Empowering Women through Cooperatives

In the heart of Nineveh Governorate, Iraq, one of the most affected governorates by the ISIL’s takeover, a transformative project named "Support to Agricultural Livelihoods of Rural and Peri-urban Returnees and Communities" took root, leaving behind a legacy of empowerment and sustainability long after its completion. Led by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), generously funded by the European Union (EU) and implemented with the support of the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and the local government, this initiative aimed to revitalize agricultural livelihoods, particularly in dairy production, among rural women and communities.

Although the project ended on December 31, 2023, its impact resonated far beyond its end date. Dairy Women Groups, nurtured and empowered by the project, found themselves not only sustaining but flourishing in their dairy businesses. Under the supervision of trained and dedicated FAO and MoA extension experts, these women embarked on a journey of empowerment, transforming from dairy producers to entrepreneurs, with the creation of women-led dairy cooperatives serving as the cornerstone of their success.

FAO International livestock expert, who supervised the development of the capacity building with innovative techniques of this programme, Dr. Chedly Kayouli remarked: "Witnessing the dedication and progress of these dairy women producers has been immensely rewarding. Their commitment to sustainability is a testament to the lasting impact of our efforts."

Intisar Efrem Botros, one of the project partners exemplified the project's transformative power. Her participation in several national and local events and exhibition such the last charity market organized  by the Semiramis Charitable Organization, in partnership with the Chaldean Culture Association in Ainkawa (Erbil), showcased the high-quality dairy products crafted by these resilient women. From the lush pastures of Nineveh Plain, Intisar proudly displayed and marketed her competitive dairy and cheese products, embodying the spirit of entrepreneurship and self-reliance instilled by the FAO-EU project.

Beaming with pride, Intisar remarked, "The response has been truly overwhelming. Our commitment to quality, honed by the invaluable skills and techniques imparted during the project's training sessions, has been duly recognised. I'm thrilled to see so many new customers, some travelling from as far away as Erbil to taste and buy our products. Today, I am so proud that our dairy products stand tall and compete with imported alternatives. "

Amidst celebrations of International Day of Cooperatives, this success story of the women-led dairy cooperatives in Nineveh Governorate reflects the power of cooperation and community-driven progress. The empowerment of women in agriculture, exemplified by Intisar and her fellow dairy entrepreneurs, is not only driving economic progress but also promotes and empowers rural women and creates job opportunities in the region.

FAO Iraq's unwavering commitment to rural empowerment has driven the development of strategies tailored to empower producers across dairy cooperatives. Through capacity building and comprehensive support, FAO facilitated the production, processing, and marketing of improved dairy products, unlocking the vast potential of small to medium-scale dairy businesses in Iraq. 

FAO Iraq representative, Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan, emphasized the importance of implementing sustainable projects over providing short-term aid. "Sustainability is key to fostering lasting change in communities. We extend our gratitude to the European Union for their generous funding and to the Iraqi Government for their unwavering trust and support". He added: "Together, we are not only transforming livelihoods in Nineveh but also laying the foundations for sustainable development across Iraq."

The establishment of women-led dairy cooperatives such as Ashur Dairy Coop in Al-Hamdaniya/Qaraqosh, Al Hadba Dairy Coop in Tal-Keef/Al-Kouysat, and the newly born Umm Al-Rubaieen Dairy Coop in Mosul Centre bears testimony to the enduring legacy of the FAO-EU project. With 43, 38, and 55 members respectively, these cooperatives stand as community institutional frameworks, fostering job opportunities and strengthening livelihoods, while advancing equality and empowerment in Iraq.

As the sun sets over the fertile plains of Nineveh, the legacy of the FAO-EU project continues to bloom, nurturing hope and prosperity for generations to come. Through sustainable initiatives and collaborative partnerships, the journey towards agricultural revitalization in Iraq is steadily moving forward.
Thanks to the new skills acquired and the flourishing dairy businesses, the project’s beneficiaries are not only building brighter futures but also finding solace from the harrowing memories of ISIL's takeover of the region, which forced them to flee their homes and lands not long ago.
Beyond the borders of Nineveh, FAO, with ongoing support from the Iraqi Government and partners, is expanding this successful model to other regions of Iraq. By replicating the project's holistic approach and empowering local communities, FAO is paving the way for a brighter future in rural and peri-urban areas nationwide.