Italy Funds WFP Initiative to Boost Iraq’s Agricultural Future

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) has welcomed a contribution from the Italian Government, through the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), to support community resilience and empower women through sustainable initiatives. The project aims to tackle climate challenges affecting agriculture and food security in Iraq.

WFP will collaborate with Iraq’s Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Environment to engage communities in food security and climate action. Capacity-building and technical expertise will also be provided to local authorities to implement sustainable farming solutions.

Focusing on women-led households, crisis-affected communities, and smallholder farmers, the initiative promotes inclusive coordination, income-generating activities, and participation of women, youth, and persons with disabilities. It will be implemented in Ninewa, Salah al-Din, Thi-Qar, and Basra.

Iraq’s agriculture, the second-largest contributor to its GDP after oil, faces severe challenges due to droughts and water shortages, reducing crop yields and arable land. “Iraq faces serious climate challenges impacting agriculture and food security. WFP is committed to developing sustainable, climate-smart solutions that help communities adapt,” said WFP Representative Mageed Yahia.

The project will engage the private sector, academia, and Italian experts to introduce technical solutions, enhance food production, and promote responsible farming practices. Italy’s Ambassador to Iraq, Niccolò Fontana, emphasised Italy’s commitment to fostering a green transition that benefits both communities and the environment.

By aligning with Iraq’s government priorities, the WFP initiative will address unemployment, improve water management, and empower women to achieve sustainable livelihoods.

Source: UNAMI