The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), with funding from the Green Climate Fund (GCF), has launched a major initiative to support vulnerable farming communities in southern Iraq. The project aims to help farmers adapt to worsening climate impacts such as prolonged droughts, water scarcity, extreme heat, and seawater intrusion. Backed by a US$20.2 million grant from the GCF and co-financed by the Government of Iraq, the initiative is expected to benefit around 800,000 people by strengthening their resilience and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
The project will directly reach 207,000 people, providing training in efficient irrigation systems, sustainable farming methods, and renewable energy solutions. It will promote the adoption of water-saving agricultural practices, the cultivation of climate-resilient crops, and the creation of new income opportunities for women and youth. By building local capacity and strengthening agricultural institutions, the initiative seeks to reduce harvest losses, boost productivity, and enhance long-term food security for farming communities.
WFP Acting Representative and Country Director Amit Singh emphasized Iraq’s deep agricultural heritage and the urgent need to safeguard it amid escalating climate threats. He highlighted that GCF’s support will enable WFP to empower communities and help farmers overcome environmental challenges that jeopardize their livelihoods.
The initiative supports Iraq’s national strategies and comes at a crucial moment, as the country experiences one of the most severe droughts in its history. With water levels at their lowest in five years, the government has been forced to delay autumn and winter planting seasons—disrupting agricultural production and affecting a sector that employs nearly 20 percent of Iraq’s workforce.
