Afghanistan: Rapid Assessment of Farming Systems: U.S. Marines Train Prior to Deployment

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In June of 2010, Fresno State University hosted a group of U.S. Marines from the 11th Regiment, 3rd Civil Affairs Group in a one-week agriculture training program entitled, "Rapid Assessment of Farming Systems in Non-Secured Regions." The workshop was designed to provide support for the Marines in their mission to assist the farmers in Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The workshop included skills development in soils, irrigation and watershed management, crops, livestock and post-harvest. Instructors from 3 Consortium member universities participated in the program.

According to Major Philip A. Middleton of the USMC 11th Marines Civil Affairs Group, "The efforts of the California State University Consortium for International Development has contributed greatly in preparing our detachment to conduct the agribusiness portion of the Civil Affairs mission in Afghanistan." The training program was developed by CSUCID Executive Director, Dr. Bill Erysian.

Learn more about CSUCID's efforts to help Afghan farmers on the CSU blog.