the need to purchase kerosene. Solar lights also eliminate fine carbon inhalation, injuries from burns due to kerosene spillage, and the risk of fire. As a pilot initiative, 10 solar lights were distributed to a Kuchi community. The community members were asked to evaluate the lights in terms of the adequacy of the light provided, number of hours of use between recharging, and durability. MRRD staff assisted USAID in the distribution and will monitor the viability of the solar lights for broader distribution.