Challenges of water scarcity, rising temperatures and land degradation are creating a severe crisis for Iraq's agriculture sector. These challenges threaten the livelihoods of millions of people, increasing food insecurity and contributing to broader environmental and socio-economic challenges in the country.

In an effort to combat this crisis, UNOPS and the World Food Programme are implementing the Smallholder Agricultural Revitalization Project (SARP). The initiative is supported by a $27.4 million loan from the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the Adaptation for Smallholder Agriculture Programme, and the Adaptation Fund, with funds being disbursed to the Ministry of Agriculture.

In partnership with Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Water Resources, UNOPS will help revitalize agriculture, water resources management and enhance climate change resilience in four southern governorates. The more than $12 million initiative will support thousands of households who rely exclusively on agriculture for their livelihoods.

"This partnership between UNOPS and the Ministry of Agriculture under the SARP programme illustrates an important feature of IFAD's approach in fragile situations: securing strategic partnerships to build and sustain the resilience of smallholders and poor rural communities,” said Patrick Dombwa, IFAD Programme Officer.

“Through this collaboration, smallholder farmers and rural communities will benefit from the rehabilitation of critical irrigation infrastructure, allowing them to reclaim and even enhance the reward of agricultural livelihoods,” added Patrick Dombwa.

Through improved infrastructure, the project aims to build a more stable water supply by increasing water availability and irrigation efficiency.

“The rehabilitation and modernization of nine existing and incomplete irrigation schemes is expected to ensure water supply for about 8,200 hectares in the project’s area to support the smallholders in sustaining their land cultivation and income,” said Uday Taha, Project Manager of SARP.

“Key staff members will be trained in irrigation modernization, with particular emphasis on precision irrigation techniques and their agronomic potential,” added Uday Taha.

Muhammad Usman Akram, Representative and Director of UNOPS Multi-Country Office in Amman, said: “This project underscores our shared commitment to long-term sustainable development in Iraq, addressing both the immediate needs of the agricultural sector and the growing threats posed by climate change to the livelihoods of rural communities.”