In Iraq, Qudra 2 provides comprehensive support to the agricultural sector ranging from rehabilitating infrastructure to providing training and agricultural inputs and strengthening local farmers’ organisations.
In Iraq, Qudra 2 contributes to agricultural development by rehabilitating agricultural infrastructure that has been damaged or neglected. The rehabilitation work covers (i) the extension and rehabilitation of irrigation canals, (ii) maintenance of flood gates and sluices, (iii) water pumping stations, (iv) cleaning and laying concrete around water sources to reduce water losses and secure irrigation for more farms and agricultural areas and (v) warehouse renovation and procurement of large-scale processing machines for olive oil production.
“Before the rehabilitation for the warehouse in Tal Afar, our farmers had to travel to Mosul to pick up any pesticides, seeds or fertilizers subsidized by the government or bought in the market. Travels impose extra costs on farmers who barely make ends meet and it might also create difficulties for them at the checkpoints as these items cannot easily be transferred. With the rehabilitation of the warehouse in Tal Afar, the Directorate of Agriculture can once again provide support the people.”
– Mr Salim, Head of Directorate of Agriculture, Tal Afar
Agriculture Training and Grants for Increased Income Generation
The rehabilitation of agriculture infrastructure is complemented by additional agriculture training and in-kind support to ensure increased income generation. Intensive training was provided to 796 vulnerable farmers. Over 650 additional persons have received complementary in-kind support to start or expand food production, including irrigation systems, access to rehabilitated greenhouses, livestock, chicken incubators, seeds and fertilisers, which improve food security for rural families and create income opportunities. A model farm exposes local farmers to novel techniques in regenerative agriculture that can make agriculture more sustainable and resilient to climate change.
The support for infrastructure, training and inputs is complemented by support to farmers’ associations to provide better services to their members.