What We Do
Nutrition & Education International develops and establishes soy value chains to eradicate malnutrition.
Why Afghanistan?
Afghanistan is a landlocked country in Central Asia, bordered by China, Pakistan, Iran, and Uzbekistan. Historically, it served as a key crossroads along the Silk Road, linking East and West. However, its strategic geographic location has long made it a focus for foreign powers, including Britain, Russia, and the United States. Afghanistan gained independence from Britain in 1919, but since the late 1970s, the country has been ravaged by civil war and decades of continuing conflict.
After more than four decades of war, Afghanistan continues to rebuild. However, prolonged conflict and instability have left the country with some of the world's most severe economic and public health challenges. Nearly half of all Afghans are food insecure and struggle to feed their families. In 2026, the number of malnourished women and children suffering from acute malnutrition, a severe form of Protein-Energy Malnutrition, is projected to reach five million.
Why Soy?
Soybeans are a complete protein, containing all 9 essential amino acids. They are a good source of iron, calcium, zinc and B vitamins and are a healthy and inexpensive alternative to animal protein. Farmers growing soybeans have a reliable source of income and a rich source of protein to feed their families.
So What is a Soy Value Chain?
A value chain is the full series of steps that a product takes to get to the consumer. There needs to be a product; someone needs to make it; someone needs to process it, and there needs to be people who need and use it. This cycle is the value chain. A value chain can help a country rebuild itself, create economic opportunity, and nourish its people.
NEI is working to build each sector of the soybean value chain in Afghanistan. There are many moving parts to a soybean value chain and all the parts need to work and rely on each other in order for a soy value chain to be a functioning, self-sustainable cycle. A soy value chain is a gift that keeps on giving. That is why, NEI can and will do more than just feed people.
4 steps to establishing a soybean value chain
Find soybean seed varieties that grow well in Afghanistan.
Teach farmers how to grow and cultivate soybeans.
Process soybeans into consumable soy products for consumers.
Teach Afghans how to cook and use soy products in their traditional cuisine.
