ZABUL PROVINCE, Afghanistan – The Islamic Holy Month of Ramazan is a time of worship and reflection intended to bring individuals closer to God. For Afghans, this means fasting during daylight hours and a devotion to prayer and other religious activities in the evenings – but it also means lower energy levels for everyday work.

At the Zabul province offices of the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock this presents unique difficulties with continuing to train with the Zabul Agri-Business Development Team whose mission is to mentor DAIL employees.

Maj. Dana Dobbs, the ZADT Veterinarian and a liaison to the DAIL offices in Qalat, the provincial capital of Zabul, observed a change in work patterns with her Afghan partners: “People are still coming to work at the DAIL; I’m not sure how much their hours have been altered. But they do seem to be getting tired and activities have reduced about 25 percent.”'

Together, DAIL and ZADT personnel developed a plan of conducting limited classes during the month of Ramazan, executing them briefly in the mornings to ensure participation.
A senior manager at the DAIL who helped coordinate the class schedule believes the strategy is an important part of maintaining the progress the DAIL has made during the last year.

“The DAIL needs to continue to build the capacity of our staff and this way we can make sure that happens during Ramazan” the DAIL official said, continuing “We are not able to go out of the office and perform many of the normal duties, but we want to take advantage of some of the free time we have in the office.”

Classes planned include project management, professional writing and correspondence, communication skills, bee training, horticulture, water management, among others.

“The intent is to continue to mentor our DAIL staff with an emphasis on business practices. These classes may help the organization run more efficiently and help them be more organized and forward thinking” said Dobbs, optimistic the effort will further both the DAIL and ZADT missions.

The Zabul ADT partners with the DAIL staff and other entities in conducting agricultural outreach and activities throughout Zabul province. The ADT concept is a National Guard initiative to utilize the civilian agricultural skills of Guard members throughout the United States.

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