By Kazhan Abdullah
The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is instrumental in enhancing global food security through its dedication to the eradication of hunger. FAO strives to eliminate hunger, food insecurity, and malnutrition, catering to the requirements of the 870 million individuals experiencing chronic hunger worldwide. It advocates for sustainable agricultural methods to enhance productivity and resilience to climate change, crucial for providing food for an estimated 9 billion people by 2050.
The FAO’s efforts in the Kurdistan Region have notably bolstered food security through diverse projects. It has revitalized the seed sector, offering farmers top-quality seeds and necessary farming tools, resulting in enhanced crop productivity. Furthermore, the FAO advocates for advanced cattle breeding methods and aids in enhancing fish production to strengthen local food supplies. Moreover, the FAO’s emergency relief initiatives have provided essential livelihood support to families impacted by conflict, benefiting more than 258,000 individuals.
Current efforts are directed towards addressing environmental challenges and enhancing agricultural practices to secure sustainable food security in the region. Local stakeholders in the Kurdistan Region are essential to the success of FAO projects by fostering collaboration and ensuring alignment with community needs. Local ministries, such as Agriculture and Water Resources, work in collaboration with FAO to execute projects that are in line with regional policies and priorities.
Moreover, engagement of stakeholders, such as farmers’ unions and local NGOs, in participatory planning and implementation aims to boost project relevance and effectiveness. FAO’s main objective is to empower local institutions and communities through training and resource sharing, aiming to foster sustainable agricultural practices and resilience against climate challenges.
FAO and ICARDA are working together to set up a gene bank in Sulaymaniyah, with the goal of preserving native plant genetic resources and improving agricultural biodiversity, essential for addressing climate-related challenges. FAO has also played a role in developing the Iraqi National Seed Policy, aiming to enhance seed quality and availability to boost agricultural productivity in the area. Nevertheless, FAO provides training programs for farmers and extension staff, with a focus on seed production techniques customized to local climate conditions, promoting agricultural resilience and sustainability.
In order to strengthen food security, the Kurdistan Region has witnessed the implementation of multiple projects by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). Through the utilization of Cash for Work schemes, the rehabilitation of irrigation systems will support 1,250 vulnerable families and facilitate the recovery of agricultural production.
Furthermore, sustainable Agriculture Initiatives include the introduction of solar energy pumps for irrigation and the promotion of sustainable water management practices to rejuvenate agriculture after conflicts. However, Capacity Building encompasses the provision of training to local farmers and government officials to enhance agricultural techniques and market reach, with a particular focus on climate-adapted crop seeds.
Ultimately, FAO supports displaced populations through cash-for-work initiatives and agricultural resources to enhance food security and sustainable livelihoods. Through a collaborative effort, these strategies seek to boost food security and offer support to farmers in the Kurdistan Region, as well as strengthening the impact of FAO’s initiatives on food security in the region.