FAO and WFP joint call on World Food Day 2023 to Tackle Climate Change, Water Scarcity, and Food Insecurity in Iraq

FAO’s theme for this year's World Food Day underlines the profound importance of water: "Water is life, water is food. Leave no one behind". FAO Representative in Iraq, Dr Salah El Hajj Hassan, emphasized the importance of water in the Iraqi context: "In Iraq, where agriculture is vital to the economy and the well-being of the population, water is essential for food production. Our challenge is clear: we must produce more food with less water, while ensuring fair distribution, preserving our vital ecosystems and leaving no one behind".

FAO Iraq actively promotes sustainable water management through innovative interventions such as climate smart agriculture practices, establishing and empowering water user associations, use of Remote Sensing and GIS tools for monitoring water use and management, rehabilitation of irrigation infrastructure projects (canals, pumps etc. ), supporting farmers with modern irrigation systems, capacity development and Farmer Field Schools (FFS), introducing sustainable energy sources for irrigation and introducing  animal fodder crop varieties drought and salt tolerant in addition to participatory approach in the implementation and partnership with Iraqi ministries of agriculture, environment, water resources in addition to other international,  national and local partners to help Iraqi farmers build resilience to climate change and secure their livelihoods.

FAO is also working closely with the government to enhance sustainable resource management.

To help Iraqi farmers adapt to the climate crisis, WFP has implemented a series of projects, focusing on increasing the availability of water, improving irrigation systems, and strengthening the ability of local communities to adapt to the devastating effects of climate change. WFP’s work includes afforestation and agricultural conservation to combat desertification as well as the promotion of modern irrigation methods to increase crop yields and optimize water use. WFP supports the improvement of climate-information services through the rehabilitation of modern automatic weather stations and training of Agro-Met staff at the Ministry of Agriculture.

WFP continues supporting the government and smallholder farmers to promote sustainable agriculture techniques while improving food security in Iraq. Ally-Raza Qureshi, WFP’s Country Director and Representative in Iraq stressed: “We are pioneering innovative solutions to combat climate change in Iraq, safeguarding water resources and enhancing food security. Working alongside with FAO, we support the Government of Iraq putting in place projects to help Iraqi communities become more sustainable and resilient."

In the spirit of cooperation, WFP and FAO emphasize the importance of government-led, evidence-based policies that embrace data, innovation and cross-sectoral coordination. These policies should be complemented by increased investment, strengthened legislation, technology adoption and capacity-building.

We invite all stakeholders, including national authorities, civil society and the private sector, to unite in our common mission. Taking water for granted is no longer sustainable, and our consumption and production choices have a direct impact on water resources. We advocate choosing local, seasonal and fresh food, reducing food waste and exploring safe water reuse methods while preventing pollution as effective tools for positive change.

This joint initiative by FAO and WFP in Iraq demonstrates a commitment to several of the Sustainable Development Goals. In particular, Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), Goal 13 (Climate Action) and Goal 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) will be advanced in the quest for a more sustainable, resilient and food secure Iraq. Ensuring that no one is left behind on the path to a more promising future is the overarching goal of this collective effort.