Skip to Content
Afghanistan
District Shakardara District, Kabul Province
Population 93,000 (District)
Poverty Rate 30-40%
Child Mortality 60 per 1,000
Comprehensive development operations in Shakardara District focusing on agriculture, health, education, and economic empowerment.
District Profile

District Overview

Location
Central–north of Kabul Province, bordered by Surkh-e Parsa (W), Guldara (N), Mir Bacha Kot, Deh Sabz & Kabul city (E), and Paghman (S).
Area
271 km²
Capital
Shakar Dara village
Major Towns/Villages
Hosain-kotBehzadiKarez-e-mir
Topography
Mountainous/highland valley terrain. The Shakardara River flows through the district; the Shah-wa-Arus Dam (2024 ~1.2 MW) sits here.

Demographics & Ethnic Composition

15,177
Male Population
14,629
Female Population
Ethnic Groups
Tajik Pashtun Hazara
Age Distribution
0-14 years
44.8%
15-64 years
52.7%
65+ years
2.6%

Education Infrastructure & Access

School Infrastructure
Primary Schools 9
Lower Secondary 7
Senior Secondary 8
Technical/Vocational 0
GDFH Survey: Education Levels
No Education
35%
Primary
15%
Middle School
14%
High School
22%
College
9%
University
7%

Health & Sanitation

Critical Challenge
99% report NO healthcare facility nearby. The nearest facility is 10 KM from the village.
Key Challenges
Limited Health Infrastructure & Access and limited Health workers (female staff)
Maternal and Child Health Risks
Main Health Facility
Qulab Basic Health Center BHC

Water, Sanitation & Hygiene (WASH)

Water Sources (GDFH Survey)
Well
73.5%
Borehole
16.7%
Borehole Well
8.8%
River Stream Borehole
1%
Distance to Water Source
less Than100m95.1%
100–500m4.9%

Economy & Livelihoods

Poverty Comparison
National Poverty (2023)64.9%
Kabul Province (2024)27.9%
Shakar Dara (Estimated)Between 30 to 40%
Household Income (GDFH Survey)
$1492 (11 HHs reported)
Range: $300 – $2,800
$1150 (4 HHs reported)
Farming-Only households • Range: $300 – $2,000
Farming is the primary source of income, leaving these households vulnerable to crop failure, price drops, and climate change. Diversification boosts resilience and livelihood quality.

Energy & Electricity Access

Electricity Access (Akhund Khil Village)
Have Access
98%
No Access (2% have no electricity)
2%
Main Source for Cooking
Firewood Only
33%
Firewood Gas
40%
Firewood Gas Electricity
20%
Gas Electricity
~2–3%
Firewood Electricity
~2%

Agriculture & Livestock

Main Crops
Wheat
Potatoes
Maize (corn)
Onions
Barley
Willow and poplar
Tree Crops
Mulberry
Almond and walnut
Fruits
Apples
Apricot
Peaches
Plums
Grapes
Pomegranates
Input/Service Access Rates
Improved Seeds Fertilizers
19%
Finance Agri Loans
0%
Processing Packaging
2%
Irrigation & Cooperation
Irrigation Surface
86%
Cooperative Farming
0%
Key Farming Challenges
Limited access to inputs (improved seeds, fertilizers etc.).
Irrigation and water scarcity in some seasons and groundwater depletion.
Limited or no financial assistance (microfinance, loans).
District Snapshot
Population
93,000
Population (2020)
Household Size
7.1 persons/HH
Avg Household Size
Population Density
343 people/km²
(2020)
Estimated Poverty
Between 30 to 40%
Estimated Poverty

Strategic Development Priorities

Agriculture & Irrigation for Productivity: Irrigation canals and access to water-efficient systems, improved seeds, fertilizers, and other inputs; farmer cooperatives to improve market power; solar-powered irrigation pumps; and cold storage.
Livestock & Value-Added Chains: Poultry, dairy, and small livestock enterprises with starter packages; basic processing (drying, packaging, storage) to increase farm-gate prices.
Microfinance & Small Business Support: Affordable loans for greenhouses, small shops, and agri-business ventures; village-level credit and savings groups; income-generating training.
Market Access & Infrastructure Development: Quicker access to Kabul markets (roads and transport); local storage and collection centers to reduce post-harvest losses; trader–farmer contracts for stable income streams.