Iraq: Protecting Iraqi farmers by anticipating drought and water shortages

Abstract

In Iraq, years of conflict and instability have damaged vital agricultural infrastructure, leaving already vulnerable people at further risk of increased food insecurity. It is also one of the most vulnerable Middle Eastern countries to climate change. In 2022, unfavorable rainfall constrained domestic cereal production from rainfed areas.

Urgent action was needed to provide vulnerable farmers with agricultural inputs and to protect their food security. In order to mitigate the impact of drought on crop production and to maintain farmers’ dietary intake and income, the Anticipatory Action window of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations’ (FAO’s) Special Fund for Emergency and Rehabilitation Activities was activated, thanks to the Government of Belgium’s contribution.