Promoting Climate Adaptation for Food Security and Stability in Iraq

Baghdad, Iraq – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a generous contribution of $15 million from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) in Iraq to strengthen the capacities of local governments, address water scarcity, and enhance the resilience of rural and agricultural communities suffering from climate-related challenges across Iraq.

USAID and WFP will partner with local governments and communities to strengthen their climate preparedness and risk reduction, as well as to mainstream climate adaptation practices to guarantee food security for vulnerable communities, especially smallholder farmers. 

Iraq’s agricultural sector is one of the main sources of income for farmers and the second largest contributor to the country’s Gross Domestic Product after oil revenues. More frequent droughts and continued water scarcity are challenges for farmers, who face reduced crop yields and loss of arable land, leading to an overall decline of agriculture in Iraq. 

“Iraq, ‘the land of two rivers,’ faces a serious problem with water scarcity, desertification, rising temperatures and other climate impacts. WFP is committed to working with the Government of Iraq to support local governments and communities in developing effective and sustainable climate adaptation plans,” said WFP Representative and Country Director, Ally-Raza Qureshi. “While the need for more water is critical, Iraq must use climate information systems and early warning systems to explore innovative solutions to deal with the impacts of climate change.” 

WFP will work with the Government of Iraq to support communities affected by climate change by promoting modern irrigation systems and desertification countermeasures, introducing affordable hydroponics and aquaponics, and beekeeping. WFP is already implementing robust, innovative projects tackling reforestation and mangrove planting for climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

WFP will expand its partnership with the Government of Iraq to enhance climate information systems, which will form the backbone of early warning systems and assist in timely planning to mitigate the impact of climate events. This partnership also will improve access to finance for agribusinesses and smallholder farmers seeking to increase their use of modern irrigation and farming technologies. 

"This partnership is a vital step in helping agricultural communities adapt to water and climate challenges. By strengthening local climate data use, promoting modern farming, and increasing access to adaptation financing, we will build resilience and improve livelihoods for all Iraqis,’’ said USAID/Iraq’s Acting Mission Director, Erin Mone-Marquez. ‘’I’m eager to see the positive impact it will have on Iraq’s communities." 
 

ABOUT WFP: The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization, saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

ABOUT USAID: The United States Government, through USAID, is a steadfast partner of Iraq, helping enhance social and economic stability for all citizens. USAID is working with the Iraqi Government, international institutions, and local partners to develop national climate strategies, improve the management of water resources, and empower women, youth, and minorities.