Iraq
Empowering communities to adapt to climate change
Iraq is recovering from decades of war and political instability. Now the country faces a new challenge: the consequences of climate change. Drought, desertification, extreme heat and water scarcity threaten the livelihoods of millions. Dorcas focuses on empowering communities to adapt through climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices.
Population: 46.5 million · Poverty rate: 18.9% · Our reach in 2024: 4,435 people
Overview
Dorcas works in remote regions of Iraq, supporting local communities as they adapt to the consequences of climate change. Our programmes focus on climate-smart agriculture, raising awareness and promoting sustainable soil and water management practices.
Climate-smart Agriculture
We distribute fruit tree seedlings and Waterboxx plant cocoons to farmers in arid regions. The Waterboxx is an innovative device that improves tree survival rates in dry conditions by collecting and storing water. Trees provide shade, counteract erosion and help mitigate the effects of sandstorms.
Awareness Campaigns
Dorcas runs awareness campaigns about environmental education in communities across Iraq. In schools, homes and public spaces, we focus on the risks of climate change and the importance of environmental health. These campaigns help communities understand how to protect their environment and adapt to changing conditions.
Climate Adaptation Training
We build the capacity of farmers and government staff through training on resilience to changing weather patterns, droughts, and pests and diseases. By sharing knowledge and practical skills, we help communities prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change on their agricultural practices.
Iraq's urgent need for climate-smart agriculture
Iraq faces severe water deficit and land degradation. The Waterboxx plant cocoon offers an innovative solution for establishing trees in desert conditions. This article explores how the Waterboxx makes a difference for Iraqi farmers and communities.
Dorcas in Iraq
Nadia's Initiative: The Pursuit of Justice
In August 2014, IS attacked the Sinjar district in northern Iraq. 5,000 Yazidis were killed, and thousands of women and girls were captured and sold into slavery. Nadia Murad, a young Yazidi woman, was among those taken. After escaping, she became a global advocate for survivors of sexual violence, winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2018.
Through Nadia's Initiative, Dorcas partners to provide WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) services and support the Yazidi community in their pursuit of justice and recovery.
Meet our Country Director
Sargon Oraha - Country Director Iraq
'Our strategic focus on climate adaptation reflects Iraq's most pressing need. We are building resilience through scalable, community-driven solutions and evidence-based programming that empowers local communities to thrive despite environmental challenges.'
Our partners
Dorcas works together with local partners and international organisations in Iraq.
- Harikar
- CAPNI
- PWJ
- UNOCHA
- World Vision
- Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Terre des Hommes
- Dutch Relief Alliance
- Nadia's Initiative
- PerspActive Iraq
- Misereor
- GIZ
- UAE
Contact Dorcas Iraq
Address
Mamstreet 59, Botan Residential Area, Dohuk, KR-I, Iraq
Phone
+964 750 031 5150
Downloads
Download our publications about Dorcas Iraq.