Afghanistan has been in process of reconstruction since 2002. While there is much talk of sustainable development, it is difficult to assess sustainability at this early stage. Wars lasting 23 years have played no small part in debilitating the local economy. In particular, the years of conflict have hampered women's ability to earn an income and support themselves and their families. Efforts are underway to promote women's livelihoods, focusing on local capacities and the central role that women play in the informal economy in Afghanistan.

The Afghan economy is primarily agricu…