Permaculture Demonstration Sites and Training in Iraq

500 Trained in Regenerative Agriculture, Permaculture, and Climate Change Mitigation for Agriculture Micro-Enterprises

Challenge

Iraq is among the top five countries most affected by climate change. Impacts will mainly show an increase in the mean temperature, more frequent extreme temperature events, and shifting rain patterns. The agricultural sector is one of the first to experience the consequences of climate change; with small-scale farmers being among the most affected groups. Many farmers have left agriculture seeking livelihood opportunities in urban areas, resulting in additional social and economic challenges.

What we did

Under the EU’s Qudra II program, the NGO “Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA)” set up a multi-site project in Iraq and Kurdistan to support small landowners in combating climate change and adjusting their farming techniques to the challenges of water scarcity, heat, and drought.

We were part of an international team of experts that designed and set up several demonstration sites based on Permaculture principles. The designs considered the local environment, social structures, and regional climate changes. All sites integrated nature-based solutions such as rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems. In addition to common crop and vegetable systems, all sites introduced perennial and drought-resistant plants.

The project included two additional elements: training small landowners and local stakeholders (women, students, agricultural engineers), and providing small grants to support agriculture-related livelihoods. The training provided an understanding of the main principles of Regenerative Agriculture and Permaculture Design, and an introduction to several focus topics relevant to local conditions, such as small animal systems, soil, compost, and plant nurseries. Upon completing the training and a business plan participants received a micro-grant that included the necessary items of their business plan. The grants were designed to become economically profitable after six months.

Impact

500 individuals received training on Regenerative Agriculture and Permaculture and learned how to adjust their systems to mitigate the influence of climate change. The courses focused on reducing water consumption while improving rainwater and greywater catchment, prevention of soil erosion, improvement of soil fertility, and introduction to drought-resistant perennial plants.

Moreover, the knowledge provided in theoretical classes and practical sessions on the demonstration sites added to the learning experience. Participants also observed the changes to the demonstration sites over two years, thereby witnessing the successful implementation of design principles.

The micro-grants provided an opportunity to transfer the gained knowledge into practice and improve their livelihood opportunities within a short time.