Helmand, 1973

The Helmand Valley Project was the linchpin of USAID development projects in Afghanistan. The dismal results of the HVP left troublesome economic and political consequences for local and international actors alike in the Helmand province. This image is a baseline for measuring the negative impact of the HVP in terms of agricultural productivity.

Whitney, John W. Geology, Water, and Wind in the Lower Helmand Basin, Southern Afghanistan. Prepared under the auspices of the U.S. Agency for International Development. Scientific Investigations Report 2006-5182. U.S. Department of Interior, U.S. Geological Survey. Page 34. Image used with the permission of Dr. John W. Whitney.

The Helmand Valley Project was the lynchpin of USAID development projects in Afghanistan. The dismal results of the HVP left troublesome economic and political consequences for local and international actors alike in the Helmand province. This image is a baseline for measuring the negative impact of the HVP in terms of agricultural productivity