A Call to Action: Building a sustainable, efficient, and climate-resilient agrifood system in Iraq

When I arrived in Iraq more than two years ago, I was struck by the urgency of the challenges facing this beautiful country. But as a father of three, this mission resonates deeply on a personal level. Every day, I think about the world our children will inherit, and it makes me reflect on the millions of children in Iraq who are facing unimaginable hardships—challenges they did not choose: conflict, hunger, and the worsening impact of climate change. My work here is driven by the same responsibility I feel for my own family. It’s about securing a brighter, more hopeful future for Iraq’s children, who deserve nothing less than a safe and prosperous tomorrow.

Iraq is ranked as the fifth most vulnerable country in the world to water and food shortages and extreme temperatures.

Additionally, it is ranked 61st out of 163 countries on UNICEF’s Children’s Climate Risk Index. By 2050, water availability is expected to drop by 20%, which could lead to the loss of nearly one-third of Iraq's irrigated land​.

This isn't just a future problem - it’s happening now, with 54% of the population are considered food vulnerable. Desertification, droughts, and soil salinization are already disrupting supply chains, increasing costs and worsening poverty across the country.

We are at a critical moment, and investing in climate-smart agriculture and water management has become more urgent than ever. Ensuring Iraq’s food supply and protecting its children from a future of scarcity is essential for economic stability and the well-being of future generations.

Empowering agribusiness and small businesses for resilience

Agriculture and agri-food value chains are crucial to Iraq’s economy, food security, and livelihoods, particularly among displaced and vulnerable populations. However, Iraq's heavy reliance on oil has resulted in high carbon footprint, making it extremely vulnerable to specific climate-related disasters, such as droughts, desertification, and sandstorms.

Small-scale farmers are particularly at risk, grappling with declining soil quality, increased post-harvest losses, and severe water shortages, all of which are crippling their productivity. Projections indicate that Iraq may lose 20% of its freshwater resources by 2050, putting crop yields and rural livelihoods at severe risk. I’ve visited these communities and listened to their stories and seen firsthand — the pain, and struggle of families trying to survive in the face of these growing challenges.

But despite these difficulties, I believe there is hope. Over 65per cent of farmers and 40 per cent of agribusinesses in Iraq are working to mitigate environmental risks, even though many lack the resources and technology needed for effective adaptation, their determination and resilience are inspiring.

Small businesses are critical in driving sustainable agricultural development and building resilience. However, they too are grappling with rising operational costs, disrupted supply chains, and diminished productivity. Inadequate infrastructure, especially in cold storage and transportation —adds to their burden, leading to greater post-harvest losses and reduced product quality, making it increasingly difficult for these businesses to compete and grow.

Hope amidst crisis

During a recent visit to Basra, I met Ali, a farmer who had been devastated by the worsening droughts and was unable to produce crops due to the lack of water, and like many others, he feared for the future of his land and family. But with the collaborative efforts of UNCT and our partners, Ali’s village is now part of a multi-hazard early warning system that helps farmers anticipate climate-related hazards.

Ali received training in climate-smart farming techniques, such as drip irrigation and drought-resistant crops which helped him revive his land. For the first time in years, he feels a sense of hope—as his farm is now thriving, producing enough to feed his entire village. 

Ali’s story reminds me of the incredible resilience of Iraq’s people, and reaffirms my belief that, with the right support, even the greatest challenges can be overcome.

The UN Country Team’s efforts in supporting Iraq's food security

In 2023, the UN Country Team (UNCT) in Iraq provided livelihoods support to over 11,900 individuals, particularly farmers in drought-prone areas, to sustain food security. This assistance included cash grants, drought-resilient seeds, fertilizers, and modern irrigation equipment, such as solar-powered systems, along with training in climate-smart agriculture and food safety standards. As a result, farmers reported over a 30% increase in both yield and quality, significantly enhancing food production and nutrition security, and strengthening climate resilience in rural communities.

Under the United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework, the UNCT in Iraq has been working closely with the Iraqi government to address climate change and food security. Here are several key interventions:

• United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation-FAO's contribution to food security strategy: FAO, working with the Iraqi government, developed a comprehensive Food Security Strategy. This strategy builds on international best practices to ensure food availability and resilience, especially for Iraq’s most vulnerable populations​, by enhancing productivity and sustainability across critical crop sectors. FAO’s value chain analysis has identified opportunities to improve production, market linkages, and competitiveness in crops like dates, tomatoes, and wheat, providing a framework for long-term agricultural sustainability.
• United Nations World Food Programme-WFP's modern irrigation and non-traditional cash crop initiatives: WFP has promoted solar irrigation and supported diversification into non-traditional crops among smallholder farmers in drought-affected regions, enhancing income security and building resilience. Additionally, WFP supports small-scale beekeeping and shrimp farming, which diversify rural income sources and boost local economies​.
• United Nations International Trade Centre-ITC's empowerment of agribusiness for resilient growth and food security: Through the SAAVI project, ITC has empowered Iraqi farmers and small businesses to boost market competitiveness, adopt climate-smart practices, and secure stable market connections. By forming agribusiness alliances, ITC has enabled smallholders to collectively engage with major retailers and processing factories, resulting in monthly transactions of hundreds of tonnes of fresh produce and significant revenue gains. Additionally, ITC has supported the government in developing strategies for poultry, tomatoes, and potatoes, guiding sectors to enhance competitiveness, advance sustainable food systems, and equip smallholders with sustainable practices and improved post-harvest management—paving the way for resilient incomes.

A call to action: Time to act

Addressing the climate-food nexus in Iraq requires collective action from governments, donors, the international community, and local communities.

First, the Government of Iraq should prioritize the swift enactment of the Public-Private Partnerships law, incorporating incentives such as tax relief, reduced tariffs, and smart subsidies for small businesses including agribusiness.

These initiatives will foster public-private partnerships and attract investment in climate-resilient infrastructure, including renewable energy projects and sustainable water management systems, essential for scaling sustainable practices in agriculture, enhancing small business access to both domestic and international markets, bolstering Iraq’s food security and driving economic growth.

Second, the international community should provide technical assistance to the government and civil society in developing and adapting climate-related policies that prioritize sustainable resource management in forestry, agriculture, and renewable energy.

This support will facilitate the integration of climate adaptation into policies that align with Iraq’s Nationally Determined Contributions and Green Growth Strategy.

Third, the international community must step up its support. Iraq cannot face this crisis alone. Donors must provide the funding and technical assistance needed to help farmers and small businesses adapt to the changing climate. This support should focus on equipping farmers with the technology and knowledge they need to implement advanced agricultural practices, conserve water, and protect natural resources.

Finally, local communities should be empowered to take ownership of climate action. By adopting sustainable farming techniques, conserving water, and protecting natural resources, they can play a critical role in securing Iraq’s agricultural future.

Their resilience and innovation must be supported, not only through adequate policies and financial assistance but also through capacity-building initiatives, access to training programs, and the development of local networks that facilitate knowledge sharing and collaboration among farmers and stakeholders.

We are at a critical moment. The decisions we make today will determine the future of Iraq’s agrifood system and, ultimately, the well-being of its people. The time to act is now. Together, we can build a more resilient, sustainable Iraq - one where future generations can thrive in a healthier, greener environment.

This blog was written by Deputy Special Representative to the United Nations Secretary General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Iraq Mr. Ghulam Isaczai and originally published here.