Sustainable nutrition: WFP Iraq to support smallholder farmers with climate adaptation

16 Jan 2024 --- The UN’s World Food Program (WFP) is launching a climate adaptation project aimed at local farmers in the Al Zubair district in Basrah, Iraq, in partnership with the Iraq-based Basrah Gas Company (BGC), a majority of which is held by the Iraqi government. The agreement aims to increase incomes and boost agricultural outputs.

“This project underscores our joint commitment to promoting sustainable livelihoods, community cohesion and effective adaptation strategies for the evolving agricultural landscape in Basrah,” says WFP country director and representative for Iraq Ally-Raza Qureshi.

The project will train smallholder Iraqi farmers on smart agriculture techniques and modern farming methods.“I am very pleased we have signed this long-awaited agreement with WFP,” adds BGC Managing Director Andrew Wiper. “This agreement fits perfectly with BGC’s sustainable social investment strategy. We are jointly paving the way for more than 90 farmers from Al-Zubair district to guide and support them in unlocking the full potential of their livelihoods.”

Wiper states that the project marks the start of a lasting collaboration and is a key element in its strategy for sustainable social investment and social performance, improving the welfare of communities located near its operational areas.

Combating desertification
The initiative will offer smallholder Iraqi farmers training on the application of tested smart agriculture techniques, modern farming methods such as soilless farming and water-saving irrigation systems, striving to combat desertification and to aid water conservation. 

“Our strategic approach in Al-Zubair aligns with the urgent need to combat the effects of climate change in Southern Iraq. Al-Zubair district is one of the regions in Basrah most affected by climate change. There are frequent sandstorms, heatwaves, water scarcity, pollution and salinity,” explains Qureshi. 

The WFP defines desertification as both a consequence of and a contributor to the climate emergency. As such, it poses a significant threat to food security, nutrition and the emergence of sustainable food systems at numerous locations around the globe. 

After a point of no return is reached, desertification undermines the resilience of the local population and ecosystems, often leading to destitution. 

Working with local farmers
In implementing the project, the WFP will collaborate with Iraq’s Directorate of Agriculture, the Farmers’ Association and local farmers.

Specifically, the project focuses on supporting female farmers’ capacity and encouraging self-employment in cooperation with the local authorities involved in the implementation phase.

The agreement between the WFP and the BGC was set about at the COP28 conference held last year. 

 Meanwhile, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s 2023 end-of-year Food Systems Countdown to 2030 Initiative highlighted the importance of transforming agriculture and food systems to allow countries to meet Sustainable Development Goals. It acknowledged COP28’s improvement, recognizing the significance of food systems in combating climate change. 

However, also at COP28, farming communities representatives asserted the difficulties they continue to face when attempting to access appropriate funding. 

By Milana Nikolova