Dorcas Iraq
Empowering communities to adapt to climate change
We see communities where resilience and livelihoods are threatened by climate change. Our programmes therefore focus on Climate Adaptation, Water, and Livelihoods and Food Security. The result is stable and resilient communities where individuals regain their dignity and secure climate-adapted livelihoods
Context in Iraq
About Iraq
Iraq faces overlapping crises. Over one-sixth of the population lives in poverty, with unemployment affecting nearly one-fifth. More than 1.1 million Iraqis remain internally displaced alongside 180,000 refugees. Climate change is compounding these pressures: water bodies have shrunk to a quarter of their original size over the past four decades, while rising temperatures and desertification threaten agriculture, food security and community stability
Dorcas in Iraq
Dorcas has been active in Iraq since 2015. We work across three governorates – Ninewa, Duhok and Basra – and have transitioned from humanitarian assistance to long-term climate resilience programming. Our hybrid model combines direct implementation with local partnerships, enabling us to reach drought-affected, conflict-affected and environmentally stressed communities. Our long-term presence and trusted relationships position us as a growing actor in climate resilience in Iraq.
By 2030, we envision an Iraq where:
What we do
Programmatic themes
Dorcas Iraq works through three programmatic themes. All programmes integrate inclusion, protection, climate sensitivity and community ownership.
We enable farmers and citizens to adapt, protect themselves and build resilience to climate impacts. In Sinjar, 40,000 Waterboxx units and fruit tree seedlings were distributed to 800 households, supporting climate-resilient orchards across 20 communities.
We provide communities with access to clean water and promote its sustainable use. In Sinjar, the rehabilitation of boreholes and water networks provided 6,500 people with reliable access to safe drinking water across 10 communities.
We support people in finding sustainable livelihoods and we strengthen food security. Through the Home Gardening Project, 1,300 individuals received agricultural inputs, improving household income and access to fresh, nutritious food.
How the Waterboxx makes a difference in Iraq
In Iraq, the challenges posed by climate change are enormous, with temperatures rising seven times faster than the global average. Over the next decade, Iraq is expected to experience significant increases in flooding, drought and desertification.
To address these challenges, it is essential to implement climate-smart agricultural approaches that enhance climate resilience and strengthen communities. The Waterboxx is a technology that can contribute to this effort
Our impact in 2020-2025
Climate Adaptation
- 12,000 forest trees planted, restoring 24 hectares of degraded land through reforestation and afforestation.
- 5,000 Waterboxxes and fruit tree seedlings provided to 100 farmers to enhance climate resilient agriculture.
- Over 30 communities supported with improved climate resilience interventions (e.g. through provision of climate-smart agriculture, climate awareness sessions, and Waterboxx).
- 75 farmers strengthened their knowledge and adoption of climate smart agriculture practices.
Water
- Over 90,000 people gained access to clean water for drinking, agricultural, and domestic use.
Livelihoods and Food Security
- More than 9,000 people experienced improved food security.
- Over 140 households reported increased income.
- 80 households benefited from vocational and skills-based training.
- Approximately 400 households gained short-term employment through cash-for-work activities.
- More than 1,500 households received agricultural inputs, including greenhouses, home gardens, open-farm support, livestock, and fodder.
How we work
Local leadership and partnerships
Dorcas Iraq works with local, national and international partners, including authorities, civil society organisations, research institutes, private-sector actors and community groups. Our partnerships are built on trust, shared values and long-term commitment.
- Harikar
- PWJ
- Ashour
- UNOCHA
- World Vision
- Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Terre des Hommes
- Dutch Relief Alliance
- Nadia's Initiative
- PerspActive Iraq
- Misereor
- GIZ
- UAE
- Cash Working Group (CWG) – Iraq
- Iraq Cash Forum (ICF)
- Returns Working Group (RWG) – Iraq
- Durable Solutions Technical
- Working Group (DSTWG)
Joint Coordination Forum (JCF) – Ninewa - Area-Based Coordination (ABC) – Sinjar
- Informal Iraq INGO Country Directors Group
- Shared values and mutual respect
- Complementary strengths
- Transparent communication
- Long-term commitment
- Local leadership
- Joint learning and adaptation
Partnership and investment opportunities
We seek partners who share our commitment to climate resilience, local leadership and long-term impact. We welcome programme partnerships, institutional funding, research collaborations and private-sector engagement.
'Dorcas has been a reliable and principled partner, strengthening protection services and coordination while maintaining high technical and accountability standards.'
Meet our Country Director
Sargon Oraha
'My vision is communities across Ninewa, Duhok, and Basra that have built resilience and secured climate-adapted livelihoods. Join us as work with local partners and authorities on climate adaptation and protection initiatives so that Iraqis in vulnerable situations can flourish with dignity and opportunities.'
Contact
Dorcas Iraq office
Mamstreet 59, Botan Residential Area, Dohuk, KR-I, Iraq
Downloads
Download our publications about Dorcas Iraq.
