FAO Hosts Training on Agroecology and Marshland Conservation

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) in Iraq, in collaboration with the Iraqi Ministry of Environment (MoE), Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), and Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), hosted a five-day training workshop in Basra focused on agroecology and marshland conservation in southern Iraq.

This training, part of the “Sustainable Land Management (SLM) for Improved Livelihoods in Degraded Areas of Iraq” project, is funded by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and implemented by FAO alongside local authorities. The workshop aimed to equip 40 extension officers from ThiQar and AlMuthanna governorates with the knowledge and skills needed to support the Sustainable Land Management programme. The goal is to promote agroecology, marshland conservation, and sustainable farming practices in these regions.

The trained extension officers will serve as facilitators for 25 Farmer Field Schools (FFS) and demonstration plots under agroecology practices in ThiQar and AlMuthanna. These officers are responsible for cascading knowledge and training 1,000 farmers to adopt sustainable practices that will enhance local livelihoods and support marshland conservation.

Dr. Salah ElHajj Hassan, FAO Iraq Representative, highlighted the significant benefits of agroecology in improving agricultural production, conserving resources, and positively impacting multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). He added that these practices lead to more efficient resource use, lower environmental impact, and contribute to food security and biodiversity conservation.

The project aims to reverse land degradation, conserve ecosystems, and promote sustainable management of land and water resources in southern Iraq’s marshlands. By aligning with SDGs such as SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land), the project supports environmental sustainability, strengthens local resilience, and improves livelihoods.

Source: FAO