In pictures: Ordinary Afghans struggle to survive

Saeema's husband was shot dead in a local dispute five years ago. "It was terrible," she says. "My children lost their father and I couldn't support them. I was forced to beg in my village."

An aid project has since provided Saeema, 32, with a cow that enables her to sell dairy products in the market. Today she gets nine litres of milk per day from her cow, earning her up to 6,000 Afghanis ($100) per month. She can also provide her children with fresh milk and cheese.