Country Brief - May 2022 | WFP

Operational Context

In Iraq, intermittent conflict and impact of climate change continue to affect the lives of people of Iraq. There are currently 1.2 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) and 4.1 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Insecurity, lack of livelihoods, and destroyed or damaged housing hamper people's ability to return home. WFP Iraq’s assistance focuses on saving lives, changing lives: supporting the Government of Iraq's social protection work towards Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 2: Zero Hunger. Iraq’s progress on the SDGs has been hindered by the challenges of rebuilding infrastructure in areas affected by conflict with ISIL, economic shocks caused by COVID-19, weak institutions and governance, climate change, delayed implementation of reforms and inadequate opportunities for youth.

WFP Iraq is currently implementing the triple nexus approach of the humanitarian, development and peace. In line with this approach WFP is engaged in supporting Iraq with climate change mitigation and adaptation programmes. This paradigm shift is critical as Iraq is currently experiencing adverse effects of climate change (5th most affected country globally) especially in southern Iraq, with reduced rainfall and decreased water levels in the country’s two rivers (Tigris and Euphrates) which results in increased salinity that, in turn, heavily affects agriculture.