Poverty Reduction Strategies and Policy Programs in Afghanistan: A Qualitative Research Study

Abstract

Poverty in Afghanistan is a multidimensional and structural phenomenon shaped by economic, institutional, social, and cultural factors. Despite the implementation of numerous relief and development programs, a significant portion of poverty reduction policies in the country has focused on short-term aid and income-based poverty measurement, with less attention paid to designing a comprehensive public policy framework. The main question of this research is what strategies and programs can be considered by policymakers for sustainable poverty reduction in Afghanistan. This qualitative study employs qualitative content analysis for data analysis. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with 40 experts, including public managers, researchers, university academics, and policy practitioners in the fields of economics and public policy. Participants were selected through purposive sampling, and the interview process continued until theoretical saturation was reached. Data analysis was conducted based on initial coding, concept extraction, category formation, and identification of main themes. The findings identify three complementary policy pillars: regulatory policy, facilitative-supportive policy, and promotional policy. Regulatory policy emphasizes policy stability, administrative transparency, anti-corruption measures, a reliable legal system, and poverty-sensitive budgeting. Facilitative-supportive policy focuses on improving the business environment, directing credit to productive sectors, strengthening value chains, and expanding targeted social protection. Promotional policy highlights vocational education, economic literacy, work culture, community participation, and social capital. The research concludes that sustainable poverty reduction in Afghanistan requires synchronized institutional reforms, employment-oriented economic policies, and socio-cultural interventions. Without rebuilding public trust, strengthening local participation, and enhancing productive capacities, poverty alleviation programs are unlikely to achieve long-term impact. The proposed framework offers a context-sensitive roadmap for policymakers seeking integrated and sustainable poverty reduction strategies in fragile and developing economies.