In one of the most fragile contexts where AKF operates, navigating unpredictable circumstances is the norm for our colleagues in Afghanistan, particularly for female staff members. Humaira Daniel, whilst not based in Afghanistan full-time, is a member of the team as National Climate Change Specialist. When she heard about AKF’s Climate Innovation Challenge, she spotted an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of her team and see their perseverance recognised. “Winning was quite a big motivation for us. We are all working in a very stressful situation,” she reflects. “I wanted to boost morale, and I wanted all AKF staff around the world to be proud of us.”
As one of the four winning teams of the challenge, ‘Team Baghlan’ – who have designed modified passive solar structures to heat homes – certainly achieved their goal!
The idea first emerged in an all-female WhatsApp group, including Humaira and her colleague Parisa Malikzada, an agriculturalist based in Baghlan, who Humaira says was “the driving force” behind the innovation. They were later joined by three male colleagues, Sediqullah Ehsas, Sami Ziahi and Amanullah Yousufi – also agriculturalists – to test the idea with the local authorities and communities.
In Afghanistan’s Baghlan province, stunning landscapes meet the harsh realities of acute poverty. Here, communities rely on wood for fuel, cut down by residents themselves or purchased at local markets. “There is a lack of alternative energy sources, so families have no choice but to cut down trees to stay warm,” Sediqullah explains. “Our research shows that each household burns 20 to 25 fully grown trees every winter that otherwise could absorb approximately 450 to 550 kg carbon dioxide a year.” The team also estimates that each household spends around $171 USD on fuelwood every winter, demonstrating the financial costs the process holds.
Throughout her work, Parisa has seen first-hand another detrimental effect of burning fuelwood to heat homes. “One day I visited the house of a female community member I was supporting through an agricultural initiative,” she reflects. “She had five children, and she was very poor. The room was filled with smoke, and both she and her children were very sick, coughing heavily.” Witnessing the health implications – especially on women – motivated Parisa to pursue the Climate Innovation Challenge.
‘Team Baghlan’ have devised a cost-effective housing solution for women-led households facing winter heating challenges. This involves adding a south-facing veranda with a wooden frame and plastic sheeting to homes. Sunlight heats the veranda during the day, and by keeping the door/window open between the veranda and the house, warm air is channeled into the living space. In the evening, the window is closed, and curtains are drawn to retain the heat. This not only reduces fossil fuel consumption but also creates an additional warm space during the day, which can be used for many different purposes.
The team emphasise that whilst this idea is not new, it is innovative for this region. Reflecting on the Climate Innovation Challenge process, Humaira shares, “We asked ourselves ‘what is innovation?’ and soon realised that innovation can mean small modifications, but that are culturally and socially relevant.” The materials used in the structure are all locally available, essential for the remote villages in Baghlan.
Sami recounts that despite the hurdles they met along the way – from understanding architectural design to cost constraints – being transparent with the community and receiving their feedback was a driving force to keep going, “They welcomed our idea and saw the opportunity to save money and heat their homes more efficiently,” he says. Sami’s advice for others embarking on an innovation journey is to “stay curious – innovation often involves exploring unchartered territory, encountering obstacles and learning from failures. With an open mindset, you can bring your ideas to life.”
Their adaptable and dedicated approach represents the efforts of the entire AKF Afghanistan team; despite setbacks, they are driven by their belief in the potential of the communities they serve and in a brighter future for Afghanistan. When speaking about their innovation, Sediqullah affirms, “We see this small effort as the beginning of something big. We want this district to be a model district, so others can see what we have done and adopt the solution across Baghlan, Afghanistan, and maybe one day across the entire region.”
‘Team Baghlan’s’ modified passive solar structures serve as a reminder that even in the harshest of environments, innovative ideas can be forged, nurtured, and brought to life. As Parisa eloquently summarises, “I firmly believe that when communities come together with innovative solutions and a shared vision, we can create a thriving future for both people and the environment. Together, we can make a difference and create a greener, more resilient Afghanistan.”
