International Development Grant
Enhancing climate resilient agriculture in Southern Iraq
Project Number: CA-3-P011559001
Status: Operational
Country/Region:
Maximum Contribution: $10,000,000.00
Start Date: March 31, 2023
End Date: March 24, 2027
Duration: 4.0 years
Project Description
This project aims to enhance the climate-resilience of vulnerable agriculture households in the Southern Iraqi Governorates of Babil Missan Muthanna Najaf Al Qadisiyah Thi-Qar and Wasit. Project activities include: (1) strengthening the capacities of rural households by providing technical assistance capacity-building tools and training on climate-smart agriculture. This is through Food and Agriculture Organization’s successful model of Farmer Field Schools. The model focuses on a participatory and field-based learning approach implemented over a production cycle; (2) connecting participants to private sector partners to help strengthen agricultural value chains and support private sector engagement to help communities; and (3) introducing an innovative approach to the food-energy-water nexus. This is by installing solar energy technology over water canals to power low-emission irrigation systems and reduce water evaporation.
Expected Results
The expected outcomes of this project include: (1) enhanced application of sustainable agricultural production practices by smallholders in Southern Iraq; (2) enhanced women's role as agents of change in promoting climate-smart agriculture through improved access to knowledge practices and technologies; and (3) increased application of solar energy by rural households in target areas to enhance sustainable surface water supply and agricultural value chains.
Progress & Results Achieved
Results achieved as of April 2024 include: (1) developed a training curriculum on climate-smart agriculture gender equality and integrated crop and pest management to help increase farmers’ resilience to the impacts of climate change; (2) conducted a self-evaluation and holistic assessment of climate resilience of farmers and pastoralists survey. The survey improved intersectional data availability and provided insights into the climate vulnerability of farmers and pastoralists in southern Iraq; (3) trained facilitators in Al-Najaf Governorate and selected master trainers to implement the Climate Wise Women initiative that aims to help improve women’s ability to influence climate action in their communities; and (4) developed an environmental and social management plan to assess the biophysical social economic and health effects of installing solar panels on water canals.
Key Information
Executing Agency:
FAO - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Reporting Organization:
Global Affairs Canada
Program:
EGM Europe Arctic Middle East and Magh
Last Modified:
September 19, 2025
Development Classifications
DAC Sector:
Aid Type: Contributions to specific-purpose programmes and funds managed by implementing partners
Collaboration: Bilateral
Finance Type: Aid grant excluding debt reorganisation
Selection Mechanism:
Department-Initiated