Islamabad: The U.S.-funded Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) Investment Program, designed to help Pakistani farmers adapt to climate change, has been shut down following the U.S. administration’s decision to suspend funding for all foreign aid programs.
According to reports, the five-year program, worth $24 million, was launched in November last year by U.S. Ambassador Donald Blome. Sources indicate that American officials managing the project are preparing to leave Pakistan, while local staff associated with the program face imminent job losses.
At the launch event held at the University of Agriculture in Faisalabad, Ambassador Blome had stated, “Together, we are planting the seeds of success.” The CSA program aimed to equip Pakistani farmers with the tools to cope with unpredictable weather patterns, heatwaves, droughts, and irregular rainfall. It was designed to improve access to climate-resilient seeds capable of withstanding drought and extreme temperatures, thereby enhancing agricultural productivity.
Key objectives of the initiative included increasing crop yields, ensuring food security, boosting climate resilience, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving farmers’ incomes. Under the CSA program, farmers were set to benefit from advanced agricultural techniques, modern planting and harvesting machinery, agricultural drones and sensors, irrigation and farm management software. These technologies were expected to enhance crop monitoring, conserve water and land resources, and provide better access to markets and financial capital, ultimately increasing yields.
A statement from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) confirmed that, as of February 7, all direct-hire USAID employees have been placed on administrative leave globally. However, essential mission operations, senior leadership, and specifically designated programs will continue.
USAID is currently working in coordination with the State Department to develop a plan for relocating its overseas staff, ensuring their return to the U.S. within 30 days.
