1.      Applying water accounting principles for a baseline water productivity assessment to improve agricultural water resource management (2019 – 2020) 
In order to inform future water initiatives and projects, FAO is conducting a baseline assessment on water productivity using water accounting principles.

2.      Restoring the water supply for food production and livelihoods in post conflict areas (2018 –2020)
The so-called Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) occupation destroyed agricultural infrastructure as they retreated, destabilizing agriculture-based livelihoods in the region. Thus, the European Union and FAO are rebuilding the irrigation systems using Cash for Work schemes. Activities include rehabilitating irrigation canals and gates, reconstructing 11 bridges, repairing a pumping station, demining the project area and replacing the damaged parts of 150 linear irrigation system. Cash for Work will provide immediate income to 1,250 vulnerable families, while simultaneously reviving agriculture production in the community.

3.      Supporting the rehabilitation of the groundwater irrigation systems in regained areas (2019 –2020)
In order to restore sustainable agriculture and food production systems following the occupation by so-called Islamic State (ISIL), FAO and the Government of Japan are investing in irrigation equipment, introducing solar energy pumps for 200 wells and promoting sustainable water management practices. 

4.     Supporting agricultural livelihoods of rural and peri-urban returnees and communities (2019 –2022)
The EU-funded project will holistically revive the agriculture sector for returnee and host communities in Nineveh governorate by improving irrigation and agri-food processing practices, while also improving the production and marketing of vegetables, quality seeds, animal fodder and dairy products. This $17 million (USD) project will target 15,045 beneficiaries directly over three years; however, the benefits will continue to accrue in the long-term since the project will strengthen strategic value chains through asset rehabilitation, capacity building and market linkages.

5.     Promoting sustainable land management for improved livelihoods in degraded areas of Iraq (2019 –2023)
The Global Environment Facility (GEF)-funded project aims to reverse land degradation, conserve land and water resources and improve sustainable management of the marshland ecosystems in southern Iraq to increase access to resilient ecosystem services and recover livelihoods. The project will target national and local actors to promote sustainable land and water management practices, environmental conservation approaches and effective monitoring techniques.

6.      Improving delivery of animal health services and disease surveillance in Anbar, Ninawa and Dohuk governorates (2019-2021)
The United States of America-funded project focuses on controlling transboundary animal diseases that threaten livestock production, food security, nutrition, health and the environment. Disease control in the region has been hampered by a lack of experienced veterinarians and limited resources, along with livestock owners’ inability to access animal health services, poor knowledge of animal health management and inadequate disease surveillance and reporting. Thus, the project will conduct an assessment on the status and needs of veterinary services, train veterinarians in electronic disease reporting, conduct public awareness workshops (targeting livestock owners) and provide equipment and supplies to stakeholders engaged in detection, diagnosis and reporting of animal diseases.

7.      Assessing the impact of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) on agriculture production and the food supply chain.
In collaboration with the World Food Programme, the World Bank, the International Fund for Agriculture Development and government counterparts, FAO is actively monitoring the impact of COVID-19 on agriculture production and food supply chains, publishing the findings in publically available bi-weekly and bi-monthly food security reports. FAO is also conducting surveys with farmers, agriculture input vendors, extension officers and government officials periodically to inform those reports, and understand the situation in the fields and along the value chains.

8.    Supporting digital innovation and capacity development for Iraq’s agriculture extension system
FAO will support ongoing extension activities and introduce innovation solutions to ensure that Iraqi farmers continue to have access to knowledge despite the pandemic. The project will distribute necessary equipment and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to extension staff, train extension officers on proper COVID-19 mitigation measures and develop a digital extension service platform, including a farmer-to-farmer information exchange forum. These measures will allow Iraq’s extension officers to continue to safely support farmers despite the pandemic, while also introducing innovative platforms that will allow farmers to be able to continue receiving information and advice despite physical distancing and other COVID-19 mitigation measures.