Value Chain Analysis of Chilgoza Pine Nut at Southeastern Region of Afghanistan

Abstract

Chilgoza pine forests offer a significant source of income for owners especially for smallholder farmers in southeastern Afghanistan. In 2019/2020 season, on the basis of kernel, from total global production of the pine nuts (17220 MT), only 9% (1500 MT) was produced in Afghanistan. Southeastern region of the country (Paktia, Paktika and Khost provinces) is a known and rich region of the pine nut where roughly 86% (37,785 hectare) of total forest lands exist and approximately 120600 families take directly advantage from Chilgoza products with 250-360 million US dollars income per year. Therefore, this study was conducted at southeastern region of Afghanistan during 2019-2020 to investigate the entire value chain of chilgoza pine, analyze production capacities and identify main producers and traders. This study was based on interviews, questionnaires, direct observation, and literature reviews. Analysis of community level surveys revealed if the current unsustainable value chain practices not altered will result in continued decline of existing chilgoza forest stands, will lags significantly behind its major global competitors in international market and will lose chilgoza (Black Gold) concept opportunity. The findings of the current study revealed that for better handling of chilgoza pine nut, the forest regeneration and entire value chain program will be effective resolution. Establishing modern chilgoza pine nut processing factories in remote areas needed to be balanced with road conditions, water and electricity are vital requisite and urgent need.