January 16, 2024
News
The Nineveh plains in northern Iraq are called the breadbasket of the country. When in 2014 the self-proclaimed Islamic State occupied the region, it seized and destroyed land, seeds, grains, crops, and equipment from local farmers, who had to flee their homes. After the defeat of the jihadist group, many of them have succeeded in reviving their farms with the support of Caritas Czech Republic.
We offer trainings on new crops and technologies
Upon return, the farmers who previously fled because of the Islamic State, have found their lands destroyed by the war and climate change, which is most visible through water scarcity. The Nineveh plains are known for their production of wheat and barley, crops that are very sensitive to droughts. In the region, Caritas Czech Republic offers trainings, through which local farmers learn about other crops that can help them diversify their produce, as well as about modern farming techniques that can protect their crops from climate change challenges.
Among many, we also supported Abdulsalam – an archaeologist, researcher, and farmer who shares a roof with ten other family members. He comes from Qaraqosh, a town near Mosul. After fleeing the Islamic State, he returned to his hometown in 2017, where he heard about the trainings offered by Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq. He registered and, soon thereafter, attended the course.
“The trainings had valuable information and they benefit me greatly,” the 73-year-old recalls. “Before, I used to grow only lentils and wheat, but now after the training from Caritas Czech Republic, I learned how to grow new products, such as potato and soybeans. The trainers also taught us how to use plant pesticides.”
The support provided by Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq, he says, changed his life. “It gave me hope and courage to continue my work on my farm,” Abdulsalam adds.
We distribute farming essentials to local farmers
Alongside the trainings, we support local farmers by offering them farming essentials, such as seeds, fertilizers, and tools to work the land, depending on the type of crop they plan to grow.
Fadia is a 28-year-old graduate from the neighbouring town, Karamlesh. She comes from a family of farmers who fled the Islamic State to live in a refugee camp in Erbil, the capital of the bordering autonomous Kurdistan region. Upon return, her father signed her up for a 5-day training offered by Caritas Czech Republic in the town and after the training, she decided to buy wheat and fertilizers for her farm. “I say to every person who is going through difficulties like us, especially the farmers in my area, to continue to be interested in local produce,” Fadia notes. “When someone works their land and homeland and sees the people of their country eating from its fruit, they feel proud and work and innovate even more.”
Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq
Caritas Czech Republic has been working in Iraq since 2015 and is gradually shifting its activities from acute humanitarian aid to longer-term programmes. We are helping people rebuild their original livelihoods and create new jobs.
We can assist farmers in the Nineveh plains thanks to the project “Social and Economic Inclusion of the Vulnerable Christian Minorities in Iraq”, which is being implemented by Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq the financial support of the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation, in partnership with the Italian NGO Condivisione fra i Popoli.
