Afghanistan is among the most disaster-prone countries in the world. It is evident that both prolonged conflict and recurrent natural disasters have trapped this fragile country in a continuous cycle of underdevelopment. To address the increasing threats posed by natural hazards and climate change, the Aga Khan Agency for Habitat (AKAH) works to ensure that vulnerable communities live in physical environments that are as safe and resilient as possible.

This project focuses on habitat planning and rural housing design for Deh Khaw village in Darwaz, Badakhshan, which was severely affected by debris flow and flooding in 2017, and whose residents are living in difficult conditions after the disaster. The objective of the study is to develop a comprehensive habitat plan, a village development plan, and affordable rural housing models suitable for the mountainous terrain of the newly identified settlement area, based on the findings of the habitat assessment.

Services Provided

• Habitat planning based on the habitat assessment for Dasht-e-Deh Khaw (2.8 hectares)
• Development of affordable rural housing models (for plain and mountainous regions)
• Development of implementation methodology and tools for the Habitat Assessment and Planning Framework of AKAH