May/June 2009

The Opium War

Just how much of the Afghan economy depends on the world’s junkies?

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AFGHAN OPIUM PRODUCTION

Afghan Opium Production

Source: UN Office on Drugs and Crime(UNODC)

The Audacity of Dope

Afghan opium production at its peak, in 2007: 18 million pounds

Share of illicit global market: 93%

Share of Afghan GDP: 53%

Estimated export value: $4 billion

Share of population involved in opium trade: more than 12%

Gross farm income per acre of poppies: $2,105; per acre of wheat: $221

Acres of poppy fields eradicated in 2007: 47,046

Acres grown: 476,710

Acres of coca grown in Colombia, Peru, and Bolivia (total): 448,743

Share of Afghan opium grown in Helmand Province: 42%

Pounds seized in 2005 from offices of Helmand’s governor: 19,841

Source: UNODC; CRS

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We just wrapped up a shorter-than-normal, urgent-as-ever fundraising drive and we came up about $45,000 short of our $300,000 goal.

That means we're going to have upwards of $350,000, maybe more, to raise in online donations between now and June 30, when our fiscal year ends and we have to get to break-even. And even though there's zero cushion to miss the mark, we won't be all that in your face about our fundraising again until June.

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