Improving resilience to conflicts and climate change impacts

Context

The region of Anbar in western Iraq is experiencing the growing impacts of climate change. Water scarcity, degraded arable land, and damaged infrastructure are worsening the situation. The challenges of post-war administration further complicate recovery efforts. Agriculture is struggling due to droughts, dwindling water resources, and inefficient irrigation systems. As internally displaced people return, pressure on infrastructure and services intensifies, fuelling social and tribal tensions and escalating conflicts over resource distribution.

Despite reconstruction efforts, the region continues to feel the lasting effects of conflict, even years after liberation from the self-proclaimed Islamic State. Meanwhile, the government faces mounting economic and social challenges posed by climate change.

Objective

Anbar’s population is more resilient in dealing with conflicts and the impacts of climate change.

Approach

The project advises local authorities, agricultural institutions and peace actors in strengthening conflict resilience and climate adaptation in the agricultural sector. Evidence-based information management systems enhance the public administration’s decision-making on climate adaptation by collecting and analysing relevant data to develop efficient strategies for addressing climate-related challenges.

In addition, the project implements the following measures:

• In partnership with GOPA AFC GmbH, it promotes the development of a knowledge system to train agricultural institutions and farmers in climate-friendly farming methods.
• It assists agricultural organisations in improving their business models and facilitates farmers’ access to microloans.
• It employs a conflict early warning system to support peace actors dentify, analyse and manage conflicts.
• It supports local decision-makers in ensuring the inclusion of women and vulnerable groups in municipal decision-making processes.

Last update: March 2025