Iraq Partners with WFP to Tackle Water Scarcity Challenges

Minister of Water Resources, Engineer Aoun Dhiaab Abdullah, participated in the signing ceremony of the agreement between the World Food Programme (WFP) and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which took place at the Babil Hotel. This cooperation aims to address water scarcity in Iraq through a program designed to tackle the challenges of water scarcity and enhance resilience in rural agricultural communities in Iraq.

During the event, Minister Dhiaab delivered a speech expressing his gratitude to those organising the event, which works towards developing relationships and enduring partnerships amidst the growing challenges facing the water sector. He added that the significant challenges facing the water sector in Iraq are numerous and complex, especially in light of the climate changes affecting the region, the drought affecting most of the nearby countries, the developments occurring on shared waters in upstream rivers, and the increasing population growth. This requires diligent work to develop the water sector in Iraq and strive to build partnerships.

He praised the contribution of the United States Agency for International Development in funding this project and the support of the World Food Programme in its implementation. This contributes to strengthening local capacities to mitigate the risks of climate change and improve resilience through the adoption of modern agricultural practices and technologies. Minister Dhiaab also noted that Iraq has faced challenges due to terrorism, followed by reconstruction efforts, including the rebuilding of infrastructure that was destroyed by criminal gangs, which consumed a significant portion of the financial allocations.

The event was attended by the Minister of Environment, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, the Director General of the Planning and Follow-up Department, and relevant officials from the ministry, as well as representatives from water user associations from several governorates.

Source: Ministry of Water Resources