FAO, Ministry of Agriculture and IFAD launch new initiative to strengthen climate-resilient agriculture in Iraq

Iraq is taking a new step towards strengthening climate-resilient agriculture and revitalizing rural livelihoods  in some of the country’s most climate-vulnerable areas, with the signing  of a new USD 6.6 million initiative implemented by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA) and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). 

The new initiative, launched under the “Smallholder Agriculture Revitalization Project”, will support vulnerable smallholder farmers across the southern governorates of Muthanna, Qadissiya, Missan and Thi Qar through climate-smart agricultural solutions, improved production systems and stronger market opportunities. 

It will also help scale up successful FAO-supported approaches and interventions in sustainable agriculture and rural livelihoods to additional vulnerable communities across Iraq.

At a time when Iraq’s agricultural sector continues to face mounting pressure from climate change, water scarcity and fragile farming systems, the project aims to help farming communities become more productive, resilient and economically secure. The initiative will focus on modernizing agricultural techniques across key value chains, including livestock, vegetables and date palm production, while expanding access to training, extension services, efficient irrigation systems and climate-smart technologies. 

Speaking during the signing ceremony, Dr. Mahdi Sahar Eljubory, Administrative Deputy Minister of Agriculture, highlighted the strategic importance of investing in smallholder farmers and rural communities. “Supporting smallholder farmers means supporting Iraq’s food security, economic stability and future resilience. This partnership with FAO and IFAD will help farmers access more sustainable agricultural practices, improve productivity and strengthen livelihoods, particularly in areas most affected by climate and economic pressures.”

Echoing the importance of investing in resilient rural livelihoods, IFAD Country Director, Vrej Jijyan, stressed the need to support vulnerable farming communities facing growing climate pressures : “Smallholder farmers are at the heart of Iraq’s rural economy and food systems, yet they remain among the most exposed to the impacts of climate change and water scarcity. Through this partnership, IFAD is investing in practical, climate-smart solutions that help rural communities increase productivity, strengthen resilience and create better economic opportunities for women, men and youth. Building on the achievements of the Smallholder Agriculture Revitalization Project, this initiative will help scale up proven approaches and deliver lasting benefits to vulnerable farming communities across southern Iraq.”

The project will also strengthen Farmer Field Schools, build the capacities of extension staff and Water Users Associations, and support rural women and youth through more inclusive and market-oriented agricultural opportunities. 

FAO Representative in Iraq, Dr. Salah El Hajj Hassan, thanked the Ministry of Agriculture and IFAD for their trust and continued partnership, reaffirming FAO’s commitment to supporting Iraq’s agricultural transformation: “We highly value the trust placed in FAO by the Ministry of Agriculture and IFAD through this important initiative. Together, we are investing in practical and long-term solutions that help farmers adapt to climate challenges, improve production and strengthen rural livelihoods. Building on FAO’s ongoing work and experience across Iraq, this initiative will help scale up impactful approaches that have already demonstrated tangible benefits for farming communities. FAO remains fully committed to supporting Iraq in building more resilient, sustainable and inclusive agri-food systems.”

Welcoming the launch of the initiative, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for the Near East and North Africa , Abdulhakim El Waer, underlined the importance of strong regional partnerships to accelerate sustainable agricultural development across the  region : “This partnership reflects a shared commitment to supporting smallholder farmers and advancing more resilient and inclusive agri-food systems. Investing in climate-smart agriculture and rural livelihoods is essential to ensuring long-term food security, economic opportunity and stronger resilience for communities across the region.”

The initiative aligns with Iraq’s National Development Plan 2024–2028, the FAO Country Programming Framework (CPF) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2025–2029. It contributes to national efforts to strengthen food security, climate resilience and inclusive rural development, while supporting the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly SDG 1 (No Poverty), SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

For more information, please contact : 

• Khawla Ben Aicha, International Communications Expert 
  Email : khawla.benaicha@fao.org
• Salah El Hajj Hassan, FAO Representative in Iraq
  Email: Salah.elhajjhassan@fao.org