Abu dhabi: The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the International Centre for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and with financial backing from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), has initiated the MURUNA project, aimed at enhancing Iraq's climate resilience. This project is implemented in collaboration with the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources to help Iraqi communities tackle water scarcity through inclusive water governance, improved community-level water management, and climate-smart agriculture.
According to Emirates News Agency, the MURUNA project will focus on supporting water planning and decision-making processes at the national level. By working closely with water user associations, the initiative seeks to develop efficient water use plans and improve water infrastructure. These efforts are intended to promote fair water allocation and enhance local participation, with an emphasis on empowering women.
The project also aims to assist vulnerable communities and farmers in advancing climate-smart agriculture by introducing innovative agricultural technologies and practices. This approach is expected to bolster long-term resilience against future environmental shocks.
Iraq is currently grappling with significant challenges to its food security, with approximately 2.5 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. The country faces frequent droughts, desertification, rising temperatures, and decreasing water flows in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. These factors threaten rural communities by undermining agricultural productivity, reducing arable land, and exacerbating food insecurity nationwide.
Amit Singh, WFP Iraq's Acting Country Director, stated, "Water is at the heart of Iraq's future food security. By investing in sustainable water governance and climate-smart agriculture, we are not only protecting livelihoods today but also securing resilience for generations to come."
Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director-General of ICBA, expressed pride in partnering with WFP and GAC on the MURUNA project. She emphasized the importance of practical solutions for rural communities facing climate pressures. Through the MURUNA initiative, ICBA aims to apply its expertise to help farmers adapt and improve long-term food security in Iraq, demonstrating how science can translate research into practical solutions to strengthen livelihoods and agricultural resilience.
The project is made possible thanks to the support of Global Affairs Canada, whose funding allows ICBA and WFP to deliver sustainable solutions for Iraq's water and food security challenges. ICBA's role as a strategic partner underscores the shared commitment to climate resilience and sustainable agriculture.
