June 4, 2024
News
The fertile Nineveh plains in northern Iraq are often referred to as the breadbasket of the country. Despite this, challenges such as prolonged sanctions, conflicts, and climate change have significantly affected the agricultural sector in Iraq. To address these issues, Caritas Czech Republic provides various forms of assistance to Iraqi farmers - including the establishment of farmers' cooperatives.
What are farmers’ cooperatives?
Farmers' cooperatives are groups formed by farmers to enhance their bargaining power and economic opportunities. By working together, farmers can secure better prices, share knowledge, and reduce costs.
Supporting agriculture is increasingly seen as a sustainable way to stabilise Iraq. Within this context, farmers’ cooperatives play a crucial role in promoting socio-economic development due to their democratic structure, shared ownership, and emphasis on self-sufficiency. Furthermore, these cooperatives can play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of climate change in Iraq, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate change.
How Caritas Czech Republic supports cooperatives in Iraq
Caritas Czech Republic is involved in establishing cooperatives in Al-Hamdaniya, a district in the north of the country that is home to various ethno-religious groups. Many of its residents had to flee their homes during the invasion by the self-proclaimed Islamic State, only to return and find their homes and lands destroyed, which could potentially lead to tensions among communities.
“We group farmers who grow the same crop in the same area and provide them with training in modern farming and marketing methods, as well as relevant legislation,” says Steven Issam, Caritas Czech Republic’s Project Manager in the district.
These cooperatives help farmers reach agreements, which, as Issam explains, “address issues such as preventing livestock from trespassing on farmland and reducing natural disasters such as fires during the harvest season." We also connect the farmers with government agencies and agricultural suppliers, he notes.
Caritas Czech Republic in Iraq
Caritas Czech Republic has been working in Iraq since 2015, helping internally displaced people, returnees and their host communities to rebuild their livelihoods and create new job opportunities.
We can help the people of Iraq thanks to our donors and your contributions. Thank you for supporting our work.
