Farmers and nomads comprise about three-quarters of the Afghan population, although only about 12% of the land is arable.

War and drought have left about 53% of the rural population in poverty.

Domestic production has improved since the fall of the Taleban, but the country still has one of the highest levels of malnutrition in the world.

The traditional food crops produced are corn, rice, barley, wheat, vegetables, fruits and nuts - all hit by severe drought in recent years.

Trade in the prized Karakul sheep skins - a major industry before the Soviet invasion in 1979 - has started to pick up after years of decline.

Drug production is still a tempting solution for many rural households. Opium production is banned by the government, but it is so lucrative to growers compared to conventional crops.

Evidence shows that villages that have received assistance are less likely to grow opium.