The Young Messengers Organization aims to establish a Climate Smart Farm (CSF), which will incorporate sub-surface irrigation, moisture sensors, timers, and solar energy for the irrigation of wheat, to reduce cost and increase yield.
The Problem
The Ninewa region in Iraq is responsible for 60% of the country's wheat and barley production. However, during the ISIL invasion of Ninewa, massive tracts of lands were abandoned, due to the displacement of its farmers, which left the land prone to desertification. After its liberation, Ninewa is struggling to recover socially, environmentally, and economically, while simultaneously facing the severe impact in recent years of climate change on rainfed agriculture. According to the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture, a 33% decrease in wheat yield was recorded in 2021 and the International Organization for Migration has recorded the displacement of 303 returnee farmer families in November 2021 alone. The displacement is a potential reason for future conflict.
The Solution
One of the ways to accelerate the recovery process, while building climate and social resilience in Ninewa, is to provide inclusive, climate-informed agricultural practices, in partnership with the local sectoral authorities and investors. The Young Messengers Organization (YMO) aims to establish a Climate Smart Farm (CSF), which will incorporate sub-surface irrigation, moisture sensors, timers, and solar energy for the irrigation of wheat, to reduce cost and increase yield. This will be followed by a feasibility study to establish the impact and provide evidence-based proof that can help with the future adoption of such practices. The intervention will be accompanied with training for farmers about the value chain and the use of modern technologies in cultivation. YMO aims to support 60 returnee farmers through capacity building and 600 returnee farmers through awareness programs, which aims to ensure 50% gender balance to support women farmers. Young people, people struggling to find employment ad people with disabilities will also be target beneficiaries. By successfully implementing the first Climate Smart Farm, we will be able to scale up and ultimately improve Ninewa farmers' resilience to climate change.
Impact
YMO plans to apply its gender and disability inclusive intervention to promote the adoption of new zero emission technology that supplements irrigation and cultivation. It aims to reduce poverty, ensure healthy lives, provide access to affordable and reliable technology, and contribute to combatting climate change through sustainable consumption and production patterns.
SDGs
Team
Media Links:
fb: youngmassenger