Accomplishments: Agriculture and Marshlands in Iraq
The rural economy helps feed Iraqis' 18 million urban dwellers. Agriculture has been in decline after years of repressive government policies and the two conflicts before 1992. Reduced farm productivity cannot provide a dependable supply of food for cities and income for the rural population. Over half of Iraq's total food requirement is imported, and a large portion of the population is dependent upon government-financed food rations for survival. To rehabilitate agricultural infrastructure, increase productivity and restore services, USAID, will work in conjunction with Iraqi ministries and higher education institutions. Their efforts will support Iraqi initiatives to revitalize agricultural production, stimulate income and employment generation, nurture rural initiatives, and rehabilitate the natural resource base.
In the 1990's one of the world's largest wetlands ecosystems was destroyed. Marshes were drained, biodiversity in the area was compromised and segments of the local population were displaced. USAID is currently working with local communities in revitalizing the marshlands as part of the Marshlands Initiative.
Agriculture Accomplishments
- Agriculture production and marketing is being coordinated with Public Distribution Systems used by the Ministry of Trade to distribute food rations to 27 million Iraqis.
 - The contract for Agriculture Reconstruction and Development in Iraq (ARDI), announced on October 17th, was awarded to Development Alternatives, Inc. (DAI).
- In December-February 2004, USAID will focus on quick-impact activities to stimulate agricultural production: repairing irrigation systems, rehabilitating agriculture colleges, revitalization of the poultry industry and rehabilitating the grain board in Umm Qasr with grain test equipment.
Marshland Accomplishments
- The $4-million Marshlands Initiative will include a river basin and hydraulic model of the marshes and the following field activities:
- Equip a soil and water lab for the Ministry of Water Resources
- Design pilot projects for waste management and drinking water
- Develop a fisheries and aquacultural component along with a livestock component focused on water buffalo.
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