Press Release

Iraqi Government allocates Five billion Iraqi Dinars to support FAO and MoA initiative for Buffalo Producers in South Iraq

21 August 2023

“Iraqi Government and FAO Iraq join forces to safeguard Southern buffalo Producers' Livelihoods from climate change and water scarcity Crisis’’

20 August 2023, Baghdad- Iraqi Government and The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) joined forces to support buffalo breeders in the southern provinces of Iraq, and effectively address the critical challenges posed by climate change and water scarcity. This collaboration demonstrates a shared commitment to safeguarding Iraq's vital agricultural heritage and strengthening local communities.

In an exemplary partnership and swift action, the resounding successes of FAO’s interventions in Nineveh and the Southern Marshes have not gone unnoticed. Funded by The European Union and implemented hand in hand by FAO Iraq with the Ministry of Agriculture, these interventions have significantly improved dairy / livestock feeding practices and provided vital support to farmers. The development of innovative techniques introduced at large scale in Iraq by FAO led by international expert, Dr. Chedly Kayouli, including the innovative use of sugar molasses and fodder, has led to remarkable improvements in milk and meat productivity and quality while mitigating the impacts of drought, bringing commitment of the Iraqi Government for scaling up such successful experience to other Governorates, in particular the outstanding advocacy of the member of the Advisory Commission, Agriculture & Water Resources Office of the Presidency of the council of Ministers Dr Ibrahim Sattar Jasim Al – Saadi.

FAO's resounding call to action on July 2023, drew urgent attention to the imminent threat of climate change on livestock and the livelihoods of breeders. Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq, highlighted the serious impact of water scarcity and climate change on ecosystems and the sustainable livelihoods of breeders and farmers. FAOR indicated that emergency workshop was immediately convened to chart a robust Emergency Plan tailored to provide vital support to buffalo producers facing an acute water scarcity crisis in the Southern Iraqi Marshes. This initiative underscores the unwavering commitment of the Iraqi Government and FAO to the community well-being and the preservation of this Iraqi World Natural Heritage site.

Acknowledging the urgency of the crisis, the Iraqi Minister of Agriculture spearheaded an urgent appeal to the Council of Ministers. Subsequently, during the 32nd session of the Council of Ministers, Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al-Sudani took groundbreaking measures. Firstly, a substantial allocation of 5 billion dinars allocated from the budget for feed support to purchase essential buffalo feed and vital supplies to be generously provided to buffalo breeders in southern Iraq. Secondly, a dedicated joint team from the Ministry of Agriculture's livestock and extension departments together with FAO Iraq experts, will oversee the initiative's implementation.

Dr. Abdulhakim El Wear, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa, expressed his deep gratitude to the esteemed Government of Iraq for its swift and cooperative commitment in supporting breeders to overcome the current water scarcity crisis. He noted that this gesture demonstrates unprecedented governmental trust and support for FAO initiatives, forging new dimensions in international cooperation. Dr. El Waer also added that FAO teams in Iraq, the regional office in Cairo, and headquarters in Rome are dedicated to supporting agriculture in Iraq.

FAO Iraq and the Iraqi Government demonstrate an unwavering commitment to preserving a heritage of immense value, building community resilience, and fostering a sustainable future. As Iraq addresses the convergence of environmental challenges and steadfast dedication, this joint effort represents a decisive step towards improving the livelihoods of buffalo breeders in the southern regions of the country.

This initiative supports FAO Iraq's efforts towards SDGs 2 (Zero Hunger) and 13 (Climate Action), contributing to hunger eradication and climate resilience while uplifting buffalo breeders in Iraq's southern regions.

Khawla Ben Aicha

FAO

Communications Specialist

khawla.benaicha@fao.org

Salah Elhajjhassan

FAO

Representative

salah.elhajjhassan@fao.org

Mr Hajj Hassan, a national of Lebanon, holds a Ph.D. in Plant Production from the University of Agriculture, Damascus, Syria; a Master of Science degree in Plant Production and a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Engineering, both from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon.
He started his career in 1984, as Senior Research Assistant in the Agricultural Research and Education Centre (AREC), American University of Beirut. From 1987 to 1991, he was Coordinator of the Student Training Programme, and also Agriculture and Horticultural Teacher for the Faculty of Agriculture, at the Lebanese University.
From 1991 to 1995, he worked as Agricultural Engineer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Bekaa Regional Office, Zahlah and was then assigned to the Agricultural Research Institute in the Tal Amara station, first as Head of the Crop Production Department and subsequently in charge of the Plant Protection Laboratory. From 2002 to 2006, he was Director of the Kfardane Research Station (Agricultural Research Institute). In 2008, he became Visiting Scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre (CIMMYT) and Coordinator of a project with the International Centre for Atomic Energy Agency, Vienna.
In 2010, he served as Advisor to the Minister for Agriculture of Lebanon. In 2011, he became President of the Pesticide Scientific Committee, Head of the Phytoplasma Committee and Director of the Agriculture and Rural Development Programme (ARDP) (EU-funded project). From 2010 to 2013, he represented Lebanon in negotiations with EU, Egypt, Jordan and Iraq. During his career, Mr Hajj Hassan also carried out a number of other functions. He represented the Lebanese Agricultural Research Institute (LARI) in several research programmes with the International Centre for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) and the American University of Beirut. He was Coordinator of the Mashreq/Maghreb project with ICARDA, representing Lebanon in the Steering Committee, as well as being the Head of the Sugar-beet Delivery and of the Wheat Delivery Committees. For a number of years, Mr Hajj Hassan worked for the preparation of FAO TCP projects and served as the National Director of a TCP project. He joined FAO in January 2014 as FAO Representative in Yemen. Mr Hajj Hassan succeeds Mr El Zubi as FAO Representative in Iraq.

UN entities involved in this initiative

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Goals we are supporting through this initiative