FAO supports livestock breeders in Southern Iraq amid harsh climate conditions affecting marshlands

Across southern Iraq, climate pressures continue to affect rural communities, with years of drought and harsh environmental conditions placing increasing strain on vulnerable livestock breeders and threatening livelihoods and food security.

In response to these challenges, and following a request from the Government of Iraq to draw on the expertise and experience of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in supporting buffalo breeders in the marshlands, the Organization, with the support of the European Union and in coordination with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and local authorities, has successfully completed the distribution of emergency animal feed to affected communities.

Across the governorates of Basra, Maysan and Thi Qar, FAO supported 3 300 livestock breeders with feed packages, helping them sustain their animals and safeguard their primary source of income during a critical period.

The challenging situation is particularly acute for buffalo breeders in the Iraqi marshlands, where more than 6 000 rural families depend on buffalo rearing as their primary source of livelihood, making them especially vulnerable to climate shocks. Severe water shortages and declining water levels have led to significant losses of livestock, undermining both income and food security.

Southern Iraq’s marshlands, a vital ecosystem and cultural heritage landscape,  were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in July 2016 in recognition of their outstanding environmental and archaeological value, and have been severely impacted by prolonged drought, rising temperatures and reduced water inflows. Even during colder periods, vegetation cover remained insufficient, further reducing the availability of natural fodder and intensifying pressure on livestock.

These conditions have led to declining feed availability and increased pressure on already vulnerable livestock production systems. Buffaloes are increasingly weakened by lack of feed and deteriorating grazing conditions, leading to reduced productivity and forcing some breeders to sell their animals at low prices or leave their traditional livelihoods.  The recent distribution, completed at the end of March 2026, helped address immediate feed shortages, reduce the risk of further livestock losses, and prevent the displacement of livestock breeders.

FAO’s support builds on its continued engagement in Southern Iraq. In 2021, the Organization also delivered feed to farmers in the same governorates, helping them cope with earlier waves of drought.

 “Climate-related pressures are severely affecting rural communities in southern Iraq, particularly the 6,000 families living in the marshlands who rely on buffalo breeding for their livelihoods,” said FAO Representative in Iraq, Salah El Hajj Hassan. “Without timely support, many of these families risk losing their main source of income. FAO remains fully committed to supporting rural livelihoods, and we highly value our close cooperation with the Government of Iraq, as well as the support of the European Union. Through this intervention, we are helping livestock breeders protect their assets while contributing to broader climate resilience efforts under the United Nations framework.”

These efforts align with the Government of Iraq’s ongoing priorities to support rural communities and strengthen the agriculture sector in the face of climate challenges.
In this context, Mithaq Al Khafaji, Technical Deputy Minister of Agriculture, stated:
 “Supporting livestock breeders in the marshlands is essential to preserving livelihoods and sustaining Iraq’s agricultural systems. Through our collaboration with FAO and partners, we are addressing urgent needs while advancing national efforts toward resilience and sustainable agricultural development.”

Within this broader national effort, the initiative also contributes to United Nations support to Iraq in addressing climate change impacts and protecting vulnerable populations.

It further aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029 for Iraq, including FAO’s role in co-leading Results Group 3 on climate action and resilience, supporting efforts to protect livelihoods and strengthen the resilience of agri-food systems and rural communities.

“Climate change is already affecting livelihoods and food security across Iraq, particularly in the southern marshlands,” said United Nations Resident Coordinator in Iraq, Ghulam Isaczai. “Strengthening resilience in vulnerable communities, especially those dependent on agriculture, is critical. The United Nations continues to work closely with the Government and partners to address the growing impacts of climate change and support sustainable livelihoods across the country.”

 By combining emergency assistance with sustained engagement, FAO continues to work closely with United Nations and development partners to support the Government of Iraq’s efforts to address climate challenges affecting the agriculture sector, particularly in vulnerable regions such as the southern marshlands. Through partnerships and targeted interventions, FAO contributes to safeguarding livelihoods, enhancing food security, and promoting sustainable natural resource management across the country.

For more information, please contact: 
Khawla Ben Aicha – International communications Expert : Khawla.benaicha@fao.org
Salah El Hajj Hassan – FAO Representative in Iraq: Salah.elhajjhassan@fao.org