Background and Objective
As part of the Logistics Working Group (LWG) 2025 Workplan, Indicator 2.1, a joint field visit was conducted to the FAO Afghanistan (FAOAF) Regional Warehouse in Kabul. The visit, organized in close collaboration with LWG members, aimed to enhance inter-agency coordination, exchange operational knowledge, and explore collective strategies to address logistical challenges amid ongoing financial constraints.
Purpose of the Visit
The visit was designed with the following objectives:
- Collaboration: Strengthen coordination and communication among LWG members and stakeholders.
- Planning: Facilitate dialogue on logistics strategies for upcoming humanitarian and development initiatives.
- Problem-Solving: Identify and address challenges related to inventory, supply chain, and warehouse management.
- Knowledge Sharing: Promote the exchange of best practices and field-tested logistics approaches.
- Orientation: Familiarize participants with the FAO Afghanistan logistics operations and supply chain processes.
- Partner Insight: Provide LWG members with a practical understanding of FAO's warehouse infrastructure and services.
Participating Organizations
The field visit brought together logistics and supply chain representatives from the following organizations:
- United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA)
- Solidarités International (SI)
- Action Against Hunger (AAH)
- International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC)
- World Vision International (WVI)
- Handicap International (HI)
- Danish Red Cross (DRC)
- United Nations World Food Programme (UNWFP)
- Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO)
Overview of FAO Kabul Warehouse Facility
- Number of Structured Warehouses Inside the Compound: 2
- Stored Items: Agricultural machinery and equipment, livestock commodities, fertilizers (DAP & UREA), greenhouse items, animal feed, vegetable seeds, dairy kits, solar dryer equipment, and more.
- Occupied Storage Area: 2,551 m² (64.2%)
- Available Storage Space: 1,422.2 m² (35.8%)
- Partner Services: FAO confirmed its readiness to support other LWG members by offering shared warehouse services through formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) and partnership agreements.
Contact Details for FAO Supply Chain Focal Points
- Mr. Ehsanullah Baig | Logistics Specialist (ehsanullah.baig@fao.org)
- Mr. DiPiazza Teo |Supply Chain Logistics Specialist (teo.dipiazza@fao.org)
Key Highlights and Discussion Points
- The visit enabled productive discussions on common challenges such as:
- Inventory tracking and control
- Space optimization and resource allocation
- Seasonal and emergency preparedness planning
- Partners exchanged lessons learned, shared operational bottlenecks, and discussed practical approaches to improve warehousing efficiency.
- Participants appreciated the transparency and collaborative approach of FAO's logistics team and agreed to consider joint planning mechanisms and regular coordination touchpoints moving forward.
Recognition and Team Reflection
During the visit on 29 April 2025, LWG members had the opportunity to observe FAO's warehouse systems, tools, and documentation practices in detail. The warehouse is managed by a logistics unit that was officially established on 9 August 2022, marking the foundation of FAO’s in-country logistics capability.
The visiting partners expressed strong appreciation for the significant progress made by the FAO logistics team in a relatively short period, especially in managing large-scale, multi-commodity operations in Afghanistan. This recognition was a proud and motivating moment for the logistics unit and underscored FAO's growing role in national logistics coordination.
Conclusion
The joint field visit to the FAO Kabul Warehouse was a successful initiative under the LWG 2025 Workplan, reinforcing inter-agency collaboration and setting the stage for stronger, more integrated logistics operations across Afghanistan. The experience highlighted the importance of shared learning and operational transparency in improving humanitarian response effectiveness.
