Validation Training: FAO training workshop on Water Productivity in Iraq

WaPOR, short for Water Productivity Open-access portal, has emerged as a beacon of hope for agricultural communities across Africa and the Near East, and now its transformative potential is taking root in Iraq. By harnessing the power of remote sensing technologies, WaPOR empowers nations to monitor and enhance their agricultural water productivity, ensuring a greener and more food-secure future.

The Netherlands funded project, "Monitoring Land and Water Productivity by Remote Sensing WaPOR Phase II in Iraq," is playing a pivotal role in fostering water management in Iraq. The recent training event, delivered by the esteemed partners from IHE Delft with support from the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), represents a remarkable convergence of expertise and innovation. Representatives from key ministries, including Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Planning, Ministry of Environment, the KRG's Ministry of Agriculture &Water Resources, and other WaPOR stakeholders like the universities of Ministry of Higher Education & Scientific Research, actively participated in the training.



The training aimed to enhance the technical expertise of project stakeholders, validate WaPOR portal remote sensing data and compare it with local data through practical exercises, and establish a clear training plan for 2024 at the country level. Additionally, participants actively discussed the critical need for coordination among beneficiaries and stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of project activities. This valuable exercise allowed participants to gain a comprehensive understanding of the power and accuracy of WaPOR's remote sensing capabilities in conjunction with locally collected data.

Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan, the FAO Representative in Iraq, inaugurated the training and emphasized the significance of the WaPOR project in the country. He stated, "water scarcity poses challenges in various areas in Iraq. The WaPOR project is a valuable tool that aids in addressing water use efficiency by monitoring irrigation systems' performance and groundwater abstractions. It assesses the functioning, adequacy, efficiency, and effectiveness of water resource allocation to agricultural lands, thereby supporting food security and nutrition in Iraq."

In recognition of their efforts and successful completion of the WaPOR data validation exercises, participants received certificates from the IHE Delft Institute.

FAO Iraq commends the commitment and active participation of all stakeholders and partners in Iraq in their pursuit of sustainable water resource management and food security. The organization remains dedicated to supporting Iraq in achieving its goals and enhancing agricultural productivity through innovative initiatives like the WaPOR project.