STRENGTHENING WATERSHED AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (SWIM) · Environmental Scoping Statement |...

STRENGTHENING WATERSHED AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (SWIM) ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING STATEMENT

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Environmental Scoping Statement | Strengthening Watershed and Irrigation Management (SWIM) 1

STRENGTHENING WATERSHED AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (SWIM) ENVIRONMENTAL SCOPING STATEMENT Contract Number: AID-306-C-17-00001

Submitted to: USAID | Afghanistan, Office of Agriculture (electronic submission)

Submitted by: Farida Akbar, Program Manager

[email protected] +1-703-682-0870 Prepared by: AECOM International Development

3101 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 900 Arlington, Virginia 22201, United States

Contracting Officer Representative: Shamim Niazi Chief of Party: Drako Reyes

DISCLAIMER:

The authors’ views expressed in this document do not necessarily reflect the views of the United States Agency for International Development or the United States Government.


TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Abbreviations and Acronyms ........................................................................................... 4

Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................... 5

1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................. 6

2. Purpose and Need for the SWIM Project ............................................................................. 7

3. Objectives of the PEA and Scoping statement .................................................................... 8

4. Regulatory and Policy Framework ...................................................................................... 10

5. Description of Project Location and Area of Influence ..................................................... 11

Geographic Scope of SWIM ........................................................................................................................... 11

Geography .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

Climate ................................................................................................................................................................ 13

Geology and Soils ............................................................................................................................................. 13

Population and Socioeconomic Conditions ................................................................................................ 14

Climate Change ................................................................................................................................................. 15

Institutions that Manage Agriculture and Water Resources .................................................................. 15

Water Resources .............................................................................................................................................. 16

Agricultural Water Resources ........................................................................................................ 16

Drinking Water Resources ............................................................................................................. 17

Flora, Fauna and Protected Areas ................................................................................................................ 17

Flora ........................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined.

Fauna ..................................................................................................................................................... 18

Protected Areas ................................................................................................................................. 18

Agriculture .......................................................................................................................................................... 20

Farming Technology .......................................................................................................................... 21

Pesticide and Fertilizer Use ............................................................................................................. 22

6. Proposed Action .................................................................................................................... 23

Irrigation Canal Rehabilitation ....................................................................................................................... 23

Watershed Restoration .................................................................................................................................. 24

Supporting Activities Beyond Component 1 .............................................................................................. 24

7. Methodology and Stakeholder Consultation Plan ............................................................. 25

Primary Stakeholder Consultation ............................................................................................................... 25

Secondary Stakeholder Consultation ........................................................................................................... 26

Challenges and Constraints ............................................................................................................................ 26

8. Potential Environmental and Social Issues Identified and Evaluated ............................... 26


9. Elimination of Non-Significant Issues .................................................................................. 39

10. Alternatives Analysis............................................................................................................. 39

No-action Alternative ...................................................................................................................................... 39

Site Alternatives ................................................................................................................................................ 39

Design Alternatives .......................................................................................................................................... 40

Technological Alternatives ............................................................................................................................. 40

11. Recommendations and Rationale for Environmental Management ................................ 40

12. Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) .................................................. 41

References .................................................................................................................................... 53

Annex A: Primary and Secondary Stakeholder Questionnaires ........................................... 56

Primary Stakeholder Questionnaire ............................................................................................................. 57

Secondary Stakeholder Questionnaire ........................................................................................................ 63

Annex B: List of Stakeholders Consulted ................................................................................ 67

Annex C: EMMP Reporting Form ............................................................................................. 79

Annex D: Environmental Review Form (ERF) ........................................................................ 80

Annex E: Environmental Review Report Template ................................................................ 82

Annex F: USAID/Afghanistan 2016 PERSUAP Form 2 .......................................................... 84


LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS AECOM AECOM International Development

CBD Convention on Biological Diversity

CBNRM Community Based Natural Resource Management

CDC Community Development Council

CFR Code of Federal Regulations

COP Chief of Party

COR Contracting Officer Representative

DAIL Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock

DCOP Deputy Chief of Party

DDA District Development Association

DoEW Department of Energy and Water

EA Environmental Assessment

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

EMMP Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan

ERF Environmental Review Form

ERR Environmental Review Report

GIRoA Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan

IA Irrigation Association

IEE Initial Environmental Examination

MAIL Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock

MEW Ministry of Energy and Water

MoU Memorandum of Understanding

NEPA National Environmental Protection Agency

NIP National Irrigation Program

O&M Operations and Maintenance

OAG Office of Agriculture

OAPA Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs

PEA Programmatic Environmental Assessment

PIA Preliminary Irrigation Assessment

RADP-N Regional Agricultural Development Program – North

RBA River Basin Agency

RBC River Basin Council

SWIM Strengthening Watershed and Irrigation Management

USAID United States Agency for International Development

WCS Wildlife Conservation Society

WSS Water Sector Strategy


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) designed the Strengthening Watershed and Irrigation Management Project (SWIM) to promote agriculture-led economic growth by increasing the productive use of water and strengthening water resources management. To achieve SWIM objectives, AECOM will provide capacity building, technical services, and related resources to support farmers and farm communities as they manage their water and on-farm resources; the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GIRoA) in strengthening water resource management; and USAID’s Regional Agriculture Develop Program North (RADP-N) to increase water productivity. Target regions for SWIM implementation include the six RADP-N provinces of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Kunduz, and Samangan. Ultimately, the purpose of SWIM is to promote sustainable integrated watershed management approaches by establishing mutually reinforcing relationships between farmers, associations, and the GIRoA. Supporting interventions include Component 1 activities consisting of irrigation canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration projects in selected watersheds, as well as other supporting activities including the generation of integrated watershed management plans, demonstration and training on improved techniques and irrigation methods, and one feasibility study for a large-scale irrigation scheme (greater than 2,000 ha command area; Khush Tepa irrigation canal has been proposed by MAIL; Annex A). The feasibility study will be undertaken according to the terms of the contract. Component 1 activities of the SWIM project initially received a Positive Determination in the SWIM IEE because of the potential for significant adverse environmental and social impacts from the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and upper watersheds. In accordance with USAID’s 22 CFR 216 environmental compliance procedures and the Initial Environmental Documentation approved by the Bureau Environmental Officer, Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs (BEO/OAPA), this Scoping Statement has been conducted to determine and document the type of potential impacts and depth of investigation necessary as well as to offer recommendations on whether a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) is necessary to inform decisions on potential alternatives and appropriate management of environmental and social outcomes. Based on this Environmental Scoping Statement, the recommendation is that Bureau Environmental Officer, Office of Afghanistan and Pakistan Affairs, withdraw the Positive Threshold Decision and reverse it to a Negative Determination with Conditions. SWIM will comply with host country laws and regulations. The evaluation of potential environmental and social impacts was based on desk research, review of environmental reports and country data, and consultation with stakeholders by the SWIM environmental consultants and staff. The methodology selected for stakeholder consultation was based on the project location; area of influence; and, the identification of primary stakeholders (those directly affected by project activities) and secondary relevant stakeholders (those not directly affected but with authority and expertise on project activities). Primary stakeholders were identified from the prioritized list of potential canal rehabilitation projects approved through collaboration with MAIL, MEW and provincial level authorities and were representative of 25 separate canal projects These projects were dispersed across 10 districts in Baghlan, Balkh, Jawzjan and Samanghan provinces (site visits to Kunduz and Badakhshan were not possible due to the current security assessment). Secondary stakeholder consultation was achieved through a multipronged approach consisting of individual and group meetings as well as via phone interviews and email. At the regional and national level, 11 directors and managers from NEPA Natural Heritage Protection, MAIL General Directorate of Natural Resources,


DAIL Irrigation Directorate and River Basin Agencies in the affected northern region were consulted by SWIM regional managers between May 25 and June 20, 2017 using survey questions based on the potential environmental and social issues identified. The survey questions at the regional and national level were scaled towards the SWIM project at-large while the primary stakeholder consultation focused on localized issues associated with individual rehabilitation projects. The potential issues identified relate to land use and crop management; socioeconomic issues; water availability; construction-related impacts; health and safety; drinking water and water quality; and, natural and cultural resources and biodiversity. While these issues formed the structure for the questions used in stakeholder consultation, cross cutting issues including gender and climate change were embedded as sub-issues within the broader categories of socioeconomics, water availability and natural resources and biodiversity. Based on the evaluation of these issues, none have been identified as “significant” based on the notion of significance, established at Scoping, following technical review. Furthermore, for every issue raised by SWIM environmental specialists, all or the majority of primary and secondary stakeholders consulted dismissed the potential for significant adverse impacts. These findings suggest that the generation of a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) would not improve the likelihood of better defining or evaluating the potential environmental impacts and mitigation associated with the SWIM project. The elimination of significant issues has not deferred the recommended approach to use both framework mitigation and monitoring measures (as identified in the EMMP; Section 12), as well as subproject-level environmental review utilizing the Environmental Review Form/Environmental Review Report (ERF/ERR) and fine-tuning proposed mitigation and monitoring measures prior to implementation of canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration subprojects. SWIM staff and applicable subcontractors will be trained in all necessary EMMP policies, procedures and documentation to ensure that activity ideas and activities involve effective environmental review and proper completion and submittal of all environmental documentation. SWIM engineers, local site supervisors, community oversight committees and when appropriate, subcontracted firms, will be trained to conduct environmental reviews prior to engaging in activities, and also trained to monitor projects to ensure environmental standards compliance, and to take action to adjust activities, if required. SWIM will also conduct capacity development training to stakeholders to ensure sustainability of project interventions.

1. INTRODUCTION The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) designed the Strengthening Watershed and Irrigation Management Project (SWIM) to promote agriculture-led economic growth by increasing the productive use of water and strengthening water resources management. The work is authorized under Contract No. AID-306-C-17-0000, as issued to AECOM International Development (AECOM). To achieve SWIM objectives, AECOM will provide capacity building, technical services, and related resources to support farmers and farm communities as they manage their water and on-farm resources; the GIRoA in strengthening water resource management; and USAID’s Regional Agriculture Develop Program North (RADP-N) to increase water productivity. These interventions are organized under three components:

1) Increased Productive and Sustainable Use of Water in Agriculture;

2) Strengthening the Water Regulatory Framework; and


3) Strengthen Capacity of Local Entities to Manage Water Resources. Target regions for SWIM implementation include the six RADP-N provinces of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Kunduz, and Samangan (Figure 1). SWIM maintains a regional office in Mazar-e-Sharif, and will partner with MAIL and MEW to ensure that SWIM activities are amplifying the effects of RADP-N while maximizing social, environmental, and economic benefits. This Environmental Scoping Statement Report describes the environmental review and stakeholder consultation process that was undertaken to identify and address environmental issues and potential impacts. The report also includes an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) and outlines how it will be implemented to mitigate and/or eliminate negative impacts. Figure 1. SWIM project area in the six RADP-N provinces of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Kunduz, and Samangan.

2. PURPOSE AND NEED FOR THE SWIM PROJECT GIRoA reports that despite economic growth since 2002, the country remains one of the poorest in the world. In the last several decades, war and conflict has resulted in disrepair of both formal and informal irrigation systems, and the irrigated agricultural land under production has declined by nearly

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70%1. Because the majority of the nation’s cereals and vegetable crops are cultivated on irrigated land, self-sufficiency has declined while food insecurity has risen. Concurrently, the reliance of the rural poor on subsistence agriculture and livestock is being threatened by the combination of climate change, water scarcity and land degradation. These environmental issues in turn exacerbate food insecurity, population displacement and conflict2. Increasing the efficiency of agricultural water use through the improvement of irrigation infrastructure and on-farm water management practices is critical in addressing these environmental and social issues and their outcomes. A stabilizing effect over irrigated crop production output will improve the living standards and per capita income of the rural poor, thereby increasing their resilience to climate change. Furthermore, increasing the carrying capacity of irrigated agricultural land represents a part of the country’s larger strategy for climate change adaptation. In light of these facts, GIRoA is now working to address the disruption in both the governance and maintenance of infrastructure that form the backbone of the nation’s water and irrigation management systems. The revision of the nation’s Water Law (2009) and development of a Water Sector Strategy (2008) and National Irrigation Program (2015) are meant to formalize and guide policies and projects within the irrigation and watershed management sectors3. MEW is currently working on revising the water strategy and MAIL is working on the irrigation policy. SWIM activities are being selected based upon their ability support the progress made by the USAID Regional Agriculture Development Programs (RADPs) and to complement the work of the Afghanistan Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) and the Ministry of Energy and Water (MEW) that are charged with managing the National Irrigation Plan. Ultimately, the purpose of SWIM is to promote sustainable integrated watershed management approaches by establishing mutually reinforcing relationships between farmers, associations, and the GIRoA. Supporting interventions include irrigation canal rehabilitation, watershed restoration projects including the generation of integrated watershed management plans, demonstration and training on improved techniques and irrigation methods, and one feasibility study for a large-scale irrigation scheme (greater than 2,000 ha command area). This layered approach is needed to address challenges in agricultural production and is designed to:

• Increase irrigated crop areas and yields;

• Reduce damage to canals and crops from heavy precipitation events and flooding;

• Reduce time, labor and financial expenditure on canal O&M and repair;

• Decrease vulnerability to drought;

• Improve food security and agricultural livelihoods; and

• Mitigate water related disputes and conflicts.

3. OBJECTIVES OF THE PEA AND SCOPING STATEMENT USAID’s environmental impact assessment procedures are codified in Title 22, Part 216 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (22 CFR 216). These procedures require an Initial Environmental 1 Ministry of Energy and Water, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Environmental and Social Management Framework (Main Report) for the Irrigation Restoration and Development Project. January 8, 2011. 2 Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Draft National Irrigation Program (NIP). July 2015. 3 Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), Water Resource Management, Volume II, Pillar 3, Infrastructure. Water Sector Strategy. February 2008.


Examination (IEE) prior to implementation of a program, project or activity in order to address potential adverse environmental impacts. The SWIM IEE (OAPA-15-MAR-AFG-0015, approved on 3/27/2015), provides threshold determinations for each of the three project components as follows: Table 1. SWIM Components and Sub-components

SWIM Components and Sub-components IEE Threshold Determination Requirement

Component 1: Increased Productive and Sustainable Use of Water in Agriculture 1.1: Rehabilitate and increase efficiency of irrigation infrastructure 1.2: Rehabilitate and restore degraded upper watersheds

Positive Determination

Programmatic Environmental Assessment and/or Scoping Statement to be Prepared by AECOM, with mitigation measures to be implemented by AECOM under SWIM

Component 2: Strengthened Water Regulatory Framework 2.1: Enhance the capacity of GIRoA institutions to develop and manage water resources 2.2: Strengthen the capacity of NEPA, MAIL, MEW, and other GIRoA institutions to implement outreach campaigns in sustainable natural resources management (NRM)

Categorical Exclusion None

Component 3: Strengthened Capacity of Local Entities to Manage Water Resources 3.1: Strengthen community-based water and NRM 3.2: Improve on-farm water management using demonstration plots, site visits, and customized training

Negative Determination

with Conditions

EMMP to be prepared and implemented by AECOM as SWIM Implementing Partner

Component 1 activities of the SWIM project received a Positive Determination in the IEE because of the potential for significant environmental and social impacts from the rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure and upper watersheds. In accordance with USAID’s environmental assessment process, a Scoping Statement shall be conducted to determine and document the type of potential impacts and depth of investigation necessary from an environmental impact assessment perspective. The Scoping Statement herein has been generated for this purpose, as well as to offer recommendations on whether a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) is necessary to inform decisions on potential alternatives and appropriate management of environmental and social outcomes. The sequencing of the SWIM project will focus activities in the north region during the first two years of the five-year program, with an option of engaging in the south and west regions during years 3 through 5. Based on this structure, the SWIM project will operate exclusively in the north region during the initial phase of the project, and SWIM has established a regional office in Mazar-e-Shariff, Balkh Province to support the central Kabul office. Therefore, based on the sequencing of the project and the immediate need to implement a Scoping Statement and possibly a PEA prior to infrastructure rehabilitation, the field investigations and stakeholder consultations for this report concern only the north region. Recommendations provided as part of this Scoping Statement will apply to the SWIM project and will be reviewed during annual work planning to ensure environmental compliance or determine whether additional mitigation is required as the project expands geographically. The objectives of the PEA are as follows:

• Conduct a scoping process that will utilize desk research, review of relevant environmental reports


and country data, and stakeholder consultation in order to identify and evaluate the direct and indirect potential environmental and social issues associated with Component 1 activities; and

• Provide a conclusion based on the Scoping Statement that describes significant issues requiring further evaluation in a PEA, or provide justification and recommendations on next steps (including an EMMP) to ensure sound environmental management of project activities.

It is anticipated that any EMMP generated for Component 1 activities would be incorporated into the existing draft EMMP that has been submitted to USAID covering Component 3 activities (Component 2 activities have received a Categorical Exclusion as documented in the IEE).

4. REGULATORY AND POLICY FRAMEWORK Planning and implementation of the USAID SWIM project is being conducted with cooperation and collaboration from the Afghanistan National Environmental Protection Agency (NEPA) because USAID must comply with host country environmental regulations. NEPA is an independent agency that was created under the responsibility of the President’s Office in May 2005 in order to legitimize the role of environmental management within GIRoA. Through the work of NEPA, the Afghan Parliament ratified the nation’s first overarching and legally binding environmental regulation in 2007, named the Environment Law. The law is based on international standards of environmental protection and lays the framework for environmental management in Afghanistan. The Environment Law currently addresses the following sectors: environmental impact assessment, pollution control, protected areas management, ozone depleting substances and compliance/enforcement. The law also provides the mandate for NEPA to administer management over future environmental policy, planning and regulation. In November 2007, NEPA released the National Environmental Impact Assessment Policy (EIA Policy). The EIA Policy was written in order to identify the administrative processes required to eventually establish the EIA process as an official regulation. The EIA Policy describes a systematic approach whereby projects will be screened by NEPA prior to implementation to determine the level of environmental risk involved. Under this interim law, donor organizations are granted the authority to utilize their own EIA policies, if these policies adhere to international standards. Projects that are privately funded or funded by municipal or ministerial budgets will be required to follow best EIA practices, utilizing NEPA guidance or other internationally accepted standards. Any EIA policy meeting best industry standards must include initial project screening, with a requirement for scoping, mitigation and monitoring where appropriate. Regardless of the funding source (donor organization, private or public), for any project that is screened as having potential significant adverse environmental impact (high risk projects), the coordination, consent and guidance of NEPA are required under the interim EIA measures. Based on the EIA Policy screening lists, irrigation and drainage projects serving greater than 15,000 ha are considered high risk (Category 1.E.2.)4. While no individual irrigation network addressed by SWIM interventions will approach this scale, the cumulative target for land under new or rehabilitated irrigation services over the 5-year project is expected to exceed this threshold. While SWIM work planning has not been completed at the time of preparation of

4 National Environmental Protection Agency. National Environmental Impact Assessment Policy, An Integrated Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment in Afghanistan. November 2007.


this Scoping Statement, possible targets could reach 67,000 ha of agricultural land benefitting from new or rehabilitated irrigation services, and 37,200 ha benefitting from watershed improvements. Based on USAID’s collaboration with NEPA, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) is currently being developed in order initiate a more formal process that links the USAID Environmental Procedures with NEPA’s EIA Policy. At this time, it is the understanding of SWIM that the Scoping Statement herein will be submitted to NEPA for review and comment.

5. DESCRIPTION OF PROJECT LOCATION AND AREA OF INFLUENCE

GEOGRAPHIC SCOPE OF SWIM

As part of USAID’s Agriculture Growth Project Appraisal Document and the Water Strategy the Office of Agriculture (OAG) has been implementing research and programming in the irrigation and agricultural sectors. One part of this work includes the existing RADPs in the North, South and West regions of Afghanistan. In order to amplify the effects of RADP, the OAG in coordination with GIRoA counterparts (MAIL and MEW) developed plans to implement irrigation and watershed management programming in the same geographic areas as RADP. In 2014-2015, the OAG conducted a Preliminary Inventory and Assessment (PIA) of Irrigation and Watershed Management in Afghanistan’s north, south and west regions.5 This activity thereby became a precursor activity to the SWIM project and has shaped the SWIM project’s regional focus. The north region’s area of influence is expected to include districts where RADP-N has functional coverage in the provinces of Badakhshan, Baghlan, Balkh, Jawzjan, Kunduz and Samangan. Specific sites for SWIM interventions were not determined at the time of writing this Scoping Statement. Activities related to watershed restoration will be based in the sub-watersheds associated with the canal rehabilitation projects. The potential areas of influence for these activities encompass the entire sub-watershed with upper, middle and lower watershed reaches potentially targeted for restoration and management interventions.

GEOGRAPHY

Afghan geography is shaped by the Hindu Kush Mountains that run on a southwest-northeast transect through the middle of the country and are flanked by foothills, deserts and plains. The six target provinces are located in the northern foothills of the Hindu Kush Mountains and in the plains south of the Amu Darya. The northern plain is variously referred to as the Hairatan Valley, Amu Darya Valley, or Turkistan Plain in the literature and is located at the southern edge of the Central Asian Steppe. The northern plain is on average 600 m in elevation and topography slopes gradually towards the Amu Darya that forms part of the northern border of Afghanistan. In general, populations within this region are sparse in rural areas and concentrated either along riparian zones or within district and provincial townships and cities. The SWIM project’s scope of work in the north region will entail interventions in the Northern and Amu Darya River Basins of Afghanistan (Figure 2)6. Watershed assessments conducted in the north region as part of the PIA identified that these watersheds are generally

5 USAID Afghanistan Office of Agriculture and Office of Project and Program Development. Preliminary Inventory and Assessment for Irrigation and Watershed Management in the North, South and West Regions of Afghanistan. February 2015. 6 Afghanistan Information Management Services, http://www.aims.org.af/maps/national/watersheds.pdf


comprised of equal parts flat, moderate and steep land. In the northeastern provinces watersheds containing irrigation networks typically ranged from 500-5000 ha in area7.

7 USAID Afghanistan Office of Agriculture and Office of Project and Program Development. Preliminary Inventory and Assessment for Irrigation and Watershed Management in the North, South and West Regions of Afghanistan. February 2015.


Figure 2. River Basin Map of Afghanistan

CLIMATE

Climatic features within Afghanistan are largely dictated by elevation and topography. The project area is located north of the largest mountains and ridges (barring parts of Badakhshan) and will generally exhibit a semi-arid, steppe climate. In the northern plains region winters are cold with an average temperature of 3° C and summers hot and dry with temperatures averaging 32° C. In the north of Afghanistan precipitation is commensurate to elevation with ranges of approximately 800-1000 mm in the high mountains, 200-300 mm in foothill regions, and below 100 mm approaching the Amu Darya. Annual precipitation across the northern plain averages 180 mm. Detailed climate variability data and provincial level land cover maps for target provinces are available at the UC Davis Afghan Agriculture website8.

GEOLOGY AND SOILS

Due to the complex geological history of the Hindu Kush-Himalaya mountain system both the geology and soils across the northern region are diverse and varied. In general the mountains forming the upper reaches of the targeted watersheds consist of limestone with inter-bedded marl, conglomerates, and sandstone of Upper Cretaceous/Paleocene origin, as well as later Paleocene and Miocene sedimentary and volcanic rocks. In fractured limestone areas joints can accumulate and transport precipitation 8 http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/natural-resource-management/weather

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towards down gradient springs. The northern plains consist primarily of thick Quaternary alluvial deposits containing clay, silt, sand, gravel and conglomerate. In general gravelly subsurface soils along the foothills transition towards finer graded soils moving north, however interbedded sand, clay and gravel can be encountered to depths of 150 m even towards the central northern plain9.

POPULATION AND SOCIOECONOMIC CONDITIONS

The 2017/2018 population of Afghanistan is estimated to be 29.7 million, however no national census has been conducted post-1979 due to war and conflict10. The six target provinces of the northern region represent approximately 18.2% of the national population11. Across the project area’s northern region the population is comprised of several of the country’s 14 major ethno linguistic groups and includes Hazara, Pashtun, Tajik, Turkmen and Uzbek. Farming communities within the target provinces will vary with regard to the diversity of demographic makeup, however according to the PIA farming practices and irrigation infrastructure are fairly uniform. According to 2011-12 poverty assessment data 31.6% of the Afghan population was poor (living on levels of expenditure insufficient to satisfy basic food and non-food needs)12. In addition, disparities in poverty are more directly influenced by regional differences in international aid and vulnerability to weather related shocks than to the rural/urban divide. With regard to the project area the northeast provinces of Badakshan, Baghlan and Kunduz are considered lagging in terms of poverty alleviation compared with the northern provinces of Balkh, Jawzjan and Samangan. The poverty assessment goes on to state that “given the country’s narrow economic base and the large share of households still engaged in the sector, strengthening agriculture—with a specific focus on small-holder agriculture—will remain a top priority for improving welfare of the poor and for stimulating internal demand and job creation in other sectors.”13 At the national level, the majority of the population is rural and roughly one quarter of rural Afghans are landless, relying on intermittent farm labor for survival. Village population sizes vary widely between 3 and 30,000 with a mean village population size of 481. The average household size is 6.3 members. The system of land ownership is often complex and exposes inequalities along ethnic and tribal/clan lines that date back centuries or longer. Based on surveys conducted during the PIA, land ownership in the project area’s northern region was evenly distributed between state-owned land, privately owned land and common land. Households in the majority of communities were either landless or small-scale farmers operating farms between 0.2 and 1 ha in size (less than one-third of farmers owned land greater than 1 ha in area)14. By custom, women are barred from land ownership however temporary or permanent woman-headed households are not uncommon15. According to the Central Statistics Organization’s Gender Policy, “the status of women in Afghanistan to some extent is remarkable because they have been subjugated, abused and weakened throughout the history, although there have been important changes in women’s 9 Chemonics International & The Cadmus Group. Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Mazar Foods Agricultural/Irrigation Development Balkh Province, Afghanistan. February 4, 2008. 10 Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Central Statistics Organization. Population Data. Retrieved from: http://cso.gov.af/en/page/demography-and-socile-statistics/demograph-statistics/3897111. 11 Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Central Statistics Office. Afghanistan, A Socio-Economic and Demographic Profile, Household Listing. 2003-2005. 12 The World Bank. Poverty Status Update, An analysis based on National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (NRVA). 2007/08 and 2011/12. 13 Ibid., page 52. 14 USAID Afghanistan Office of Agriculture and Office of Project and Program Development. Preliminary Inventory and Assessment for Irrigation and Watershed Management in the North, South and West Regions of Afghanistan. February 2015. 15 United Nations Population Fund. Afghanistan, A Socio-Economic and Demographic Profile. 2003-2005.

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participation in the social arena but these changes was greater in the center rather than in the provinces because millions of women’s status especially in remote areas is still very piteous” [sic]16. While women account for approximately 43% of the agricultural labor force, they suffer extreme social and economic disparity in terms of access to inputs, outputs and markets17. Traditionally, men are more involved with cash crop production and seasonal farm labor while women maintain the sustenance-based household plots, care for small livestock and only occasionally access markets for income generation. Tackling disparity is complex due to the wide differences among women’s roles based on age, ethnicity, region and socio-economic strata. Institutionalizing the role of women in decision-making is being addressed indirectly by the SWIM project through support for policy reform and mainstreaming of inclusion-based strategies set forth by MAIL in the agricultural sector. In order to gather more in-depth data on the social and cultural characteristics and challenges of the project areas SWIM has contracted ATR Consulting to conduct baseline and mid-term evaluations using trained enumerators during field assessments and surveys.

CLIMATE CHANGE

Climate change projections for Afghanistan show regional differences however overall indicate a strong increase in mean annual temperature (higher than mean global temperature projections), with more rapid warming in the spring/summer seasons in the north of Afghanistan. Precipitation in the north is expected to decrease in the spring/summer and increase in the autumn/winter with overall long-term declines in average mean rainfall. Projections also indicate an increase in the intensity and frequency of flooding due to heavy precipitation events and increased thawing of snow/ice pack. The effects of flooding are further exacerbated by poor land use practices including overgrazing and deforestation. Further, drought is expected to increase in frequency from the historical trend of droughts occurring in approximately 15-year cycles lasting for 2-3 years. In short, drought is expected to become more of a norm as opposed to a cyclical event. The impact on agriculture is expected to increase agricultural water demand due to lower soil moisture levels and increased evapotranspiration18.

INSTITUTIONS THAT MANAGE AGRICULTURE AND WATER RESOURCES

With regard to irrigation and watershed management, Afghanistan’s Water Law19 and Water Sector Strategy 2007/08 – 2012/1320 (WSS) are designed to promote an integrated water resources management approach that enables local communities to formally participate in the decisions affecting their water resources. The WSS imparts commitments to reducing rural poverty and building capacity within the water sector from the government level to the end-user. Under the Water Law, MEW is responsible for formalizing Water User Associations (WUAs) that establish water use agreements and control water allocation at the primary canal level. To complement, MAIL is tasked with formalizing Irrigation Associations (IAs) that are responsible for distribution of water within irrigation networks at the secondary and tertiary canal level. These groups are nested within a larger framework of River Basin Councils (RBCs) for the five major river basins. In parallel, MEW will provide government interface with

16 Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Central Statistics Organization. Gender Data, page 6. Retrieved from: http://cso.gov.af/en/page/11125 17 Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. National Strategy on Women in Agriculture. 2015-2020. 18 USAID. FAA 119 Biodiversity Assessment with Summary Assessment of Climate Vulnerability and other Environmental Threats and Opportunities to Inform USAID/Afghanistan Program Design. February 2017. 19 Published 26 April, 2009 in the Ministry of Justice Official Gazette No. 98. 20 Approved by the GoIRA in 2008, http://moec.gov.af/Content/files/Water%20Sector%20Strategy%20-%20English.pdf.

http://cso.gov.af/en/page/11125


RBCs through the establishment of River Basin Agencies (RBAs). The transformation of traditional systems of local water governance to the new formalized system is an ongoing process.

Based on the collaboration undertaken with MEW and MAIL during the project’s planning phase, WUAs and IAs have been or will become established within the irrigation systems selected for rehabilitation interventions. The SWIM project is operating in full cooperation and support of MAIL and MEW agendas that emphasize a strong decision-making role of end-users in water resource management, operation and maintenance of water supply systems and formulating and enforcing water use allocations and agreements. Based on the PIA, all communities surveyed in the north region reported that water management is organized under Mirabs (water manager under the traditional system) or WUAs, or both.

WATER RESOURCES

In Afghanistan it is generally recognized that water availability is the limiting factor in agricultural productivity. In northern Afghanistan precipitation at higher elevations (mountains and foothills) is the source of surface water flows and groundwater recharge through direct infiltration and seepage from rivers and irrigation canals. The following recharge mechanisms have been identified:

a) “Pre-Palaeogene bedrocks may be recharged more or less directly by infiltration of precipitation at high altitudes where evaporation is less than run-off for many months of the year (and where snow cover may be persistent).

b) Neogene/Quaternary aquifers are likely to be recharged in foothills by rivers and streams descending from the high mountains and infiltrating into dominantly coarse-grained alluvial fans. The recharge is likely to be highest during snowmelt season. Thus groundwater recharge is highly dependent on quantities of winter snowfall.

c) Further away from the mountains, some recharge to Neogene/Quaternary aquifers is likely to take place by infiltration of water through the bed of perennial rivers.

d) In irrigated areas, substantial recharge is likely to occur via leakage from irrigation channels.”21

With regard to long-term water availability, monitoring of snowpack in recharge areas indicates a recession of perennial snowcaps. There is risk that if this trend continues concurrent with land degradation and poor irrigation and on-farm water management practices, water yields at the furthest extent of irrigation networks may progressively decline. Based on the climate change projections described above, agricultural water demand is expected to increase, thereby incentivizing the need to improve irrigation infrastructure and on-farm water management efficiency in order to support existing populations and improve food security.

AGRICULTURAL WATER RESOURCES

Because the northern plains receive less precipitation than in the foothills and mountains, and evapotranspiration far exceeds precipitation in this area, direct recharge from precipitation down gradient of the foothills is not significant. Therefore, rivers are the main water supply in populated areas under agricultural production. While groundwater well construction and use of diesel pumps has increased due to more recent sustained droughts, the long-term sustainability of high-volume groundwater withdrawals (and high salinity levels in some shallow aquifers of the northern plains) limit

21 Chemonics International & The Cadmus Group. Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Mazar Foods Agricultural/Irrigation Development Balkh Province, Afghanistan. February 4, 2008, Final Draft available at https://www3.opic.gov/environment/eia/mazar/Mazar_EIA.pdf.


the prospect of groundwater use in irrigation. Thus river-fed irrigation networks remain the primary viable source of agricultural water use in the project area.

DRINKING WATER RESOURCES

Based on surveys conducted as part of this Scoping Statement, surface water is used for domestic and drinking water purposes when groundwater is of low quality or inaccessible due to cost or lack of technology. Poor waste disposal practices, high sediment loads and other natural and anthropomorphic contaminants commonly compromise surface water quality at the expense of human health. Hence, water, sanitation and hygiene education and outreach is required to improve provision of a safe water supply for much of the rural population of northern Afghanistan.

FLORA, FAUNA AND PROTECTED AREAS

On April 20, 2017, USAID/Afghanistan completed its first Biodiversity Assessment as required by the US Foreign Assistance Act, Section 119, in order to inform the country strategic planning process22. After over three decades of war, Afghanistan’s natural resources (forests, rangelands, wildlife, and water) are depleted and degraded. Traditional livelihoods that depend on natural resources are compromised by erosion, pollution, and floods. Existing laws and policies are in place to manage these resources, but conflict and lack of enforcement do not offer effective protection and remain as threats to biodiversity. While it is commonly understood that repeated drought, conflict, population growth and poverty have exacerbated rapid biodiversity loss, little available information on species inventories makes conservation and protection more difficult. Flora in the northern region is relatively sparse, as indicated from survey data and watershed transect walks conducted as part of the PIA (Figure 3).23 Little to no areas of thick natural vegetation were observed. The predominant natural pasture in the northern region is classified as Artemisia steppe that in the foothills becomes interspersed with degraded pistachio forests (Pistacia vera). Artemisia is commonly associated with grasses including Poa bulbosa and Stipa spp. and the leguminous sub-shrub Alhagi.24 22 USAID. FAA 119 Biodiversity Assessment with Summary Assessment of Climate Vulnerability and other Environmental Threats and Opportunities to Inform USAID/Afghanistan Program Design. February 2017. See http://www.usaidgems.org/Documents/FAA&Regs/FAA118119ME/Afghanistan/OAPA-17-APR-AFG-0021.pdf 23 USAID Afghanistan Office of Agriculture and Office of Project and Program Development. Preliminary Inventory and Assessment for Irrigation and Watershed Management in the North, South and West Regions of Afghanistan. February 2015. 24 Thieme, Olaf. Afghanistan, Country Pasture/Forage Resource Files. Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/agpc/doc/counprof/afgan/afgan.htm.

http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/agpc/doc/counprof/afgan/afgan.htm


Figure 3. Vegetation cover in surveyed PIA watersheds

FAUNA

The USAID Biodiversity Assessment notes that “according to species records in UNEP (2009), there are 137–150 species of mammals, 428–515 bird species, 92–112 reptile species, 6–8 amphibian species, 101–139 fish species, 245 butterfly species, and 3,500–4,000 vascular plant species.”25 Natural wildlife has been severely decimated by anthropological factors (hunting and overfishing) and habitat loss. For example, many riparian and floodplain areas that host a number of fish and bird species are currently being lost to irrigation. Of the remaining and many threatened mammal, fish and bird species little is documented and humanitarian relief often supersedes wildlife protection efforts. SWIM projects are not expected to have an impact on the fate of wildlife.

PROTECTED AREAS

With regard to protected areas the USAID Biodiversity Assessment provides the following summary: • “Around 15 protected areas enumerate natural areas whose protection exists in name only, one

(Band-e-Amir National Park) has been gazetted by government; • Two areas (Small Pamir and Waghjir Valley) have been proposed as protected areas by the Wildlife

Conservation Society (WCS), but do not appear in the World Database of Protected Areas, and are now amalgamated in Wakhan National Park;

• Shah Foladi, declared in 2015, is the newest protected area.”26 The following Wildlife Conservation Society map depicts the names and locations of proposed protected areas of Afghanistan (Figure 4)27. Of these sites, only three are located in SWIM targeted provinces of the northern region; Imam Sahib Wildlife Managed Reserve in Kunduz, Nuristan Nature Reserve in southern 25 USAID. FAA 119 Biodiversity Assessment with Summary Assessment of Climate Vulnerability and other Environmental Threats and Opportunities to Inform USAID/Afghanistan Program Design. February 2017, page xxvii. 26 USAID. FAA 119 Biodiversity Assessment with Summary Assessment of Climate Vulnerability and other Environmental Threats and Opportunities to Inform USAID/Afghanistan Program Design. February 2017, page xxviii. 27 NEPA. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Programme of Work for Protected Areas (PoWPA) – Technical Report, Identifying Priority Zones for a Protected Area Network in Afghanistan. December 2009.

Vegetation Cover

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70%

60%

50%

40%

30%

II_ I 20% I 10%

0%

RADP-N RADP-W RADP-S

• Bare (No cover) • Farmland/Pastures • Grass/Light Shrubs • Dense shrub/Trees


Badakhshan and the amalgamated areas of the Wakhan National Park in eastern Badakhshan. These areas are all located outside of SWIM targeted districts and will not be affected by project activities. Figure 4. Proposed protected areas within Afghanistan

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To help protect Afghanistan’s natural resource assets, the USAID Afghanistan Biodiversity Assessment recommends numerous watershed and agriculture management interventions. SWIM canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities proposed under the program support several of these actions, including:

• Improving water resource management at all levels, for example, through CBNRM;

• Improving irrigation efficiency, for example through irrigation system rehabilitation; and

• Using integrated modeling to reveal variable and sectoral interactions and management options.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture in Afghanistan has traditionally been dominated by wheat production, which is primarily used for sustenance as opposed to sale. Improved transportation infrastructure has allowed for increased production of cash crops including fruits, nuts and vegetables that can reach markets and be used to generate household income. Increasingly, export markets for Afghan produce are being developed. In the targeted districts covered by the PIA in the northern region, wheat represents nearly half of all agricultural production (Table 2)28. Agriculturally, the northern plains are able to produce winter clovers, alfalfa (Medicago sativa) and shaftal (Trifolium resupinatum) and hay-making is common for winter feed production of small ruminants. Irrigation of riparian and near-river areas is common with orchards complimenting cereals and vegetable production. Where irrigated and tended nearby villages, mulberry, poplars, Russian olive (Elaeagnus sp.) and Ailanthus trees are found.29

28 USAID Afghanistan Office of Agriculture and Office of Project and Program Development. Preliminary Inventory and Assessment for Irrigation and Watershed Management in the North, South and West Regions of Afghanistan. February 2015. 29 Thieme, Olaf. Afghanistan, Country Pasture/Forage Resource Files. Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/agpc/doc/counprof/afgan/afgan.htm.



Table 2. Major crops in northern project area region

No. Major Crops Area Grown (ha) Percentage

1 Wheat 30,531 45.0%

2 Rice 5,250 7.8%

3 Barley 3,573 5.3%

4 Melon 3,490 5.2%

5 Cotton 2,613 3.9%

6 Almond 2,606 3.9%

7 Vegetables 2,193 3.2%

8 Onion 2,145 3.2%

9 Grapes 1,882 2.8%

10 Apricot 1,188 1.8%

11 Others 12,222 18.1%

Totals 67,573 100.0%

FARMING TECHNOLOGY

The PIA revealed that farming technologies are fairly uniform throughout the northern region with regard to traditional land leveling, mechanical cultivation and fertilizer use. Further, the PIA found that land use patterns were uniformly comprised of irrigation systems, rain-fed cropping, fuel collection and grazing. Land degradation processes in the north region are dominated by vegetation loss, wind erosion and gully erosion. As reported in Table 4 below responses from primary stakeholder consultation were mixed as to whether new/different crops would be planted following canal rehabilitation. Some stakeholders

BAGHLAN PROVINCE, ISHANI CANAL - WHEAT CROP AND ERODED CANAL


indicated specialty cash crops such as saffron or market vegetables would be added and others responded that only additional acreage of currently cultivated crops would be planted. The specialty crops that would be viable are dependent on local soil and water conditions and will vary between districts and provinces across the project region.

PESTICIDE AND FERTILIZER USE

Primary stakeholder consultation conducted as part of this Scoping Statement revealed that anticipated changes to fertilizer and pesticide application rates were mixed between districts surveyed. However, general awareness of health, safety and environmental risks in the use of chemical inputs was consistently low across all districts. According to respondents; manure, urea and diammonium phosphate are the most commonly used fertilizers and malathion is the most commonly used pesticide. Beyond the mention of malathion, specific information on what types of pesticides were used and in what quantities could not be obtained because when pressed for this information, stakeholders were unfamiliar with the names and specific types used. Other synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are also commonly purchased from local shops, but respondents were unsure of specific names and active ingredients. According to majority of responses, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety measures for appropriate transport, handling, storing, and disposing of chemical inputs were employed in only about half of the communities surveyed. In cases where PPE was utilized it generally consisted of traditional equipment (handkerchiefs), dust masks, gloves and safety glasses for handling chemicals. USAID/Afghanistan has an approved Mission-Wide Programmatic Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (2016) that covers activities in the agriculture sector.


6. PROPOSED ACTION

IRRIGATION CANAL REHABILITATION

It is currently estimated that the project will conduct canal rehabilitation projects at approximately 30 existing canal systems located in 22 districts within the North region. During activities associated with the PIA, thirteen different types of structures were categorized that may require rehabilitation work. As part of the SWIM canal rehabilitation activities, projects will be designed to address ineffective and inefficient canal systems and structures including the following:

• Intakes with weirs;

• Intake gates;

• Culverts and footbridges;

• Super passages/washes;

• Canal linings (concrete);

• Canal linings (masonry);

• Protection walls ;

• Aqueducts;

• Siphons;

• Off-takes/turnouts;

• Spillways; and

• Distribution boxes/intake dividers.

BAGHLAN PROVINCE, MOHAMMED SALABEG CANAL- INFORMAL SPILLWAY STRUCTURE


The potential actions to be undertaken by SWIM Component 1 include rehabilitation, reshaping, and cleaning of these structures and ancillary construction works necessary to facilitate these actions. Ancillary works may include the following:

• Localized clearing for equipment laydown and facilitation of construction works along canal corridors;

• Demolition and disposal of damaged canal structures and excavated canal sediment at the best available municipally approved disposal location; and

• Acquisition of construction materials from best available municipally approved locations. Proposed interventions will focus on the rehabilitation of canal structures and lining of currently unlined primary, secondary and tertiary earthen canals. Rehabilitation works will be limited in footprint to existing canals and the adjacent corridors used to facilitate construction works. Sourcing construction materials and disposing of waste materials will be managed according to the best available municipally approved practices.

WATERSHED RESTORATION

Additionally under Component 1, the SWIM project will develop and implement watershed restoration activities in each of the watersheds selected for canal infrastructure rehabilitation projects. These activities will be determined following the generation of Integrated Watershed Management Plans that will be developed in concert with the MAIL, MEW and affected watershed communities. Examples of projects associated with watershed protection include riparian buffers and upper-watershed management activities including:

• Re-vegetation (grasses and shrubs);

• Tree planting;

• Stream bank erosion and scouring control (rip-rap and gabions);

• Flood protection walls;

• Terracing;

• Culverts and control structures to manage overland flow and erosion; and

• Dry dams and groundwater infiltration galleries associated with surface flows.

SUPPORTING ACTIVITIES BEYOND COMPONENT 1

In addition to Component 1 canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities, the SWIM project will undertake one comprehensive feasibility study for a large-scale irrigation scheme (greater than 2,000 ha command area). Any subsequent large-scale infrastructure construction based on this feasibility study is outside of the breadth of this Scoping Statement and will include independent environmental analysis.

BALKH PROVINCE, SHOLGARA DISTRICT - HERDING PRACTICES AND WATERSHED DEFORESTATION


Further, an integral SWIM activity supporting the layered approach to watershed management will entail training by the Stockholm Environment Institute (SWIM sub-contractor) for MAIL and MEW counterparts in the Water Evaluation and Planning (WEAP) and Robust Decision Support (RDS) watershed and hydrological modeling tools that will be used to support long-term river basin planning and water management decisions.

7. METHODOLOGY AND STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION PLAN

The methodology selected for stakeholder consultation was based on the project location; area of influence; and, the identification of primary stakeholders (those directly affected by project activities) and secondary stakeholders (those not directly affected but with authority and expertise on project activities). Engagement and consultation with these parties was initiated following the formulation of a clear picture of the proposed activities in an effort to present potential participants with context for their involvement and improve their ability to provide intelligent contributions.

PRIMARY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

The primary stakeholder consultation approach was designed to establish an understanding of the adverse environmental and social issues associated with canal rehabilitation that were deemed major or significant to those who would be directly affected by the SWIM project. The locations of primary stakeholders were identified from the prioritized list of potential canal rehabilitation projects approved through collaboration and approval of SWIM, MAIL, MEW and provincial level authorities. Communities associated with 25 separate canal projects listed as top priorities on the list were targeted for engagement. The targeted projects were dispersed across 10 districts in Baghlan, Balkh, Jawzjan and Samanghan provinces. Potential projects in Kunduz and Badakhshan could not be visited due to security concerns at the time of stakeholder engagement. Survey questions were developed around seven central potential environmental and social issues that were identified by SWIM through research and review of previously conducted national and international irrigation projects of similar nature and scale. The questionnaires used to guide the primary stakeholder consultation are included in Appendix A. Surveys were conducted between May 25 and May 29, 2017 by four provincial field teams staffed by the SWIM project and included a trained environmental specialist, program officers and project engineers familiar with the terrain and locales. In total, 280 primary stakeholders were included in the consultations and participants included members of MAIL and MEW River Basin Councils and Agencies (RBCs/RBAs), DAIL, DoEW, District Development Associations, Community Development Councils, Water User Associations, Irrigation Associations, as well as Mirabs, Shuras, village leaders, teachers, farmers and other community members residing in the targeted communities (Appendix B). The dates, times and names of participants were recorded on the survey forms and once aggregated, the nature of issues deemed major or significant were evaluated.

BAGHLAN – PUL-E-HISAR DISTRICT PRIMARY CONSULTATION MEETING

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SECONDARY STAKEHOLDER CONSULTATION

Secondary stakeholder consultation was achieved through a multipronged approach consisting of individual and group meetings as well as via phone interviews. At the regional and national level, 11 directors and managers from NEPA National Heritage Protection, the MAIL General Directorate of Natural Resources, DAIL and River Basin Agencies in the affected northern region were consulted by SWIM regional managers between May 25 and June 20, 2017. A complete list of secondary stakeholders consulted is provided in Annex C. Survey questions were based on the seven identified potential environmental and social issues described above. The survey questionnaire (Annex B) at the regional level was scaled towards the SWIM project at-large as opposed to the primary stakeholder questions that focused on localized issues associated with individual canal rehabilitation projects. Stakeholders were asked several broad questions on each issue and were requested to comment on each issue’s significance in terms of its nature, scale and intensity. Responses were transcribed onto survey forms and the issues deemed major or significant were evaluated.

CHALLENGES AND CONSTRAINTS

As mentioned earlier, potential project sites in Kunduz and Badakhshan could not be visited due to security risk assessments at the time of this scoping investigation. It should also be noted that a national-level secondary stakeholder consultation meeting was scheduled in Kabul at the headquarters of NEPA for May 28, 2017; however this meeting was canceled due to security concerns. Subsequently, email and phone interviews were used to solicit responses from secondary stakeholders. The views and outcomes of stakeholder consultation are incorporated into Section 8 of the Scoping Statement.

8. POTENTIAL ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES IDENTIFIED AND EVALUATED

Potential environmental and social issues associated with the SWIM project were identified through use of desk research, review of reports pertaining to irrigation projects of similar size and scale, national reports on the irrigation sector and review of USAID references provided by the Mission in the Scoping Statement SOW. This research was supplemented by information gathered from primary and secondary stakeholders and subject matter experts operating in Afghanistan. Environmental and social issues were identified and classified as positive and negative, short-term, long-term, direct, indirect and cumulative. Following desk research and stakeholder consultation each potential issue was evaluated based on consideration of magnitude (scale and intensity) and importance (probability and public perception). In addition, based on the professional opinion of the PEA team, a rank was assigned for mitigation potential and for overall comprehension of the issue. Finally, the issue was assessed according to the PEA team’s notion of significance based on a holistic view of the above characteristics. The description and ranking system for each evaluation criteria is presented in Table 3. Table 3: Evaluation Criteria, Description and Ranking System

Evaluation Criteria Description of Criteria Importance

Scale Geographic scale, or ability of issue to become widespread Small / Medium / Large

Intensity Immediacy or severity of issue Low / Moderate / High

Probability Likelihood of occurrence Low / Moderate / High


Evaluation Criteria Description of Criteria Importance

Public perception Level of consensus of the issue’s importance (based on stakeholder consultation) Salient / Not salient

Mitigation potential Ability to mitigate issue based on project controls and available resources Low / Moderate / High

Comprehension of issue

PEA team’s knowledge and understanding of the cause/effect relationships controlling the issues Low / Moderate / High

Notion of significance Overall evaluation of the issue’s significance with regard to environmental and social outcome Low / Moderate / High

Following the designation of outcome and evaluation for each issue, a more detailed description is provided in Table 4 below as supporting evidence for the determination of the issue’s notion of significance. This table includes a brief statement on how the issue relates to the project at-large, provides a summary of primary and secondary stakeholder feedback during consultation and describes the rationale and any mitigation measures, if needed. In some cases, where rationale makes clear that resolution of the issue is inherent or built into the overall SWIM program design, no specific mitigation measures are highlighted. The issues identified relate to land use and crop management; socioeconomic issues; water availability; construction-related impacts; health and safety; drinking water and water quality; and, natural and cultural resources and biodiversity. While these issues formed the structure for the questions used in stakeholder consultation, cross cutting issues including gender and climate change were embedded as sub-issues within the broader categories of socioeconomics, water availability and natural resources and biodiversity. It should be noted that for every issue raised by SWIM environmental specialists, all or the majority of primary and secondary stakeholders consulted dismissed the potential for significant negative impacts, and had no knowledge of additional negative impacts outside of the issues raised by SWIM. On the contrary, stakeholders countered with positive impacts they anticipated from infrastructure rehabilitation. Proposed mitigation measures are nonetheless included in the EMMP to address the potential that still exists for any adverse impacts that could occur. The following table presents the findings of the issue identification and evaluation process. These findings provide the basis for recommendations made and the outcome of the Scoping Statement.


Table 4. Identification and Evaluation of Environmental and Social Issues

IDENTIFICATION AND EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL AND SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Land Use and Crop Management Issue IA: Changes in crop management due to increased access to irrigation water

Outcome and Evaluation:

Canal rehabilitation may result in a change of water availability across the irrigation system command area and lead to the introduction of new crop varieties that have a destabilizing effect on the environment or social structure of affected communities.

Positive Negative ✓ Direct Indirect ✓ Short-term Long-term ✓ Cumulative

Scale: Intensity:

Probability: Public perception:

Mitigation potential: Comprehension of issue:

Notion of significance:

Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: moderate Low Not salient Moderate High Low

Relation to project activities: SWIM will not engage in agricultural interventions with project beneficiaries; however changes in water availability may lead to new crops that introduce negative environmental and social issues if not properly managed. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary stakeholder responses were positive regarding increased water availability resulting from project activities. Responses were mixed as to whether new/different crops would be planted following canal rehabilitation. Some stakeholders indicated specialty cash crops such as saffron or market vegetables would be added and others responded that only additional acreage of currently cultivated crops would be planted. The specialty crops that would be viable are dependent on local soil and water conditions and will vary between districts and provinces across the project region. Responses were also mixed regarding changes to fertilizer and pesticide application rates, however understanding of these issues by farmers and community members is low. Secondary stakeholders generally responded that project activities would result in better crop rotations, reduced use of fertilizer and pesticides and that no major adverse land use changes or issues would result from project activities. Mitigation strategy and rationale: SWIM will operate only in areas where USAID RADP and DAIL are actively engaged in agricultural management and training activities that are expected to result in positive impacts regarding cropping patterns. SWIM activities are expected to support these efforts through improvements in water use efficiency. The likelihood of large-scale changes in staple (cereal) crop and vegetable production is unlikely due to the nature of subsistence agriculture within the SWIM project area of influence. However, opportunities for smallholder farmers to expand into alternative cash crop production including poppy are possible (poppy production and its eradication are outside of the purview of the SWIM project). While financial incentive may exist to cultivate new/different cash crops, beneficiaries are not likely to extensively diversify cropping patterns unless educated and encouraged. Management of new crop varieties and new agricultural practices as well as changes in pest and weed pressure and resulting fertilizer and pesticide use will be overseen by RADP, and by DAIL over the long-term. Issue 1B: Changes in pests, weeds, and invasive species due to increased irrigation water use


New cropping patterns may lead to changes in pest, weed and invasive species pressure resulting in increased quantity or types of fertilizers and pesticides used, subsequently having an effect on human health and the environment (soil and water quality).

Positive Negative ✓ Direct ✓ Indirect ✓

Scale: Intensity:


Mitigation potential:

Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: high Low Not salient Moderate


Short-term ✓ Long-term ✓ Cumulative ✓

Comprehension of issue: Notion of significance:

High Low

Relation to project activities: SWIM is not mandated to procure, use, train on, or support fertilizer or pesticide products or equipment or engage in agricultural management interventions with project beneficiaries. However, changes in fertilizer and pesticide use may lead to positive or negative impacts. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary stakeholder responses were mixed regarding changes to fertilizer and pesticide application rates, however understanding of these issues appeared to be low. According to respondents; manure, urea and diammonium phosphate are the most commonly used fertilizers and malathion is the most commonly used pesticide. However, other synthetic fertilizers and pesticides are commonly purchased from local shops (respondents were unsure of the names/active ingredients). Furthermore, according to respondents, personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety measures were used in only about half of the communities surveyed. In cases where PPE was utilized it generally consisted of traditional equipment (handkerchiefs), dust masks, gloves and safety glasses. Secondary stakeholders generally responded that project activities would result in better crop rotations, reduced use of fertilizer and pesticides and that no major adverse land use changes or issues would result from project activities. While it is beyond the scope of the SWIM project to procure pesticides, information gathered during this scoping exercise indicate that there is clearly a need and opportunity to include safe handling practices as part of cooperative demonstration activities undertaken with RADP-N agricultural experts under SWIM’s Component 3 activities. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: SWIM will only operate in areas where USAID RADP and DAIL are actively engaged in agricultural management activities that include training on application of fertilizers and pesticides. The likelihood of significant changes in the types of fertilizer and pesticides used is low due to farmers’ lack of financial resources and lack of access to new/different agricultural inputs. Because farmers are only able to utilize the products available in local shops (independent research and special mail order services are not available) better management of both selection and safe use of pesticides and fertilizers may be best introduced by education and outreach with shop owners in addition to on-farm training with farmers. Issue 1C: Increased arable land due to increased access to irrigation water


Increased water efficiency and availability within irrigation networks may lead to new irrigable land being cultivated within the command area of irrigation systems.

Positive ✓ Negative ✓ Direct Indirect ✓ Short-term Long-term ✓ Cumulative ✓

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: high High Salient Moderate High Low

Relation to project activities: SWIM’s impact on new irrigable land cultivation within command areas is being conducted in concert with and under approval of the MAIL and NIP. SWIM will not have direct control over the clearing or cultivating of new irrigable land and there is potential that positive and negative impacts may result from an increase in land under cultivation. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary stakeholders were unanimous that canal rehabilitation would lead to positive improvements in water efficiency and availability. The vast majority of communities surveyed reported that additional land would be brought into production if irrigation infrastructure were improved. Secondary stakeholders generally responded that irrigation network rehabilitation would lead to positive land use changes and that no major issues of concern required additional evaluation.


Mitigation strategy/Rationale: SWIM will only operate in areas where USAID RADP and DAIL are actively engaged in agricultural management activities and are expected to assist communities manage agricultural growth opportunities. New irrigable land cultivation, if well managed, is expected to result in increased food security and livelihood potential for beneficiaries. Regardless of whether the sustainable, long-term acreage under production is more or less than the acreage currently under production, improvements to irrigation networks (especially canal lining) will significantly improve water availability by decreasing losses through canal seepage. 2. Socioeconomic Issues Issue 2A: Potential conflicts over use and maintenance of water and related infrastructure


In the area that SWIM interventions will occur, conflicts due to real or perceived inequality in the distribution of benefits may arise during project planning, implementation or long-term operation and maintenance of canal systems.

Positive Negative ✓ Direct ✓ Indirect ✓ Short-term ✓ Long-term ✓ Cumulative ✓

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: low Moderate Salient Moderate High Low

Relation to project activities: SWIM will implement approximately 30 interventions in canal system rehabilitation in roughly 22 districts across 6 northern provinces. Real or perceived inequality in project site selection or distribution of benefits may arise and create conflicts within or between communities. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Based on primary stakeholder feedback approximately half of the communities have experienced water related conflicts in the past, however in the majority of cases the Mirab or WUA resolved the issues. The vast majority of stakeholders believed that implementing canal rehabilitation projects would relieve future conflicts. According to the majority of secondary stakeholders community members will mutually benefit from canal rehabilitation projects. Similarly, no secondary stakeholders identified any socioeconomic issues that could arise or worsen due to canal rehabilitation projects. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: Project site selection will be conducted jointly with SWIM, MAIL and MEW at the national and regional level. Site selection has been undertaken with input from WUAs during the planning stages and project sites have been prioritized through collaboration with local leaders. Following site selection, IAs and WUAs will be involved in selecting the type and location of interventions with direction provided by SWIM engineers and programming staff. At that time public consultation will be initiated by SWIM to ensure that conflicts of interest are identified. WUAs and IAs will be responsible for determining water use agreements and equal distribution of benefits. Issue 2B: Inequitable access to project benefits by women Outcome and Evaluation: Project interventions may be conducted without input from women on planning, implementation or operation & maintenance and may not reflect the best interests of women, further exacerbating gender inequality.


Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: moderate High Salient Low Moderate Moderate


Relation to project activities: SWIM will engage in consultation with IAs to encourage the involvement of women and women’s groups in planning, implementation and operations and maintenance stages of each subproject, however local norms may result in continued marginalization of women. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary stakeholders unanimously responded that impacts to women resulting from canal rehabilitation projects would be positive. It should be noted that women were not included in primary stakeholder consultation meetings due to cultural norms. The vast majority of respondents did indicate that women will be either directly or indirectly involved in canal rehabilitation project planning and decision making either informally or formally through the inclusion of existing women’s committees and shuras. No women were involved in secondary stakeholder consultations. However, it was widely reported that canal rehabilitation projects would improve living conditions for women in the affected communities. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: Women play little to no role in the management of WUAs however increased involvement is expected at the IA level. SWIM will encourage involvement and engagement of women in project decision-making. Outcomes regarding women’s involvement in project planning, implementation and O&M are likely to vary between communities since norms dictating the roles of women vary within and between subgroups. In general, increased water availability at the community level is expected to result in increased water availability for women, however because SWIM is only engaging in rehabilitation of existing canals, it is not as likely that project activities will have a major effect on new or different points of access to water as much as the amount of water available at existing access points. Issue 2C: Inadequate maintenance and operations to support proper functioning of infrastructure due to lack of technical and/or financial capacity


Following SWIM interventions communities are expected to be responsible for operation and maintenance of canal systems and the costs associated with maintenance may become a stressor on communities’ time and financial resources.

Positive Negative ✓ Direct Indirect ✓ Short-term Long-term ✓ Cumulative ✓

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: moderate Moderate Not salient Moderate High Moderate

Relation to project activities: SWIM will undertake interventions associated with canal rehabilitation and including cleaning, lining and structural improvements that entail time, labor and financial resources for communities to maintain. Since SWIM interventions are expected to rehabilitate existing canals and transform informal structures into engineered structures, the costs and labor required for operation and maintenance may increase from the current levels. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: The majority of primary and secondary stakeholders responded that cost and labor resources required for operation and maintenance of rehabilitated canals and canal structures would be allocated by the beneficiary communities and that equitable roles and responsibilities would be determined by IAs and WUAs. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: It is expected that MAIL and MEW through engagement with IAs and WUAs, respectively, will take a role in training and support following SWIM interventions to assist communities with canal maintenance. Further, SWIM will implement watershed restoration activities in the sub-basins selected for canal rehabilitation projects. These projects will be implemented following the generation of integrated watershed management plans and will be designed to minimize erosion and runoff from entering watercourses feeding rehabilitated canal systems. This is expected to have a positive effect on water quality, reduce sedimentation of canals, protect canal structures from flood damage and thereby reduce cost and labor resources required for canal cleaning and maintenance over the long term.


3. Water Availability Issue 3A: Unsustainable agricultural production due to drought and reduced water availability caused by climate change


Irrigation network rehabilitation may lead to an increase in irrigable land cultivation that is not sustainable over the long-term due to climate change and increased drought frequency.

Positive Negative ✓ Direct Indirect ✓ Short-term Long-term ✓ Cumulative ✓

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: low / Project level: low Moderate Not salient Low Low Moderate

Relation to project activities: SWIM interventions aim to increase the overall area of irrigable land under cultivation within the command area of canal systems. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary stakeholders reported that water shortages currently exist due to both drought and damaged or unmaintained irrigation infrastructure. Incidence of drought varied by location but was generally reported to occur between 1-15 year frequencies. Reasons for poor irrigation infrastructure included damage from frequent flooding and high sediment loads blocking or filling canals. All primary stakeholders reported that canal rehabilitation projects would have a positive long-term effect on water availability and that no negative effects would be imparted on downstream users. Secondary stakeholders responded that irrigation rehabilitation would generally ease the impact of drought and climate change on affected communities. Potential long-term impacts from project activities on water availability were not well understood. Rationale and Mitigation Strategy: The SWIM project will only engage in rehabilitation of existing irrigation canals and structures within these canals. Further, SWIM is not mandated to implement large-scale irrigation infrastructure projects on primary canals or their intake structures. SWIM interventions will primarily focus on secondary and tertiary canals that do not have a significant impact on the volume of water diverted from source river systems. Therefore, any increase in the area of land cultivated within a command area due to SWIM interventions is expected to result from improvements in water use efficiency attributable to hard-lining earthen canals and improving on-farm water management practices. While a long-term reduction in water availability may result from climate change and increased incidence of drought, the interventions planned by SWIM should have a mitigating effect on such trends by increasing the crop production to water use ratio. Issue 3B: Competition and inadequate water supply for adjacent or downstream users


Canal rehabilitation in one canal network may have a negative effect on the water available for adjacent or downstream water users.

Positive Negative ✓ Direct Indirect ✓ Short-term ✓ Long-term ✓ Cumulative

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: large / Project level: medium Subproject level: moderate / Project level: low Low Not salient High High Low

Relation to project activities: SWIM will undertake selective canal rehabilitation projects that have been prioritized and selected through collaboration with WUAs, RBAs and DAIL.


Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary and secondary stakeholders responded that no negative impacts to downstream or adjacent communities would occur from canal rehabilitation projects. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: In general SWIM interventions are not intended to change water use rates within IAs, but to increase the efficiency of water use and minimize losses. Nevertheless, if changes in water use are encountered, WUAs are responsible for maintaining water use agreements and governing allocation decisions that affect all the users of water diverted from primary canals. Short-term impacts from water diversion during rehabilitation activities are expected to have direct effects for users of the canal under construction (see Construction-Related Impacts; below), however diversions of this kind are not expected to affect adjacent or downstream water users. 4. Construction-Related Impacts Issue 4A: Erosion and air, soil, water pollution from reconstruction


Construction activities associated with canal rehabilitation or watershed restoration may contribute to environmental impacts including removal of vegetation and trees, erosion and sedimentation, fuel and oil release from equipment and machinery, fugitive dust emissions, noise and increased traffic.

Positive Negative ✓ Direct ✓ Indirect Short-term ✓ Long-term Cumulative

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small to medium / Project level: medium Subproject level: moderate / Project level: low High Not salient Moderate High Low

Relation to project activities: SWIM interventions will include potential demolition and construction activities as well as watershed restoration activities that have the potential for causing construction-related environmental impacts. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary stakeholders were not concerned about potential short-term impacts that could result from construction activities. Roughly half of respondents reported that if trees or shrubs along canals needed to be removed to accommodate construction activities that property owners had either agreed to removal or that the trees were shared resources on common land and would be replanted following construction. Secondary stakeholders also reported no significant issues or concerns about the effects of construction on the environment. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: Construction related impacts associated with canal rehabilitation would be localized and restricted to canal corridors and areas immediately adjacent to canal structures. Access to canal reaches and locations of canal structures will utilize existing access routes. If new access routes are required, the affected communities will be consulted on and responsible for designating temporary access routes and providing access agreements onto or through privately owned land. Roles and responsibilities for remediation of land and/or compensation of landowners will be reflected in construction contracts and public agreements as required. No new access road construction or road improvements are planned. Impacts associated with watershed restoration activities may be larger in scale and may require access to undeveloped areas in upper watersheds. In general, impacts from both canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration subprojects will be short-term and will be mitigated using standard mitigation measures such as minimizing clearing, re-vegetating and replanting disturbed areas, use of erosion control equipment, spill prevention and cleanup practices, dust reduction techniques and minimizing noise and traffic related issues. Construction contractors and subproject implementers will be contractually obligated to implement mitigation measures that will be described in subproject EMMPs and SWIM staff will conduct monitoring and enforcement during subproject implementation. Finally, construction contractors and subproject implementers will be required to train staff on best construction practices and to utilize local laborers from inside the affected community in order to increase public acceptance.


Issue 4B: Sourcing and deposition of sediment, gravel, and debris Outcome and Evaluation: Natural areas may be stressed or impacted as a result of sourcing construction materials from local borrow-pits and riverbeds. Additionally, canal sediment, demolition/construction debris and solid waste generated at work sites may cause environmental impacts if contaminated and/or inappropriately disposed.


Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: medium / Project level: medium Subproject level: moderate / Project level: moderate Moderate Not salient High High Low

Relation to project activities: SWIM intends to source construction materials (gravel, sand and stone) from sources in the vicinity of the work sites to minimize transportation costs and reduce fossil fuel use. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary stakeholders were by and large not concerned that canal rehabilitation projects would have an adverse impact on local borrow pits or collection areas.

The majority of secondary stakeholders likewise did not identify any significant issues or concerns associated with waste disposal or collection of construction materials. Several regional secondary stakeholders stated that it would be important for project implementers to work in close coordination with local community authorities in order to ensure that collection and disposal areas were properly utilized. Secondary stakeholders were not aware of any special issues related to contaminants in canal sediment that may be a cause for concern. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: SWIM will enforce a policy requiring construction contractors to obtain written approval from municipal authorities prior to sourcing local construction materials or disposing of waste at any local disposal site. At no time will canal sediment or demolition/construction waste be disposed along canals or at the work site. While it is possible that municipally approved source areas and disposal sites may not be well-sited or operated in an environmentally sound manner, the SWIM project is not mandated to make such determinations or to deliberate with municipal authorities on this topic. However, if SWIM staff or construction contractors become aware that source areas or disposal sites are contributing to environmental or human health issues, the regional NEPA office will be notified. Issue 4C: Temporary lack of access to water and land during reconstruction


Temporary diversions of water during construction activities that will be necessary to rehabilitate canal structures may cause a temporary lack of water supply to communities and/or inundate new areas of land.

Positive Negative ✓ Direct ✓ Indirect ✓ Short-term ✓ Long-term Cumulative

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: moderate / Project level: moderate High Not salient Moderate High Moderate

Relation to project activities: SWIM rehabilitation activities are expected to require temporary diversion of canal water during construction of canal structures. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Both primary and secondary stakeholders generally responded that short-term impacts from construction activities would not cause any significant short-term environmental problems. It was acknowledged by some stakeholders that diversions of water during the growing season could impact water availability and have a temporary negative effect on irrigation. However it was recognized that projects will need to be coordinated with local communities to minimize such impacts and that overall long-term improvements to irrigation capacity from project activities would outweigh temporary short-term impacts.


Mitigation strategy/Rationale: Diversions of water around sections of canal during rehabilitation activities will be temporally minimized in order to mitigate impacts to communities. Further, when feasible, diversions will be rerouted to connect back to the canal system below the work area in order to sustain water supply. If diversions are necessary that will inundate new areas, plans will be developed with direct input from the affected community to mitigate property damage or adverse impacts to human health and the environment. 5. Health and Safety Issue 5A: Deposition and transport of solid waste in rehabilitated canals


Utilization of rehabilitated canals for transport or disposal of sanitary or solid waste may result in impacts to human health and the environment for affected and downstream communities.


Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: large / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: moderate Moderate Salient Low Moderate Moderate

Relation to project activities: SWIM will rehabilitate canals that may be used for transport or disposal of sanitary or solid waste by affected communities. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Approximately 25% of primary stakeholders reported that irrigation canals are currently used for transport/disposal of sanitary wastewater from toilets or septic tanks, while roughly 75% reported that this practice was either not allowed or not a customary practice. With regard to canal use for transport/disposal of solid waste responses were nearly split. In some cases respondents were aware that these practice were not hygienic and that there were efforts being made by local authorities to curb this practice. Secondary stakeholders responded that canal rehabilitation projects would not affect the behavioral practices of communities regarding waste management but that training and outreach was needed to impart positive changes. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: SWIM will target existing canals and canal structures for rehabilitation and is not intending to construct new canals. Therefore, SWIM interventions are not expected to significantly alter the current waste management practices utilized by affected communities. While improper use of canals for waste management is possible, SWIM is not mandated to conduct water, sanitation and hygiene interventions with affected communities. If waste-related issues identified by SWIM are observed to be resulting from agriculture or livestock activities it is within the SWIM mandate to notify the USAID RADP project that is working in all associated districts where SWIM interventions will occur. Further, if waste-related issues identified by SWIM are observed to be domestic in nature, SWIM will report these issues to the regional NEPA office. Issue 5B: Increased risk of water- and vector-borne disease Outcome and Evaluation: Incidence of human health impacts from water or vector-borne illness or disease such as diarrhea, hepatitis, typhoid fever, cholera, malaria, schistosomiasis or leishmaniasis may be impacted by canal rehabilitation activities.

Positive ✓ Negative ✓ Direct ✓ Indirect ✓ Short-term ✓ Long-term ✓ Cumulative

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: moderate Moderate Salient Low Moderate Moderate

Relation to project activities: SWIM canal rehabilitation activities may have a positive or negative affect on the incidence of water or vector-borne diseases.

I


Stakeholder feedback during consultation: The majority of primary stakeholders (approximately 75%) responded that at least a small subset of people in the community suffer from water or vector-borne diseases or illnesses, with cases being more prevalent in the summer season and diarrhea being a leading illness. Over one-half of the primary stakeholders thought that canal rehabilitation projects would decrease the incidence of water and vector-borne diseases while the remainder of respondents thought that incidence of these diseases would remain about the same following canal rehabilitation. Secondary stakeholders responded that canal rehabilitation will either have no effect on disease transmission or that the situation would be improved following project implementation. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: Localized, short-term impacts from water and vector-borne disease during construction activities may result from temporary diversion of water into new areas, standing or stagnant water, in-flux of construction workers, food and sanitary provisions for construction workers or improper waste disposal practices. Mitigation measures to address short-term impacts will include minimizing the length of time that water is diverted or that pools of standing or stagnant water are present, directing construction contractors to staff workers from local communities, and ensuring that safe provisions of food, sanitation and waste disposal are provided for workers throughout the construction period. Specific to leishmaniasis, this vector pathway involving gerbils and sandflies can be exacerbated by stockpiling sediment cleaned from canals along the canal corridor. Mitigation of this issue will be addressed by enacting policies for construction contractors against this practice and ensuring that canal sediment is spread out (not stockpiled) at a municipally approved disposal site. More widespread, long-term impacts may result from expansion of cultivated land areas and in-migration of people seeking to take advantage of improved irrigation systems. Because SWIM will be rehabilitating existing canals, significant long-term changes to the courses and locations of canals is not expected and thereby decreases the likelihood that activities will impact disease transmission. Further, because no new canals will be constructed and interventions are directed at water efficiency improvements and on-farm water use practices, significant in-migration of refugees or outsiders seeking to take advantage of improved water availability is unlikely. Positive impacts may result from SWIM activities when derelict canal infrastructure is rehabilitated or replaced by improving water conveyance and reducing long-term canal maintenance and cleaning requirements. Furthermore, SWIM watershed restoration activities that help to improve infiltration of surface water and stabilize base-flow in river systems is expected to have a positive effect on ecosystem health and water quality, which may reduce the incidence of human disease vectors and pathways. Issue 5C: Construction health and safety risks to workers Outcome and Evaluation: Work and construction activities associated with canal rehabilitation may present health and safety risks for workers using hand tools, equipment and machinery, and during transport of construction materials or demolition and construction waste.

Positive Negative ✓ Direct ✓ Indirect Short-term ✓ Long-term ✓ Cumulative

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: low Moderate Not salient High High Low

Relation to project activities: SWIM will implement rehabilitation and construction activities that pose potential health and safety risks to construction workers. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: The vast majority of primary and secondary stakeholders were not generally concerned with health and safety risks for workers or the surrounding community during canal rehabilitation activities. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: Construction site safety will be encouraged through directing construction contractors to provide and enforce the use of standard personal protection and safety equipment such as closed toe shoes, work gloves, dust masks, hard hats and safety glasses based upon a work activity hazard analysis. In addition, fire extinguishers and first aid kits will be standard equipment that construction contractors are required to provide and maintain at work sites. Transportation and heavy equipment related risks will be mitigated by instructing drivers and operators to maintain safe speeds and utilize spotters in pedestrian areas. Mitigation measures will be described in subproject EMMPs and SWIM staff will conduct monitoring and enforcement during construction activities. Finally, construction contractors will be required to train staff on safe construction practices.

I


6. Drinking Water and Water Quality Issue 6A: Drinking water contamination Outcome and Evaluation: Community members utilizing canal water for drinking, cooking, bathing or cleaning may be affected by the quality of water in canals during and after rehabilitation activities.

Positive ✓ Negative ✓ Direct ✓ Indirect ✓ Short-term ✓ Long-term ✓ Cumulative ✓

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: small / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: moderate Moderate Salient Low Moderate Moderate

Relation to project activities: SWIM will engage in canal rehabilitation activities that may influence the quality of water in canals, subsequently affecting those using canal water for various purposes. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: The vast majority of primary stakeholders responded that canal water was used by at least some subgroups of the community for drinking. Wells and springs were used in addition to canals in roughly one-half of communities surveyed. All primary stakeholders reported that canal water was used for cooking, cleaning or bathing. In some cases, canal water was filtered and/or boiled prior to use in drinking and cooking however the majority of respondents reported that they were aware of drinking water related diseases occurring in their communities. Secondary stakeholders did not believe that canal rehabilitation projects would have a negative effect on the quantity or quality of drinking water available to communities, with the majority of responses indicating that projects would improve the quality of canal water. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: Because canal water quality is largely determined by the quality of water in source rivers, canal rehabilitation projects are not expected to have a significant effect on canal water quality. However temporary short-term impacts to water quality during construction activities are likely to occur through disturbing canals and increasing turbidity levels. The community will be alerted to the timing and duration of rehabilitation activities so that negative impacts to water users can be mitigated by temporarily avoiding water use for certain purposes. Over the long-term SWIM watershed restoration activities are expected to improve water quality by reducing overland stormwater flow and siltation of river systems. While use of untreated canal water for drinking and cooking is not recommended, it does occur in some communities out of necessity. SWIM is not mandated to engage with communities on water, sanitation and hygiene issues. If SWIM is made aware of negative impacts associated with use of canal water for drinking, cases will be reported to the regional NEPA office. GIRoA has developed suggested interim water quality standards for irrigation water and livestock watering however SWIM is not mandated to ascertain compliance of canal water at river intakes or at the farm level. Any issues identified by SWIM related to river water quality or irrigation water quality will be reported to the regional NEPA office. 7. Natural and Cultural Resources and Biodiversity Issue 7A: Degradation to protected areas and related fauna, and flora


Canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities may affect protected areas, sensitive natural resources including wetlands, forests and lakes, threatened or endangered species, historical or archeological sites, or religious and cultural sites.

Positive ✓ Negative ✓ Direct ✓ Indirect ✓ Short-term ✓ Long-term ✓ Cumulative ✓

Scale: Intensity:




Subproject level: medium / Project level: medium Subproject level: high / Project level: high Low Not salient High High Low


Relation to project activities: SWIM canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities may have an impact on important natural and cultural resources and biodiversity. Stakeholder feedback during consultation: Primary and secondary stakeholders did not report any concern with project activities having an adverse impact on natural or cultural resources. In all cases, any resources that were present in the community would reportedly not be impacted or affected by canal rehabilitation or watershed restoration activities. Mitigation strategy/Rationale: In order to mitigate negative impacts to natural and cultural resources and biodiversity, SWIM will provide the location of districts selected for interventions to national and regional GIRoA ministries and agencies, WUAs and IAs prior to conducting work activities in the districts. If this consultation results in the identification of important or protected resources, GIRoA will be consulted on planning strategies for demarcation and avoidance. In the event that unidentified resources are encountered during work activities, work will cease until the resource can be properly investigated, delineated and protected by the appropriate authorities.


9. ELIMINATION OF NON-SIGNIFICANT ISSUES Based on the review of potential environmental and social issues, none have been identified as potentially “significant” based on the notion of significance following evaluation. The elimination of significant issues has not deferred the recommended approach to use both framework mitigation and monitoring measures (as identified in Section 12), as well as subproject-level environmental review prior to implementation of canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities. The complete description of the rationale and recommended environmental management approach is presented in Section 11.

10. ALTERNATIVES ANALYSIS The SWIM project has been designed and approved by USAID and at this time AECOM, under contract, has initiated project activity planning with partner ministries within GIRoA. Therefore, the discussion of alternatives for purposes of environmental scoping and assessment is more relevant to subproject level activities. In general, alternatives analysis may relate to the no-action alternative, site alternatives, design alternatives and technological alternatives.

NO-ACTION ALTERNATIVE

The no-action alternative would result in USAID not achieving the objectives set forth in the PIA and the planning and coordination conducted to date. While the no-action alternative would reduce the likelihood of negative environmental and social impacts from occurring within the area of influence, none of the potential positive impacts would be realized. Based on desk research, it is recognized that other donors, programs and projects are actively implementing irrigation sector activities in the North region and that environmental management and oversight of these activities is achievable by the SWIM program. Therefore, the no-action alternative is not recommended based on the fact that it would exacerbate inefficiencies in water use; fail to address poverty reduction and livelihood development for the rural poor; and, continue a trend of weakness in agricultural development that has been recognized by GIRoA and the U.S. government.

SITE ALTERNATIVES

With regard to subproject site alternatives, SWIM implemented a site selection process in collaboration with the Afghanistan MAIL and MEW. This selection process was guided by several key criteria that included:

• Knowledge and information on sub-watershed boundaries and existing irrigation systems within these sub-watersheds;

• Requirement that functioning WUAs and IAs are established to support decisions on operations and maintenance of subproject interventions;

• Requirement that selected sites are within districts and areas of influence covered by the USAID RADP North project;

• Prioritization of viable canal systems by MEW, MAIL and subsidiary WUAs and IAs based on a demand-driven needs assessment;

• Avoidance of duplication of interventions on canal systems that are being addressed by other programs and projects.

Following the creation of a short-list based on these criteria, the final list of SWIM sub-watersheds and irrigation systems will be made and the number of sites (approximately 30) will be commensurate with the resources, finances and schedule of the SWIM project. In light of this selection process, alternatives regarding site locations do not require further evaluation.


DESIGN ALTERNATIVES

The evaluation of subproject design alternatives is an integral part of the SWIM planning process that will be ongoing as baseline studies and engineering assessments are conducted for each canal system. In some cases canal assessments will have been conducted previously during the PIA, however the PIA is not inclusive of all sites that will be selected by SWIM. Additionally, because the PIA assessments were conducted in 2014, validation and verification is necessary prior to finalizing plans and designs for rehabilitation activities. Therefore, design alternatives are a dynamic and ongoing internal component of project implementation, and these alternatives will take into consideration the environmental and social impacts that are identified during the collaborative planning process with WUAs and IAs.

TECHNOLOGICAL ALTERNATIVES

Finally, the assessment of technological alternatives is also limited. First, the capacity of WUAs and IAs to operate and maintain irrigation infrastructure limits the choice of technology and is intended to be low-tech and consist only of infrastructure that is realistic for the affected communities to operate and maintain. Further, based on the location of sites in rural northern Afghanistan and the ability of construction contractors to access and operate in these locales, construction equipment and methods will favor low-tech, small-scale equipment and machinery with emphasis on manual labor and hand tools over expensive, high-tech machinery. In most all cases construction activities are expected to utilize hand tools, excavators, compactors, cement mixers and vibration tools. In light of situational awareness, alternatives to these methods are not considered viable.

11. RECOMMENDATIONS AND RATIONALE FOR ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT

The identification and evaluation of potential environmental and social impacts was based on desk research, review of environmental reports and country data, and consultation with stakeholders by the SWIM environmental consultants and staff. The rationale and recommendations put forward are based also based on consideration of the following SWIM project conditions: • Infrastructure activities include the reconstruction of existing systems, and will not involve the

construction of new irrigation networks in areas where none currently exist. • The SWIM project is not mandated to implement any large-scale infrastructure projects that would

have a significant impact on the volume of water diverted from river systems into primary canals. • The types of reconstruction activities and methods that will be employed to implement SWIM

activities are low-tech and do not pose a significant threat to human health or the environment.

• The activities planned by SWIM are well defined and are activities that have been frequently and widely implemented in Afghanistan, and as such, the mitigation measures required to reduce associated impacts to less-than-significant levels are well understood and realistically achievable.

• SWIM will be engaging with MEW and MAIL at the national level (with SWIM staff embedded in the ministries) to help ensure that project activities are aligned with the Afghanistan Water Law, Water Sector Strategy and National Irrigation Program.

• While the uncertainties of climate change and drought are salient with regard to engagement in the water sector in Afghanistan, the activities planned by SWIM will not significantly affect, or be affected by, these uncertainties, and furthermore, if executed according to plan, are expected to increase resilience to these threats.

These conditions are not indicative of project activities that are elevated to the level of significance that merits a Positive Determination. USAID Regulation 22 CFR 216.3(a)(2)(iii) states that “A Positive Threshold


Decision shall result from a finding that the proposed action will have a significant effect on the environment.” Classes of actions normally having a significant effect on the environment include, among others, irrigation or water management projects, including dams and impoundments. However, the results of this Scoping Statement show that the issues identified do not as a whole demonstrate impacts of major significance. In other words, these findings suggest that the generation of a Programmatic Environmental Assessment (PEA) would not improve the likelihood of better defining or evaluating the potential environmental impacts and mitigation associated with the SWIM project. Effective mitigation to eliminate or minimize potential environmental and social impacts are proposed in the SWIM EMMP below. To implement the EMMP, SWIM will use the ERF/ERR template provided in Annex E of this document to screen for and mitigate potential environmental impacts for specific rehabilitation subprojects. A separate ERF/ERR will be prepared and submitted to USAID for each rehabilitation activity; similar activities in multiple locations over a period of time may be combined in one document. Each ERR will contain an Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP) that draws from baseline studies of project locations, site specific analysis of environmental and social features and the guidance provided in the EMMP that is included in Section 12 of the Scoping Statement, which has been designed as a framework EMMP for subproject level mitigation and monitoring. SWIM staff and applicable subcontractors will be trained in all necessary EMMP policies, procedures and documentation to ensure that activity ideas and activities involve effective environmental review and proper completion and submittal of all environmental documentation. SWIM engineers, local site supervisors, community oversight committees and when appropriate, subcontracted firms, will be trained to conduct environmental reviews prior to engaging in activities, and also trained to monitor projects to ensure environmental standards compliance, and to take action to adjust activities, if required. SWIM will also conduct capacity development training to stakeholders to ensure sustainability or project interventions.

12. FRAMEWORK ENVIRONMENTAL MITIGATION AND MONITORING PLAN (EMMP)

The SWIM Component 1 and 3 EMMPs are included in Tables 5 and 6 below. Activities addressed in the EMMP include mitigation for Component 1 tasks in infrastructure rehabilitation and watershed restoration as well as Component 3 tasks to equip community groups and farmers with the skills they need to fulfill their mandates under the Water and Forest Laws. To support the development of integrated watershed management plans, SWIM will work through River Basin Authorities and DAIL to support WUAs and IAs in making evidence-based water allocation decisions, such as through training on soil moisture monitoring. To support sustainability of infrastructure rehabilitation, SWIM will also improve the on-farm water management practices of RADP and other farmers around rehabilitated irrigation infrastructure using demo plots, site visits, field day tours, and customized training. Demonstrations will include improved practices and new irrigation technologies, soil conservation measures, proper operations and maintenance, and best practices in the safe handling and use of agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and pesticides from the 2016 USAID/Afghanistan Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP)30 in order to safeguard environmental and human health. Local training experts will work

30 The 2016 PERSUAP is available at http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49436.pdf.

http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49436.pdf


alongside extension agents to customize training, select demonstration sites, conduct demonstrations, and hold farmer field days. Implementation of mitigation measures will include use the ERF/ERR templates provided in Annexes E and F of this document to screen for and mitigate potential environmental impacts. A separate ERF/ERR will be prepared and submitted to USAID for each farm demonstration activity; similar activities in multiple locations over a period of time may be combined in one document.


Table 5. EMMP for SWIM Component 1 activities

Category of Activity

Describe specific environmental threats of your organization’s

activities

Description of Mitigation Measures for these activities

Who is responsible for

monitoring

Monitoring Indicator

Monitoring Method

Frequency of Monitoring

Rehabilitate and increase efficiency of irrigation infrastructure and rehabilitate and restore degraded upper watersheds

Adverse environmental and social issues resulting from lack of subproject-specific attention to potential impacts

Utilize information gathered as part of baseline studies and engineering evaluations to generate subproject-specific environmental reviews and EMMPs derived and modified by USAID/Afghanistan based on the USAID ERR/ERF templates AFR-EnvReviewForm-20Dec2010 found at: http://www.usaidgems.org/subsidiary.htm . Forms are provided in the Annex of this document.

SWIM Component 1 Team Leader and SWIM Local Environmental Specialist

USAID-approved environmental reviews

Maintain database of USAID-approved environmental reviews and completed ERF/ERRs and EMMP Reporting Form

Throughout project implementation

Rehabilitate and increase efficiency of irrigation infrastructure

Adverse impacts to land use and crop management

SWIM will operate only in areas where USAID RADP and DAIL are actively engaged in agricultural management and training activities and will only undertake rehabilitation of existing irrigation canals

SWIM Chief of Party (COP)

USAID-approved project site selection database

Maintain database of USAID-approved project sites



Conflicts due to real or perceived inequality in the distribution of benefits during project planning, implementation or long-term operation and maintenance of rehabilitated canal systems

IAs and WUAs will be involved in selecting the type and location of interventions to ensure that conflicts of interest are identified and avoided

SWIM Chief of Party (COP)

Record of compliance in subproject EMMP Reporting Form

Maintain database of USAID-approved environmental reviews and completed ERF/ERRs and EMMP Reporting Forms


http://www.usaidgems.org/subsidiary.htm




activities



monitoring


Monitoring Method



Project interventions may be conducted without input from women on planning, implementation or operation & maintenance and may not reflect the best interests of women, further exacerbating gender inequality

SWIM will encourage involvement and engagement of women in project decision-making either informally or formally through the inclusion of existing women’s committees and shuras

SWIM COP and Gender Specialist





Costs and labor associated with maintenance of rehabilitated canals and restored watersheds may become a stressor on communities’ time and financial resources

SWIM will implement watershed restoration activities in the sub-basins selected for canal rehabilitation projects following the generation of integrated watershed management plans designed to reduce long-term maintenance costs of canal rehabilitation projects

SWIM COP and Component 3 Team Leader

USAID-approved project site selection database

Maintain database of USAID-approved project sites



Removal of vegetation and trees, erosion and sedimentation, fuel and oil release from equipment and machinery, fugitive dust emissions, noise and increased traffic

Institute standard mitigation measures in individual ERF/ERRs such as minimizing clearing, re-vegetating and replanting disturbed areas, use of erosion control equipment, spill prevention and cleanup practices, dust reduction techniques and minimizing noise and traffic related issues, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm (Annexes C-E)





http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm




activities



monitoring


Monitoring Method



Natural areas may be stressed or impacted as a result of sourcing construction materials from local borrow-pits and riverbeds. Additionally, canal sediment, demolition/construction debris and solid waste generated at work sites may cause environmental impacts if contaminated and/or inappropriately disposed

SWIM will enforce a policy requiring construction contractors to obtain written approval from municipal authorities prior to sourcing local construction materials or disposing of waste at any local disposal site






Temporary diversions of water during construction activities that will be necessary to rehabilitate canal structures may cause a temporary lack of water supply to communities and/or inundate new areas of land

Diversions of water around sections of canal during rehabilitation activities will be temporally minimized in order to mitigate impacts to communities. Further, when feasible, diversions will be rerouted to connect back to the canal system below the work area in order to sustain water supply. If diversions are necessary that will inundate new areas, plans will be developed with direct input from the affected community to mitigate property damage or adverse impacts to human health and the environment






Incidence of human health impacts from water or vector-borne illness or disease such as diarrhea, hepatitis, typhoid fever, cholera, malaria, schistosomiasis or leishmaniasis may be impacted by canal rehabilitation activities

SWIM will minimize the length of time that water is diverted or that pools of standing or stagnant water are present, direct construction contractors to staff workers from local communities, and ensure that safe provisions of food, sanitation and waste disposal are provided for workers throughout the construction period. Specific to leishmaniasis, mitigation of this issue will be addressed by enacting policies for construction contractors against this practice and ensuring that canal sediment is spread out (not stockpiled) over fields or at a municipally approved disposal site, depending on community preference.








activities



monitoring


Monitoring Method



Work and construction activities associated with canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration may present health and safety risks for workers using hand tools, equipment and machinery, at borrow pits, and during transport of construction materials or demolition and construction waste

SWIM will direct construction contractors to provide and enforce the use of standard personal protection and safety equipment such as closed toe shoes, work gloves, dust masks, hard hats and safety glasses based upon a work activity hazard analysis. In addition, fire extinguishers and first aid kits will be standard equipment that construction contractors are required to provide and maintain at work sites. Transportation and heavy equipment related risks will be mitigated by instructing drivers and operators to maintain safe speeds and utilize spotters in pedestrian areas






Community members utilizing canal water for drinking, cooking, bathing or cleaning may be affected by the quality of water in canals during rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities

The community will be alerted to the timing and duration of rehabilitation activities so that negative impacts to water users can be mitigated by temporarily avoiding water use for certain purposes








activities



monitoring


Monitoring Method



Canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities may affect protected areas, sensitive natural resources including wetlands, forests and lakes, threatened or endangered species, historical or archeological sites, or religious and cultural sites

In order to mitigate negative impacts to natural and cultural resources and biodiversity, SWIM will provide the location of districts selected for interventions to national and regional GIRoA ministries and agencies, WUAs and IAs prior to conducting work activities in the districts. If this consultation results in the identification of important or protected resources, GIRoA will be consulted on planning strategies for demarcation and avoidance. In the event that unidentified resources are encountered during work activities, work will cease until the resource can be properly investigated, delineated and protected by the appropriate authorities.

SWIM COP and SWIM Local Environmental Specialist





Table 6. EMMP Table for Component 3 activities



activities (based on analysis in Section 3 of

the IEE)

Description of Mitigation Measures for these activities as required in Section 5 of IEE


monitoring


Monitoring Method


Introduction of on-farm technologies developed in Component 1 that involve the design, rehabilitation and construction of irrigation infrastructure

Unsustainable use of water resources; erosion; sedimentation and pollution of water resources; soil salinization; spread of water-related disease from standing water in canals, construction worker injury; reduced productivity from interventions due to climate change

A comprehensive EMMP for component 1 after Scoping Statement/PEA process is completed. AECOM

To be determined by Scoping Statement report



Introduction of on-farm technologies that involve pesticide use

Health and safety, and environmental risks from pesticide use

Ensure that all pesticides used are approved by the P-PERSUAP 2016, that safer use practices are used, that Integrated Pest Management (IPM)is promoted, and that training and personal protective equipment is provided to stakeholders in safe practices; prepare and use a Safer Use Checklist for the use of pesticides in all activities and demonstrations, all pesticide purchases shall be reviewed by USAID COR and MEO using the form provided in the 2016 P-PERSUAP (see Annex G) Also, as per stipulations in the SUAP portion of the 2016 PERSUAP, implementer shall develop a Pest Management Plan for all pests and diseases for the crops and livestock systems the projects will be dealing with and submit to COR and MEO for review. SWIM will review the 2016 P-PERSUAP and if there is a need for additional pesticide active ingredients, a request will be made to the COR and MEO, so that the required analysis (by MEO) can be made for a revision of the P-PERSUAP.


All pesticides are approved for use by SWIM PERSUAP Training and PPE for safe pesticide use provided Safer Use Checklist is used by project staff and stakeholders for each demonstration site

Use Safer Pesticide Use Checklist to verify that all methods are followed

Once for each demonstration activity





the IEE)



monitoring


Monitoring Method


Introduction of on-farm technologies that involve the use of improved seeds

Reduced biodiversity or productivity due to the use of exotic, invasive seed species or those that are not suitable to local climate, including the potential impacts of climate

Ensure that seeds are species approved by MAIL; prohibit the use of invasive species; prohibit the use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs); promote the use of drought and salt tolerant species where possible;


Seeds are approved by MAIL Invasive and GMO species are not used Drought and tolerant species are promoted

Maintain documentation on approvals and seed types

Prior to procuring or using seeds and varieties

Introduction of on-farm technologies and practices to increase agricultural productivity

Erosion and loss of soil

Promote low tillage, diverse rotations, periods of fallow land, intercropping, and planting vegetative wind breaks; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm

SWIM Component 3 Team Leader and SWIM Local Environmental Specialist COR and MEO concur

Checklist of best practices completed

Maintain documentation and photographs of methods implemented

Monthly


Reduced soil fertility

Provide training on appropriate use of fertilizers and methods to control or avoid salinization and overuse of fertilizer; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm NOTE: No CAN or AN fertilizers shall be promoted or used. This is against Afghan law and against USAID Afghanistan policy.

SWIM Component 3 Team Leader and SWIM Local Environmental Specialist COR and MEO concur


Use checklist of important topics to include in training

Prior to training







the IEE)



monitoring


Monitoring Method



Polluted and/or eutrophic lakes and rivers; low fishery yields from degraded water quality

Vegetate areas around fields to promote runoff; vegetate riparian areas to prevent erosion along stream banks, leaving 50-m wide strips between waterways and croplands; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm




Monthly


Increased incidence of disease from pollution of exposed wells

Implement minimum setback limits for grazing and agriculture around water sources; ensure that wellheads and springs are properly constructed and protected; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm




Monthly


Unsustainable water use

Calculate water requirements for each site31 or area and compare against water budget and availability studies conducted under Component 2 to ensure that practices promoted through demonstrations are appropriate for each site, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, USDA http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm


Appropriate calculation and studies made

Maintain documentation

Prior to initiating demonstration activity

31 There are several models to calculate water requirements as DHI or NAM. SWIM will determinate which model will be used following recommendations of the specialists responsible to prepare the OFWM trainings.








the IEE)



monitoring


Monitoring Method



Unsustainable water use

Promote cover/tree/shrub crops that are salt and heat tolerant to reduce water requirements; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, USDA, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm




Monthly


Loss of efficiency, productivity, or function of introduced technologies and practices due to lack of maintenance and/or improper operation

Provide training to Water User Authorities and DAIL in proper maintenance of irrigation infrastructure; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, USDA http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm




Monthly


Negative health effects of using untreated irrigation water for drinking

Mark all irrigation water sources as inappropriate for drinking water consumption, and include the topic of associated health risks in awareness raising campaigns for schools and communities and training support to water user groups; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm


Water sources are marked appropriately and


Once at onset of activity and spot checks

Increased participation and management efficiency of water user groups

Loss of soil fertility and agricultural productivity over time; increased desertification over time

Encourage water user groups and stakeholders to take climate variability and climate change into account during planning; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm



Maintain documentation and information provided in training curricula

Once at onset of activity









the IEE)



monitoring


Monitoring Method


Increased participation and management efficiency of water user groups

Loss of efficiency in technological applications over time

Include training in operations and management practices for irrigation infrastructure and other introduced technologies; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm




Once at onset of activity

Watershed conservation practices such as erosion control measures or reforestation

Loss in productivity or increased environmental damage due to inappropriate site selection for agricultural demonstrations

Promote and train stakeholders in appropriate site selection; prepare and use a checklist of best practices, derived from available resources such as USAID GEMS, http://www.usaidgems.org/sectorGuidelines.htm




Once prior or during site selection




REFERENCES

Afghanistan Information Management Services, http://www.aims.org.af/maps/national/watersheds.pdf

Chemonics International & The Cadmus Group. Environmental Assessment of the Proposed Mazar Foods Agricultural/Irrigation Development Balkh Province, Afghanistan. February 4, 2008, http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnady112.pdf.

Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan (GoIRA). Afghanistan National Development Strategy (ANDS), Water Resource Management, Volume II, Pillar 3, Infrastructure. Water Sector Strategy. February 2008.

Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Draft National Irrigation Program (NIP). July 2015.

GoIRA, Ministry of Energy and Water, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Environmental and Social Management Framework (Main Report) for the Irrigation Restoration and Development Project. January 8, 2011.

GoIRA, Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. National Strategy on Women in Agriculture. 2015-2020.

GoIRA, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Energy and Water, and Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock. Environmental Assessment Report. Afghanistan: Preparing the Water Resources Development Project. July 2009.

GoIRA, NEPA. National Environmental Impact Assessment Policy, An Integrated Approach to Environmental Impact Assessment in Afghanistan. November 2007.

GoIRA, NEPA. Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) Programme of Work for Protected Areas (PoWPA) – Technical Report, Identifying Priority Zones for a Protected Area Network in Afghanistan. December 2009.

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Central Statistics Organization. Gender Data. Retrieved from: http://cso.gov.af/en/page/11125

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Central Statistics Organization. Population Data. Retrieved from: http://cso.gov.af/en/page/demography-and-socile-statistics/demograph-statistics/3897111

Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Central Statistics Office. Afghanistan, A Socio-Economic and Demographic Profile, Household Listing. 2003-2005.

Thieme, Olaf. Afghanistan, Country Pasture/Forage Resource Files. Retrieved from: http://www.fao.org/ag/agp/agpc/doc/counprof/afgan/afgan.htm

USAID Afghanistan Office of Agriculture and Office of Project and Program Development. Preliminary Inventory and Assessment for Irrigation and Watershed Management in the North, South and West Regions of Afghanistan. February 2015.

University of California at Davis, http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/natural-resource-management/weather

United Nations Population Fund. Afghanistan, A Socio-Economic and Demographic Profile. 2003-2005.

USAID. Afghanistan Mission-wide Programmatic Pesticide Evaluation Report and Safer Use Action Plan (PERSUAP), 2016, http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49436.pdf.

USAID. FAA 119 Biodiversity Assessment with Summary Assessment of Climate Vulnerability and other Environmental Threats and Opportunities to Inform USAID/Afghanistan Program Design. February 2017.

http://www.aims.org.af/maps/national/watersheds.pdf

http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnady112.pdf

http://cso.gov.af/en/page/11125

http://cso.gov.af/en/page/demography-and-socile-statistics/demograph-statistics/3897111


http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/natural-resource-management/weather


The World Bank. Poverty Status Update, An analysis based on National Risk and Vulnerability Assessment (NRVA). 2007/08 and 2011/12.

Additional resources:

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http://pdf.usaid.gov/pdf_docs/Pnadm049.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/245541467973233146/pdf/AUS9779-REVISED-WP-PUBLIC-Box391431B-Final-Afghanistan-ASR-web-October-31-2014.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/245541467973233146/pdf/AUS9779-REVISED-WP-PUBLIC-Box391431B-Final-Afghanistan-ASR-web-October-31-2014.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/425271493179054424/pdf/ITM00194-P160606-04-25-2017-1493179051182.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/425271493179054424/pdf/ITM00194-P160606-04-25-2017-1493179051182.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/434761468767735080/pdf/297030PAPER0Water0resource0Amu0Darya.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/434761468767735080/pdf/297030PAPER0Water0resource0Amu0Darya.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/663361468283187700/pdf/AralBasinGlaciers-FinalReport-May-2015.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/663361468283187700/pdf/AralBasinGlaciers-FinalReport-May-2015.pdf

http://envsec.org/publications/AmuDarya-EN-Web.pdf

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/18422/522110ESW0Whit1anistan0Final0Report.pdf;sequence=1

https://openknowledge.worldbank.org/bitstream/handle/10986/18422/522110ESW0Whit1anistan0Final0Report.pdf;sequence=1

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/project-document/77087/42091-afg-iees.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/317111468173048196/pdf/E41550V20REVIS00Box385217B00PUBLIC0.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/317111468173048196/pdf/E41550V20REVIS00Box385217B00PUBLIC0.pdf

http://www.mdpi.com/2225-1154/5/2/38/htm

https://www.wfp.org/sites/default/files/WFP_UNEP_NEPA_Afghanistan_Impacts_climate_%20change.pdf

http://ageconsearch.umn.edu/bitstream/92659/2/WOR91.pdf

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1871/USAID_Afghanistan_Project_Appraisal_Document_-_Public_Version_2017-04-03.pdf

https://www.usaid.gov/sites/default/files/documents/1871/USAID_Afghanistan_Project_Appraisal_Document_-_Public_Version_2017-04-03.pdf

https://agrilinks.org/sites/default/files/resource/files/rep-ict-afg-dec2014-mayzelle-etal-agrilinks.pdf

https://unama.unmissions.org/sites/default/files/2016_19_10_water_rights_final_v2.pdf

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/files/assessments/SFSA14%20report%20revised.pdf

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/files/assessments/SFSA14%20report%20revised.pdf

http://ku.edu.af/Content/Post/Attachment/412-7208-3-PB%2020157d8242c5-6a1e-4dcb-a58b-1d40ca9f0988.pdf

http://ku.edu.af/Content/Post/Attachment/412-7208-3-PB%2020157d8242c5-6a1e-4dcb-a58b-1d40ca9f0988.pdf

https://www.unece.org/fileadmin/DAM/SPECA/documents/ecf/2010/FAO_report_e.pdf


https://www.weadapt.org/sites/weadapt.org/files/legacy-new/placemarks/files/5345354491559sei-dfid-afghanistan-report-1-.pdf http://www.gfa-group.de/618488/Factsheet_Asia-Afghanistan_SEDEP-s.pdf http://samuelhall.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IOMT_border_final_after_publication_FINAL.pdf https://www.unodc.org/documents/crop-monitoring/Afghanistan/Afghanistan_sustainable_development_for_web.pdf https://www.sigar.mil/pdf/Special%20Projects/SIGAR-14-69-SP.pdf https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/afghanistan/19581/strengthening-afghanistan-institutions-capacity-assessment-agriculture-production-and-scenario_en http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/572031493646362443/pdf/SFG3304-EA-P120397-Box402904B-PUBLIC-Disclosed-4-27-2017.pdf http://www.af.undp.org/content/dam/afghanistan/docs/MDGs/NRVA%20REPORT-rev-5%202013.pdf http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/natural-resource-management/soil-topics/soil-manuals/Rep_Needs_Acess_Soil_Water_ICARDA.pdf http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/other-topic/markets/marketing-reports/Needs_Assess_on_Hort_ICARDA_1.pdf http://www.econstability.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Agricultural_Development_in_Iraq_and_Afghanistan_PROOF.pdf http://www.cawater-info.net/afghanistan/pdf/afg_wat_atlas_part_1_2.pdf https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/48042-001-sd-08.pdf https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/fact-sheets/irrigation-and-watershed-management-program-iwmp https://assets.helvetas.org/downloads/tm_cbwm_intro_1_integrated_watershed_management_1.pdf http://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/mountain_partnership/doc/IPROMO/IPROMO_2013_Presentations/WORKING_GROUP_PRESENTATIONS/Group_2_Proposal_on_Watershed_Management_POLICY.pdf https://www.icarda.org/blog/watershed-management-afghanistan-%E2%80%93-research-looks-social-and-conservation-aspects + http://www.cgiar.org/consortium-news/rebuilding-agriculture-and-communities-in-post-conflict-countries-from-the-soil-up/ http://nsidc.org/charis/

https://www.weadapt.org/sites/weadapt.org/files/legacy-new/placemarks/files/5345354491559sei-dfid-afghanistan-report-1-.pdf

https://www.weadapt.org/sites/weadapt.org/files/legacy-new/placemarks/files/5345354491559sei-dfid-afghanistan-report-1-.pdf

http://www.gfa-group.de/618488/Factsheet_Asia-Afghanistan_SEDEP-s.pdf

http://samuelhall.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/03/IOMT_border_final_after_publication_FINAL.pdf

https://www.unodc.org/documents/crop-monitoring/Afghanistan/Afghanistan_sustainable_development_for_web.pdf

https://www.unodc.org/documents/crop-monitoring/Afghanistan/Afghanistan_sustainable_development_for_web.pdf

https://www.sigar.mil/pdf/Special%20Projects/SIGAR-14-69-SP.pdf

https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/afghanistan/19581/strengthening-afghanistan-institutions-capacity-assessment-agriculture-production-and-scenario_en

https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/afghanistan/19581/strengthening-afghanistan-institutions-capacity-assessment-agriculture-production-and-scenario_en

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/572031493646362443/pdf/SFG3304-EA-P120397-Box402904B-PUBLIC-Disclosed-4-27-2017.pdf

http://documents.worldbank.org/curated/en/572031493646362443/pdf/SFG3304-EA-P120397-Box402904B-PUBLIC-Disclosed-4-27-2017.pdf

http://www.af.undp.org/content/dam/afghanistan/docs/MDGs/NRVA%20REPORT-rev-5%202013.pdf

http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/natural-resource-management/soil-topics/soil-manuals/Rep_Needs_Acess_Soil_Water_ICARDA.pdf

http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/natural-resource-management/soil-topics/soil-manuals/Rep_Needs_Acess_Soil_Water_ICARDA.pdf

http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/other-topic/markets/marketing-reports/Needs_Assess_on_Hort_ICARDA_1.pdf

http://afghanag.ucdavis.edu/other-topic/markets/marketing-reports/Needs_Assess_on_Hort_ICARDA_1.pdf

http://www.econstability.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Agricultural_Development_in_Iraq_and_Afghanistan_PROOF.pdf

http://www.econstability.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Agricultural_Development_in_Iraq_and_Afghanistan_PROOF.pdf

http://www.cawater-info.net/afghanistan/pdf/afg_wat_atlas_part_1_2.pdf

https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/linked-documents/48042-001-sd-08.pdf

https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/fact-sheets/irrigation-and-watershed-management-program-iwmp

https://www.usaid.gov/news-information/fact-sheets/irrigation-and-watershed-management-program-iwmp

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https://www.icarda.org/blog/watershed-management-afghanistan-%E2%80%93-research-looks-social-and-conservation-aspects

https://www.icarda.org/blog/watershed-management-afghanistan-%E2%80%93-research-looks-social-and-conservation-aspects

http://www.cgiar.org/consortium-news/rebuilding-agriculture-and-communities-in-post-conflict-countries-from-the-soil-up/

http://www.cgiar.org/consortium-news/rebuilding-agriculture-and-communities-in-post-conflict-countries-from-the-soil-up/

http://nsidc.org/charis/


ANNEX A: MAIL LETTER TO PROPOSE IRRIGATION SCHEME

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Is lamic Republic of Afghanistan

Ministry o f Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock / I\ I r Officeof ChiefofStaff r ./ 'f /\ ~

S/N: 'y \\Ci "( TO: Mr. Drako Reyes,

Chief of Pany,

Strengthening Watershed and Irrigation Management (SWIM)

AECOM International Development

Subject: Work Plan Year I• Feasibility Stud, of Large-scale Irrigation Scheme

Dear Mr. Drako Reyes,

19July 201 7

The Ministry of Agriculture. Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL} is pleased to know that the Work Plan of

Strengthening Watershed and Irrigation Management (SWIM) project for Year I has been officially appro,cd.

Being a leading project panncr, MAIL reiterates its commitment for providing any support required during the

course of this project that will lead it to a success.

MAIL had requested for a feasibility study of a large irrigation scheme during the design of SWIM project. and

we arc happy to see that our request has been rcf1cctcd in your Work Plan (Y car I). Our proposal is to conduct a

detailed feasibility study of Khush Tepa irrigation canal that falls within the Amu River Basin, and remains

Government's top priority. We arc also interested to be actively engaged/contribute while SWIM is designing

the scope of the feasibility study for the proposed project.

Once again. MAIL acknowledges and appreciates the hard WCM'k done by the SWIM team. so far. And \\e

remain at your disposal, should )OU need to further discuss the pro~asibilit) stud) or any other project

related matters ~

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Mi r o g cu u ,

Copy to:

I. H.E Assadullah Zam1r, Minister of Agriculture, lrngauon and l1vcstock (MAIL). Kabul Afghanistan 2. 11.E Ekli l Ahmad lfak1m1, M1mstcr offmancc (MoF), Kabul Afghanistan 3. Mr. Gary Robbins, Director for Agriculture oflicc(USAID), Kabul Afghanistan 4 Ms. Tcrhi Majancn Team Leader for Natural Resource (USAID). Kabul Afghanistan


ANNEX B: PRIMARY AND SECONDARY STAKEHOLDER QUESTIONNAIRES

PRIMARY STAKEHOLDER QUESTIONNAIRE

SWIM Environmental Scoping Statement Stakeholder Consultation Plan Questionnaire - Instructions It is important that watershed management decisions reflect the values of a majority of the community. Stakeholder consultation is our tool for asking questions that help us to understand the environmental and social issues of importance to the community. This process of identifying and prioritizing issues is a key step in project planning and is conducted before final project decisions are made. The table on the following pages is designed for Primary Stakeholders who are likely to be directly affected by the project. Primary Stakeholders may consist of district-level community leaders, District Development Assemblies, Community Development Councils, Water User Associations, Irrigation Associations, Mirabs, Shuras, women’s groups, local NGOs, tribal elders, village leaders, villagers, Kuchi/nomads or any other minority groups that could be directly affected by the project. The questionnaire should be used to guide your conversations, interviews and verbal surveys with Primary Stakeholders and Stakeholder Groups. The table is divided into 7 sections, each focusing on one issue or topic that has been identified as having potential positive or negative impacts. These are; Land Use and Crop Management, Socioeconomic Issues, Water Availability, Construction-Related Impacts, Health & Safety, Drinking Water and Natural Resources and Biodiversity. At the bottom of each section is a row that asks you to indicate whether any of the stakeholders consider any impacts related to that issue or topic to be a major concern in relation to the irrigation rehabilitation project being discussed. Major issues imply that they are significant and highly important to one or several of the stakeholders due to the nature, scale or intensity of the issue.


PRIMARY STAKEHOLDER QUESTIONNAIRE Staff Name: Date of

Meeting: Time of Meeting:

Province, District and Village:

Project Details/GPS (if identified):

Name of stakeholder group:

Name of stakeholder group representative:

Name of each stakeholder consulted with in the

group:

Name Phone Number/Email (optional)

ISSUE / TOPIC 1. Land Use and Crop Management Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue: A. If the irrigation system is repaired, how will this affect or change the activities of people in the community who have access to the water?

B. Will farmers plant new/different crops?

C. Will farmers use more or less fertilizers and pesticides?

D. What are the major kinds of fertilizers and pesticides used in the community/district?

E. How do farmers handle, apply, and store fertilizers and pesticides (what safety measures are used, if any)?

F. Will new agricultural land be developed that is not currently being used?

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G. Will the irrigation construction or repair phase cause soil quality problems from erosion, loss of soil fertility (over-cropping) or increased agricultural chemical residues?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are land use changes not a significant concern according to the stakeholders?

MAJOR MINOR

If major issues exist, describe which issue is important to the stakeholder, and why?

2. Socioeconomic Issues Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue: A. Are there currently any problems or conflicts between any local groups of people inside or outside of the water user group? If so, how are they addressed or managed?

B. Will the irrigation repair project result in any problems or conflicts between any local groups of people inside or outside of the water user group?

C. Are there current water use agreements that would be changed or altered by the irrigation repair project?

D. If the irrigation repair project is started, which people or groups will be negatively affected by the construction and operation phases of the project?

E. If the irrigation repair project is started, which people or groups will be positively affected by the construction and operation phases of the project?

F. If the irrigation repair project is started, will additional people or groups be attracted to the area for farming and/or settlement?

G. How will women be impacted by the irrigation repair project?

H. Will women or women’s groups be included in planning and design, construction, operation or maintenance of the irrigation system?

I. Who will be responsible for maintaining the irrigation system after the repair work is completed?

J. Will those responsible for maintenance have the necessary financial and labor resources available?


Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are social issues not a significant concern according to the stakeholders?

MAJOR MINOR


3. Water Availability Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue: A. What are the long-term effects of the irrigation repair project on the amount of water that will be available for the crops grown by the community?

B. Is there currently a shortage of water for crops grown by people within the community that is caused by drought and low river water flows?

C. Is there currently a shortage of water for crops grown by people within the community that is caused by the damaged or poorly maintained irrigation system?

D. Will the irrigation repair project decrease the amount of water that is available for communities living farther downstream (outside of this water user group)?

E. How frequent do droughts occur and how is the community impacted by drought?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – is water availability not a significant concern according to the stakeholders?

MAJOR MINOR


4. Construction-Related Impacts Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue: A. Will construction and repair activities cause any short-term environmental problems by erosion, sedimentation or pollution of water?

B. Would the increased demand on borrow-pits used for construction materials cause any environmental or social problems?

C. Would the project require removal or damage to trees, vegetation or riparian buffer systems?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are construction related impacts not a significant concern according to the stakeholders?

MAJOR MINOR



5. Health & Safety Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue: A. Will any people in the community use the irrigation canal to deposit or transport sanitary wastewater from toilets/septic tanks?

B. Will any people in the community use the irrigation canal to deposit or transport solid waste or trash?

C. Do people in the community suffer from water or vector-borne diseases or illnesses, such as malaria and bilharzia (also called schistosomiasis)? If so, how many (just a few / a lot / most people)

D. Are fish present in the canals, either occurring naturally, or grown by people to control water-borne disease vectors (to eat mosquitoes that cause malaria or snails that cause bilharzia)?

E. Will the irrigation repair project cause an increase or decrease in water or vector-borne disease or illnesses (diarrhea, hepatitis, typhoid fever, cholera or malaria)?

F. Will construction and repair activities cause safety risks from flooding or property damage nearby the work areas?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are health and safety issues not a significant concern according to the stakeholders?

MAJOR MINOR


6. Drinking Water Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue: A. What is current source of drinking water for the affected villages and communities?

B. Will the irrigation repair change the quality or quantity of drinking water available (if so, how)?

C. Are there any people in the community who will use the irrigation water for drinking, cooking, cleaning clothes or bathing?

D. Are there any diseases or health issues related to drinking water that affect groups of people in the community?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – is drinking water not a

MAJOR MINOR If major issues exist, describe which issue is important to the stakeholder, and why?


significant concern according to the stakeholders? 7. Natural Resources and Biodiversity Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue: A. Are any wetlands or natural lakes located in the river basin? If so, how far away are they, and are they upstream or downstream?

B. Are there any significant/important cultural resources or historical sites that will be negatively affected by the irrigation repair?

C. Are there any forested areas nearby? If so, how are they used or accessed by the community?

D. Are there any sensitive or protected animal or plant species in the area, particularly ones that rely on the wetlands, protected areas or forests for habitat, food, and breeding?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are protected and sensitive areas and the wildlife and plants they host not a significant concern according to the stakeholders?

MAJOR MINOR


OTHER: ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL ISSUES, PROBLEMS OR BENEFITS THAT THE STAKEHOLDER WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASIZE? List Here:


SECONDARY STAKEHOLDER QUESTIONNAIRE

SWIM Environmental Scoping Statement Stakeholder Consultation Plan

SWIM Staff Conducting Meeting or Phone Call:

Title or Position of SWIM Staff:

Date and Time of Meeting or Phone Call:

Name of Stakeholder:

Title or Position of Stakeholder:

Agency or Organization of Stakeholder:

Phone Number of Stakeholder:

DIRECTIONS: This form is to be administered to Secondary Stakeholders who may consist of NEPA, MAIL and MEW Officials, River Basin Association Officials and Engineers, Other Regional, Provincial and District-level Officials, Social Organizers and NGOs.

Purpose: - Stakeholder consultation is being conducted with officials and organizations as part of the SWIM Environmental

Scoping Statement. - The Scoping Statement is a USAID requirement used to guide how we manage environmental issues associated

with our project. - This process of identifying and prioritizing issues is a key step in project planning and is conducted before final

project decisions are made. - SWIM is requesting feedback from officials and organizations on questions designed to identify important

environmental and social issues related to SWIM irrigation rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities. - These activities may consist of repairing canal intakes, canal cleaning and lining, replacement of culverts,

footbridges, protection walls and other canal structures. Watershed restoration activities may consist of tree planting, terracing, erosion control and flood protection.

- We would like to ask the following questions that are related to potential environmental and social impacts that we have identified and then ask for input on any other issues that you feel are important.

REGIONAL-LEVEL SECONDARY STAKEHOLDER QUESTIONNAIRE

ISSUE / TOPIC

1. Land Use and Crop Management Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue:

What are the major issues related to land use that will be affected by canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities?

What are the major issues related to crop selection and crop rotations that could be affected by canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities?

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Are there any issues related to pesticides, fertilizers, soil quality or land development that could be affected by canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are land use changes not a significant environmental or social concern?

MAJOR MINOR

If major issues exist, describe why:

2. Socioeconomic Issues Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue:

Are there any potential socioeconomic issues that could arise or worsen due to the canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities?

Will the impacts to women be positive, negative or stay the same as the result of canal rehabilitation and watershed restoration activities?

Will the benefits of the project be equal amongst communities or will some benefit more than others?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are socioeconomic issues not a significant environmental or social concern?

MAJOR MINOR


3. Water Availability Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue:

Will the project have a positive or negative impact on the amount of water available to communities over the long-term timeframe of 10-20 years?

How will climate change and drought affect or impact the outcome of the project?

What factors or issues related to climate change and drought should be used to guide our activities to improve sustainable water management at the sub-basin level?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are water availability issues not a significant environmental or social concern?

MAJOR MINOR


4. Construction-Related Impacts Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue:


Will construction activities associated with canal rehabilitation or watershed restoration create any long-term environmental problems?

Are there any construction related issues that need special attention, such as borrow pits, damage to vegetation, waste management, or impacts from construction workers?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are construction related impacts not a significant environmental or social concern?

MAJOR MINOR


5. Health & Safety Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue:

Are there any health and safety concerns that could arise during or after project activities that should be considered?

Will the project have any affect on the communities’ wastewater or sanitary waste practices?

Will the project have any affect on disease transmission or disease control especially regarding leishmaniasis, malaria or schistosomiasis?

Are there any issues with contamination or chemicals in the sediment cleaned from canals that require special attention regarding human or environmental health impacts?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are health and safety issues not a significant environmental or social concern?

MAJOR MINOR


6. Drinking Water Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue:

How will the project impact the amount of drinking water available to the communities’?

Will the project have an impact on the quality of the drinking water supply for the communities?


Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are drinking water issues not a significant environmental or social concern?

MAJOR MINOR


7. Natural and Cultural Resources and Biodiversity Responses, Details, Comments on Importance of Issue:

Does the project have the potential to negatively impact natural resources such as protected plant or animal species?

Are there any protected lands, forests, or ecological resources that should be identified or avoided by project activities?

Does the project have the potential to negatively impact cultural resources or historic/archeological sites?

Are any of these a major issue of importance – or – are natural and cultural resources issues not a significant environmental or social concern?

MAJOR MINOR


ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL OR SOCIAL ISSUES, PROBLEMS OR BENEFITS THAT THE STAKEHOLDER WOULD LIKE TO EMPHASIZE? List Here:


ANNEX C: LIST OF STAKEHOLDERS CONSULTED

NAME TITLE PROVINCE, DISTRICT PHONE

PRIMARY STAKEHOLDERS

Mr. Allahgul WUA Leader Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0700725760

Haji Mohammad Azam Ag Association Member Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0777212316

Mr. Mohammad Nawroaz WUA Member Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0778306225

Mr. Abdul Sabor WUA Treasurer Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0786000481

Mr. Shreen Mohammad WUA Leader Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0707464288

Mr. Mohammad Mosa Mirab Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0783741938

Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Mirab Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0787864666

Haji Noor Hassan Aboja IA Leader Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0799454633

Mr. Mohammad Jan IA Deputy Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0799420940

Mr. Mossa Khan Mirab Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0708343085

Mr. Mohammad Naseem IA Financial Officer Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0799008988

Mr. Redigul IA Member Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District

Mr. Khanzada Mirab Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District

Mr. Sartor Mirab Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District

Mr. Jama Jan IA Member Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District

Mr. Baz IA Member Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District

Haji Habibullah Village leader Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0707738171

Mr. Asadullah MEW DDA Deputy Baghlan Province, Poli-Hesar District 0707511256

Mr. Muhibullah Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0702099370

Mr. Abdul Habib Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0703600470

Mr. Tazagul Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0707515053

Mr. Mir Abdullah School principal and farmer Baghlan Province, Poli-Hesar District 0707518189

Mr. Mahbobullah Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0705200741

Mr. Rahmideen Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0705306522

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Mr. Mohammad Asef Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0708533289

Mr. Hagajan Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0708533289

Mr. Shah Mohammad Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0708210770

Mr. Jahoonullah Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0706564912

Mr. Abdul Bashir Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0708613481

Mr. Shakrullah Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0706692372

Mr. Mohammad Khan Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0711919400

Mr. Abdul Qadir School principal and farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0708547434

Mr. Abdul Razaq Teacher and farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0707469072

Mr. Eidi Mohammad Teacher and farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0708153231

Mr. Mohammad Ikram Teacher and farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 070861915

Mr. Abdul Rauef Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0707883802

Mr. Mola Abdul Ghafar Farm Leader Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0705557809

Mr. Nowroze Farm Leader Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District 0707924876

Mr. Mohammad Ashraf Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District

Mr. Bulbul Shaf Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District

Mr. Abdul Kabir Mirab Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District

Mr. Hajat Mirza Farmer Baghlan Province, Pul-e-Hisar District

Mr. Mohammad Ibrahim Village leader Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0782328215

Mr. Mohammad Ghul RBA District Officer Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0700708949

Mr. Ghul Rahman Mirab Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0730268298

Mr. Dost Mohammad Mirab Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0778180292

Mr. Azizullah Mirab Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0780207192

Mr. Mirwais Farmer Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District 0700707502

Mr. Haji Hayatullah Farmer Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District

Mr. Mohammad Dauod Farmer Baghlan Province, Baghlan-e-Jadid District

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Mr. Syeed Mirza CDC and Village Leader Baghlan Province, Jelga District 0702030105

Mr. Zafarullah Teacher Baghlan Province, Jelga District 0711659665

Mr. Azizullah CDC Deputy Baghlan Province, Jelga District 0705517181

Eng. Asefullah CDC Member Baghlan Province, Jelga District 0706129413

Mr. Gulkhan Farmer Baghlan Province, Jelga District 0702029585

Mr. Guldad Farmer Baghlan Province, Jelga District

M. Hosain Mirab/WUA Leader Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0797690709

Abdul Ghafoor WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0799698159

Ahmad Shah WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0799269080

Musa WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0797886071

Yousof WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0798597206

Daoud Village Leader Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0729722789

Ghulam Yahia WUA Leader Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0799751500

M. Yunos WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0795545151

Sardar M. WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0781534502

A. .Qaoum WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0790143058

Yar M. WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0781534202

Haji Sardar WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0785283231

Jan M. WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0787370519

Ghulam M. WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0792182024

Haji Ahmad Shah WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0797278987

M. Esmael WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District

Ehsanullah WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0775754246

Gul Alam WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District

Azizullah WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District

Taza Gu WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 077652311

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Arab Khan WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0750702082

Abdul WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0772501058

Qasim WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0771207119

Abdul Hamie WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0750504569

Ibrahim WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0771450867

Gul Hosain WUA Member Balkh Province, Sholgara District 0750503635

Haji M Rasol IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District

Haji Ata Mohammed IA Leader Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0788148130

Mohammad Din IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0785404454

Hasibulla IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0781826963

Ibrahim IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District

Saharf Big IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0786860707

Abdul Qauom IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0788483368

Abdul Haq Bai IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0780711013

Amrudin IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0786010631

Mohammad Nazar IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District

Sayed Mohamad IA Leader Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0782558923

Shir Pahlawan IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0785166799

Mohamad Wali IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0799679803

Sayed Mutaza Mirab Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0788079278

Abdul Razaq IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0774374807

Sayed Qutbudin IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District

M. Musa IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0781781484

Juma Tordi IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0773581279

Ghulam Ali IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District

Abdul Ali IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 0783220211

Tagha Murad IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District

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Haji Abdul Hosain IA Member Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District

Salam Bai Village Leader Balkh Province, Dawlatabad District 07899917136

Abdul Aziz WUA Leader Balkh Province, Kaldar District 0781302110

Abdul Nabi WUA Member Balkh Province, Kaldar District 0773411592

Shir Ahmad WUA Leader Balkh Province, Kaldar District 0774888678

Jairatan Aqmurad WUA Member Balkh Province, Kaldar District 0784105856

Khudai Qul WUA Secretariat Balkh Province, Kaldar District 0776056779

Khudai Berdi WUA Member Balkh Province, Kaldar District 0774058610

Mutabar Shah WUA Leader Balkh Province, Balkh District 0774897346

Haji Ramazan WUA Member Balkh Province, Balkh District 0779810290

Haji Gul Ahmad WUA Member Balkh Province, Balkh District 0774815001

Haji M. Aslam WUA Member Balkh Province, Balkh District 0785442959

Haji Amrullah WUA Member Balkh Province, Balkh District 0778579372

Haji Nematullah WUA Leader Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0784166120

M. Rafi CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0788357360

Abdul Rahim CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781884554

M. Yaqub DDA Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0786531092

Mohammed Yaqub Finance Officer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0786723099

Abdul Momin CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0789716861

Ahmad Shah Community Leader Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0785130512

Hazrat Qul Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781884495

M. Hashim Lead Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781115600

Asamudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781367207

Haji M. Yousaf Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781582190

Haji Rozi Bai Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0789320904

Rozi Bai CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Said Murad Community Elder Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

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Abdul Hakim Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Abdul Ghani CDC Deputy Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0783567194

Abdul Wakil Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0789193852

M. Jora Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0785852788

M. Hasan Village Leader Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781262502

Abdul Kari Mirab Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0783567498

Noor Mohammed Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0782013203

Abdul Ghafor CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0799110196

Jeza Sufla Sirajudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0780032012

M. Sami Finance Officer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0789711384

Haji Muhammudullah CDC Deputy Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0788083530

Abdul Khaliq Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0787496851

M. Mosa Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0789455105

Abdul Baqi CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0788348331

Abdul Baqa Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0786178570

M. Ibrahim Mirab Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781461144

Rahman Birdi Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Mula M. Azim Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Khairudin Shura Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0788187056

M. Naeem CDC Deputy Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0799455551

Mula M. Nasim Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0798284372

Mula M. Qurban Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0785127338

M. Amin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

M. Tahir Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Tajudin Shura Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0784545285

Ghulam Rasool Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0782862261

M Kazim Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0786313415

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Haji Shah Saeed Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0785036563

Samrudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Sadrudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0787016944

Rasheed Khan CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0777196917

Tora Bai Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Wahab Khan Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 072929811

Haji Sirajudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0796543906

Kh Azim Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Abdul Qadir Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Abdulrahim Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0794334316

Khudai Rahim Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0776005931

Asamudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0796177668

Haji Sirajudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Abdul Malk Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Haji M. Nabi Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

M. Qul Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Ikramudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Rahmatullah CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0788488928

Skandar Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0786134330

Qudratullah Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0788118660

M. Ayub Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0784997607

M. Yar Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0780835463

Haiat Gul Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0785260699

Nazar Mohammed Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0778464751

Jan Mohammed Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

M. Aslam Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781884368

Nasrudin Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0784192535

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Abdulwahed Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0779120251

Said Daud CDC Finance Officer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0773720176

M. Isehaq Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0782542132

Pir Nazar Mirab Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0780379166

Abdulsamad Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0787710258

Said Nasrullah Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Said Naeem Teacher Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0781241040

Aiwaz Mohammed Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District

Haji Taj Mohammad WUA Leader Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0777247034

Abdul Aziz WUA Deputy Leader Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0778912591

Haji Ata Murad CDC Member Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0775704644

Haji Sher Mohammed Farmer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0767855017

M. Naseem Mirab Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0777044860

M. Rafiq Finance Officer Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0774585913

M. Zaman Mirab Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0786054121

Khwaja Dawood Mirab Jawzjan Province, Sheberghan District 0775312848

Eng. Mobin DoEW O&M Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0792112283

HajiKhabir Mohammad WUA Head Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0775883822

Haji Ansar WUA and DDA Member Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0777036206

Mohammad Yusof Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0777918047

Toy Mohammad Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Abdul Manan Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 07799460070

Abdul Qudos Mirab Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0766247134

Gholam Sakhi Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Mohammad Mosa Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0772386954

Gholam Sediq Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0774050636

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Amreddin Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Mulla Gholam Nabi Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Baz Mohammad Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Eng. Hamidullah DoEW Planning & Engineering Samangan Province, Ayback District 0774382838

Eng. Baryalai DAIL Irrigation Engineer Samangan Province, Ayback District 0774378530

Eng. Abdul Khalil NEPA Director Samangan Province, Ayback District 0772191990

Faizullah Farmer Samangan Province, Ayback District 0790119863

Ajab Khan Farmer Samangan Province, Ayback District 0771053837

Abdul Qudos WUA Member Samangan Province, Ayback District 0799089113

Nasruddin Farmer Samangan Province, Ayback District 0728211171

Asef Farmer Samangan Province, Ayback District 0795448865

Abdul Qadir Farmer Samangan Province, Ayback District

Babrak Farmer Samangan Province, Ayback District 0799557910

Mohammadi Mirab Samangan Province, Ayback District 0796467233

Nazar Mohammad Villager Samangan Province, Ayback District

Noor Khan Villager Samangan Province, Ayback District

Noor Khan Villager Samangan Province, Ayback District 0771776410


Haji Akbar Mirab and Lead Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0777076937

Gholam Nabi CDC Member Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0781276022

Noor Ahmad Mirab Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0772311984

Haji Sakhidad CDC Leader Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0799549868

Haji Ibrahim Member of Municipal Council Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0797080643

Hamidullah Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0765451710

Haji Ajab Khan Farmer and CDC Member Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0799102243

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Sultan Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Sheer Mohammad Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Ahmad Khalid Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Abdul Qadir Mirab Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0764360120

Haji Qafar Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0772834211

Eng. Mobin DoEW O&M Samangan Province, Aybak District 0792112283

Adbul Hakeem Head WUA Samangan Province, Aybak District 0795894537

Toy Mohammad DDA, CDC Member Samangan Province, Aybak District 0775425299

Amanullah Mirab Samangan Province, Aybak District 0796682529

Khal Bay Lead Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0778578623

Rohullah Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0792016049

Abdul Samad Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0777841807

Arzo Qol Mirab Samangan Province, Aybak District 0799797217

Usta Tabar Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District

Sultan Mohammad Head CDC Samangan Province, Aybak District 0799125013

Eng. Hamidullah DoEW Samangan Province, Aybak District 0774382838

Qafar Head WUA Samangan Province, Aybak District 0776808334

Khaksar CDC Member Samangan Province, Aybak District 0776061983

Sayfuddin Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0779866365

Abdul Qafar Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0776124311

Sulaiman Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0774356152

Mohammad Sabor Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0764608677

Abdul Satar Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District

Haji Abdul Khaliq Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0774502645

Abdul Razaq Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0778485817

Abdul Kabir Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0771215001

Rahmatullah Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0772689062

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Noor Ahmad Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0775124992

Abdullah Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District

Abdul Qadir Mirab Samangan Province, Aybak District 0771619445

Abdul Salam DAIL Lead Farmer Samangan Province, Aybak District 0774080423


Khan Sheerin Mirab and WUA Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0773907463

Mulla Lawang Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Qazi Bai Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0775828625

Noor Makhmal Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Sheer Mohammad Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Reedi Gul Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District

Badam Bhai Head WUA Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0772038128


Alanoor Ameeri Head WUA Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0774966105

Abdul Qayum DDA, CDC Member Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0772447315

Habibu Rahman DDA, CDC Member Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0775597694

Saleh Mohammad Farmer Samangan Province, Hazrat Sultan District 0772925187

REGIONAL SECONDARY STAKEHOLDERS

Daqiq DDA Director Samangan Province 0700520895

Hamayoon Habib DAIL Director Samangan Province 0785113731

Abdul Qaher MEW RBA Director Jawzjan Province 0799123785

Mohammad Rahman Arghandiwal DAIL Director Jawzjan Province 0799241341

Hashmatullah Watanyar MEW RBA Director Balkh Province 0777902090

Esmatullah MEW Regional RBA Director Balkh Province 0799449276

Khawja Akbar Shah DAIL Head of Irrigation Balkh Province 0799873263

Serajudin Mehraban DAIL Director Balkh Province 0799602316

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Ghulam Ali DAIL Head of Irrigation Baghlan Province 0700259957

NATIONAL SECONDARY STAKEHOLDERS

Muhammad Ishaq

MAIL General Directorate of Natural

Resources, Water Resources Management

Specialist

Kabul Province 0729767810

Mr. Naseri NEPA Acting Director

of Natural Heritage Protection

Kabul Province 0700965962

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ANNEX D: EMMP REPORTING FORM The EMMP Reporting Form reports on the results of applying the mitigation measures described in the Mitigation Plan and identifies outstanding issues with respect to required conditions. This form will be used for each demonstration activity. In some cases, digital photos will be the best way to document mitigation and should be included in the report. Table 1. Mitigation Reporting Form

List each Mitigation Measure from column 3 in the EMMP Mitigation Plan

(EMMP Part 2 of 3)

Status of Mitigative Measures

List any outstanding issues

relating to required conditions

Remarks


ANNEX E: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW FORM

A. Applicant information Organization Parent grant or

project

Individual contact and title

Address, phone & email (if available)

Proposed subproject /subgrant (brief description)

Amount of funding Requested

Period of Performance

Location(s) of proposed activities

B. Activities, screening results, and findings Screening result

(Step 3 of instructions) Findings

(Step 6 of instructions. Complete for all moderate/unknown and high-risk

activities ONLY)

Proposed activities (Provide DESCRIPTIVE listing. Continue on additional page if necessary)

Ver

y Lo

w R

isk

Hig

h-R

isk*

Mod

erat

e or

un

know

n ris

k*

sign

ifica

nt a

dver

se

impa

cts

are

ver

y un

likel

y

With

spe

cifie

d m

itiga

tion,

si

gnifi

cant

adv

erse

im

pact

s ar

e ve

ry

ulik

ely

Sig

nific

ant

Adv

erse

im

pact

s ar

e po

ssib

le

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

*These screening results require completion of an Environmental Review Report

USAID FROM THE AMERICAN PEOPLE


Sub-project Title: C. Certification: I, the undersigned, certify that: 1. The information on this form and accompanying environmental review report (if any) is correct and complete.

2. Implementation of these activities will not go forward until specific approval is received from the C/AOR.

3. All mitigation and monitoring measures specified in the Environmental Review Report will be implemented in their entirety, and that staff charged with this implementation will have the authority, capacity and knowledge for successful implementation. (Signature) (Date) (Print name) (Title)

Note: if screening results for any activity are “high risk” or “moderate or unknown risk,” this form is not complete unless accompanied by an environmental review report.

BELOW FOR USAID USE ONLY Notes: 1. For clearance to be granted, the activity MUST be within the scope of the activities for which use of the ERF is authorized in the governing IEE. Review IEE before signature. If activities are outside this scope, deny clearance and provide explanation in comments section. The Partner, C/AOR, MEO and REA must then confer regarding next steps: activity re-design, an IEE or EA. 2. Clearing an ERF containing one or more findings that significant adverse impacts are possible indicates agreement with the analysis and findings. It does NOT authorize activities for which “significant adverse impacts are possible” to go forward. It DOES authorize other activities to go forward. The Partner, C/AOR, MEO and REA must then confer regarding next steps: activity re-design, an IEE or EA.

Clearance record AOR/COR Clearance given Clearance denied

(print name) (signature) (date)

USAID/Afghanistan MEO Clearance given Clearance denied

(print name) (signature) (date)

A/COR, MEO and REA clearance is required. BEO clearance is required for all “high risk” screening results and for findings of “significant adverse impacts possible. The BEO may review ” Note: if clearance is denied, comments must be provided to applicant (use space below & attach sheets if necessary)


ANNEX F: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW REPORT TEMPLATE A. Summary of Proposal. Very briefly summarize background, rationale and outputs/results expected.

(Reference proposal, if appropriate).

B. Description of Activities. For all moderate and high-risk activities listed in Section B of the ERF,

succinctly describe location, siting, surroundings (include a map, even a sketch map). Provide both quantitative and qualitative information about actions needed during all project phases and who will undertake them. (All of this information can be provided in a table). If various alternatives have been considered and rejected because the proposed activity is considered more environmentally sound, explain these.

C. Site-specific Environmental Situation & Host Country Requirements. Describe the

environmental characteristics of the site(s) where the proposed activities will take place. Focus on site characteristics of concern—e.g., water supplies, animal habitat, steep slopes, etc. With regard to these critical characteristics, is the environmental situation at the site degrading, improving, or stable?

Also note applicable host country environmental regulations and/or policies. (For example, does the project require host country environmental review or permitting? Building approval? Etc.)

NOTE: provide site-specific information in this section, NOT country-level information. General information about country level conditions should already be contained in the IEE governing the XXX project/program.

D. Environmental Issues, Mitigation Actions, and Findings. Using the table provided, identify all

potential impacts for each activity. These must include all phases (planning & design, construction and handover, operation, and decommissioning). Explain direct, indirect, induced and cumulative effects on various components of the environment (e.g., air, water, geology, soils, vegetation, wildlife, aquatic resources, historic, archaeological or other cultural resources, people and their communities, land use, traffic, waste disposal, water supply, energy, etc.) Indicate also positive impacts and how the natural resources base will be sustainably improved. Identify actionable mitigation actions to avoid, reduce or compensate for negative impacts, such as restoration of borrow or quarry areas, replanting of vegetation, compensation for any relocation of homes and residents. Mitigation actions should be assigned to the responsible party, for example the construction contractor, the implementing partner, the beneficiaries.

Project Phase and Activity Potential Environmental Impact Mitigation Action

Planning and Design (if applicable)

Construction and Handover (if applicable)

Operation (if applicable)


Decommissioning (if applicable)

E. Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan (EMMP). Set out how compliance with mitigation actions will be monitored/verified. This includes specifying WHO will be responsible for the various mitigation actions, and HOW implementation of the mitigation actions will be tracked/verified.

Also specify how you will report to USAID on the implementation of mitigation actions. (You are REQUIRED to provide your C/AOR with sufficient information on the status of mitigation implementation for USAID to effectively fulfill its oversight and performance monitoring role.) Again, choose a format and structure that presents the necessary information clearly and succinctly. EMMPs are typically in table format, and often include a compliance log or “monitoring record” section that records implementation status of the various mitigation actions. The EMMP with current monitoring log can then simply be submitted to the C/AOR with the quarterly or 6-month project report, satisfying the environmental compliance reporting requirement. A basic EMMP format is

Activity Description

Potential Environmental Impact

Mitigation action Responsible Party Monitoring/Verification Method

Monitoring Record (date, result, corrective actions taken, if any)

For additional information, see http://www.usaidgems.org/mitMonRep.htm#EMMPs

F. Other Information. Where possible and as appropriate, include photos of the site and surroundings; maps; and list the names of any reference materials or individuals consulted. (Pictures and maps of the site can substantially reduce the written description required in parts B & C)

http://www.usaidgems.org/mitMonRep.htm#EMMPs


ANNEX G: USAID/AFGHANISTAN 2016 PERSUAP FORM 2

From the 2016 P-PERSUAP, http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49436.pdf, Environmental Authorization to Procure Pesticides Projects seeking approval to purchase pesticides must submit this form, with an attached copy of the label of the product to be procured, for AOR/COR review and clearance.

Note: this form is additional to and not in lieu of other compliance and clearance requirements for pesticide purchases

Name of Project

Staff Member Responsible

Pesticide Product to be Procured: Name of Product

Activity Ingredient (AI)

Formulation

Language of Label (attach label)

Packaging (type and volume)

Quantity to be Procured

Safety Information

Name of Manufacturer

Country of Origin

Source and Mode of Procurement

Purpose

Certifications and explanations YES NO If “No,” explain

AI is authorized by 2016 PERSUAP

Training carried out

PPE Provided

http://gemini.info.usaid.gov/repository/pdf/49436.pdf


Chief of Party Date

Approved by C/AOR Date

Approved by MEO________________________________________ Date__________________

Clearance

Environmental Scoping Statement, STRENGTHENING WATERSHED AND IRRIGATION MANAGEMENT (SWIM)

I certify the completeness and the accuracy of the Scoping Statement and the embedded Environmental Mitigation and Monitoring Plan described above for which I am responsible and its compliance with the IEE:

Chief of Party, SWIM

BELOW FOR USAID USE ONLY

C~ra~ e~ j ~~/~--

Date:

Date:

~;Contracting Officer's Representative Sh,mim Rehman NiMi 'Jf,..l,I; r'1o._J""e"'

~) ~/UJ11-

t ,/ Mission Environmental Officer

Harry Bottenberg

Regional Environmental Advisor, SCA&OAPA ~l

(_)<

Bureau Environmental Officer, OAPA

Approval:

CCED: PROJECT FILES, MEO TRACKING, RLO, OAA

Environmental Scoping Statement I Strengthening Watershed and Irrigation Management (SWIM)

I

~ .{o .::z.. • I

Date:

86

Draft Environmental Scoping Statement | Strengthening Watershed and Irrigation Management (SWIM)

U.S. Agency for International Development

www.usaid.gov

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