Fostering Resilience in Iraq Through Sustainable Water Management and Climate-Smart Agriculture

This project  implemented by ICBA will directly supports 180 government technical staff and 600 farmers, extension workers, and input suppliers, strongly emphasizing gender inclusivity by actively involving women and girls in capacity-building activities. Indirectly, the Iraqi population benefits from improved water access, increased agricultural productivity, and economic empowerment. The project fosters a holistic approach to water sustainability and agricultural resilience by integrating scientific research, policy development, and community engagement. Its key objectives include promoting equitable water distribution, strengthening community-led water governance, advancing climate-smart agriculture (CSA), and introducing innovative solutions such as nature-based approaches for salinity mitigation and hydroponic technologies. Expected outcomes include enhanced water governance through training and data-driven decision-making, participatory water management via local governance structures, and the widespread adoption of CSA practices to ensure long-term agricultural resilience. The project also prioritizes environmental sustainability by implementing efficient water use techniques, organic farming practices, and ecosystem conservation strategies. This initiative contributes directly to poverty alleviation, social stability, and sustainable development in Iraq by empowering local communities and improving agricultural and water management systems.

Project activities include implementation of community-led water conservation initiatives with three pilot sites showcasing soilless farming techniques such as solar-powered hydroponics. Each site will include a hydroponic system and a Best Practice Hub (BPH). The infrastructure at each site will consist of:

  • A hydroponic system and BPH demonstration plots.
  • Irrigation infrastructure, including an earthen plastic-lined 100 m³ water reservoir, vertical plastic storage tanks (10,000 gallons), and a drip line network for efficient water distribution.
  • Solar-powered water pumping systems to enhance sustainability and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
  • Land preparation, including plowing, levelling, and plot layout for planting.
  • Fencing to prevent animal encroachment and protect agricultural sites.

 

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Latest update

May 27th, 2025 - Global Affairs Canada issued its Notice of Determination and determined that the project is not likely to cause significant adverse environmental effects.

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Key documents

Key documents
Document Number Document Title File Date
3 Environmental Impact Assessment PDF (4 MB) May 27, 2025
2 Notice of determination - May 27, 2025
1 Notice of Intent DOCX (56 KB) January 31, 2025

Contacts

Global Affairs Canada
khaireh Abdoulkader, Environment Specialist
125 Sussex Drive
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G2
Email: khaireh.abdoulkader@international.gc.ca


Disclaimer

This map is for illustrative purposes. The markers represent the approximate locations based on available data. More than one marker may be identified for a given assessment.

  • Location

    • Basrah Gouvernorat (Outside Canada)
    • Dhi Qar Gouvernorat (Outside Canada)
    • Muthana Gouvernorat (Outside Canada)
  • Nature of Activity

    • Agriculture
    • Water Management
  • Assessment Status

    Completed
  • Start Date

    2025-01-31
  • Proponent

    International Center for Biosaline Agriculture
  • Authorities

    • Global Affairs Canada
  • Assessment Type

    Project outside of Canada
  • Reference Number

    89234
Date modified: