April 17, 2024
News
Iraq is one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change. The rise in temperatures leads to water scarcity and desertification in the country, which can later trigger food shortages, displacement, and tension within the local society. See how Caritas Czech Republic supports Iraqis in mitigating this challenge.
1. Irrigation supplies
Did you know that Iraq, the land between the historical rivers of Euphrates and Tigris, is home to one of the oldest irrigation systems in the world, going back more than seven thousand years?
Yet, the country nowadays suffers from outdated irrigation infrastructure. To add insult to injury, when the so-called Islamic State rampaged the country in the last decade, looting harvest and agricultural equipment and poisoning land as a form of punishment, it also exploited agricultural equipment such as irrigation pipes to make improvised explosive devices, leaving the irrigation system even more fragile. and poisoning land as a form of punishment, it also exploited agricultural equipment such as irrigation pipes to make improvised explosive devices, leaving the irrigation system even more fragile.
Irrigation is one of the crucial elements for boosting land productivity and economic returns, especially in financially disadvantaged regions. In Iraq, Caritas Czech Republic provides farmers with irrigation tools such as drip system kits, plastic pipes, and water pumps.
2. Seed diversification
Seed diversity helps plants adapt to pests, diseases, and changing climate conditions. In Iraq, Caritas Czech Republic trains farmers to sow different types of seeds for crops such as mung bean, soybean, and sunflower. It also provides them with new seeds, mentorship, and other agricultural materials and tools.
We have also worked with government officials on this topic, providing them with training and materials for state laboratories.
3. Tree planting
Trees offer shade, block wind, and attract birds. By planting trees, we help offset carbon dioxide emissions and battle deforestation. It is also a great way to raise awareness of climate change on a local level.
In Iraq, Caritas Czech Republic coordinated several tree and flower planting initiatives, which also aimed to improve social cohesion in the local communities.
Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq
Caritas Czech Republic has been active in Iraq since 2015, helping internally displaced people, returnees, and their host communities rebuild their livelihoods and create new job opportunities. As Iraq stepped into the post-conflict recovery phase, we have also started offering support in confronting climate change.
