From August 2–8, 2025, a dedicated team from the Rural Rehabilitation Association for Afghanistan (RRAA) Head Office, led by RRAA Director Mr. Riazullah Wali, conducted a comprehensive field visit to the northern region. The mission aimed to assess ongoing projects, strengthen partnerships, address operational challenges faced by staff in Balkh and Faryab provinces, and participate in a reflection workshop at Airitom Bazar (Joint Bazar) at the Uzbekistan border. The visit focused on evaluating progress and refining strategies to enhance the effectiveness of RRAA’s project implementation.
From August 2–8, 2025, a dedicated team from the Rural Rehabilitation Association for Afghanistan (RRAA) Head Office, led by RRAA Director Mr. Riazullah Wali, conducted a comprehensive field visit to the northern region.
Strong partnerships are essential in increasing RRAA’s capacity to respond to the pressing needs of affected populations.
Collaboration with Key Organizations and Line Departments
During the visit, the RRAA team met with key humanitarian and development organizations operating in the region, including WHH, NRC, FAO, WFP, and UNDP, as well as relevant government line departments at the regional level. These meetings aimed to strengthen coordination, explore potential partnerships, and enhance collaborative efforts in community development initiatives.
Mr. Wali emphasized the importance of strong partnerships in increasing RRAA’s capacity to respond to the pressing needs of affected populations. His proactive engagement was well received by stakeholders, who expressed strong interest in future collaboration. Representatives from partner organizations highlighted RRAA’s extensive experience, strong field presence, and continued commitment to community welfare.
Monitoring Project Effectiveness
A key component of the visit was on-site monitoring of social grant distributions. The team observed that distribution sites were well organized, with proper visibility measures in place and functional help desks established to assist beneficiaries. These mechanisms ensured beneficiaries were well informed about the Complaints, Feedback, and Response Mechanism (CFRM) procedures.
Additionally, the team visited the road construction project in Faryab Province, implemented by Community Representative Groups (CRGs), facilitated by RRAA, and funded by UNOPS. Observations confirmed that project activities were implemented according to the approved design and in compliance with the project operations manual. The project has created short-term employment opportunities and improved access by connecting remote villages to provincial markets, health facilities, and other essential services.
Future Focus and Commitment
The RRAA management team also participated in a reflection workshop at Airitom Bazar (Joint Bazar) along the Uzbekistan border. The workshop provided an opportunity to assess progress, share lessons learned, and refine strategies for more effective project implementation. The collaborative atmosphere reinforced RRAA’s commitment to teamwork, learning, and continuous improvement.
Looking ahead, RRAA plans to enhance its operational effectiveness by implementing key recommendations from the visit. These include sustaining strong partnerships, addressing staff concerns, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality projects and timely services to communities in need.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this monitoring visit was both productive and impactful. The team had the opportunity to engage with various organizations, government line departments, and communities where RRAA operates. The meetings strengthened coordination, reinforced partnerships, and opened doors for potential new funding opportunities. The visit also motivated and guided staff to further improve work quality and ensure timely and effective delivery service to vulnerable populations.
