As violence tears through a war-wrecked country, vulnerability increases in Iraq, affecting large segments of the population with destruction and displacements.

An estimated two million displaced Iraqis have taken refuge with relatives, host families or in makeshift shelters or camps. Creating employment in these areas is crucial for the survival of these households and to ensure they are able to meet their food needs.

To provide temporary employment to the most crisis-affected households, FAO has kicked-off a Cash-for-Work program. The program will provide direct cash transfers to beneficiaries giving them the opportunity to cater to their immediate lifesaving necessities for the winter season.

Since last December Cash-for-Work activities have been performed in the most affected Governorates of Diyala and Baqouba. The activities have reached over 1000 beneficiaries engaged in the rehabilitation of irrigation canals, water drainage channels, farmlands and seedlings plantation in nurseries.

The Programme is expected to complete its activities by end of February 2015.