Hawija restores its agricultural and economic activity through an international organization project

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[size=52]Hawija restores its agricultural and economic activity through an international organization project[/size]

[size=45]Translation / Hamed Ahmed[/size]
[size=45]Through a coalition that brought together the organization, Delphi, the Dutch International for Agricultural Projects and the Iraqi NGO Al-Ghad, a project was launched to provide sustainable livelihoods for the people of Hawija. Job training and grants will help hundreds of farmers and agricultural professionals, many of whom are women and youth, to permanently improve their livelihoods.[/size]
[size=45]The city of Hawija and its administrative center was characterized by a complex political and social history, where it witnessed many violent local conflicts and battles, the last of which was its occupation by ISIS for the period from 2014 to 2017.[/size]
[size=45]Before ISIS invaded, Hawija was one of the largest agricultural centers in Iraq, one of the most important areas for cotton production, and the second largest producer of fruits, vegetables, wheat, barley and corn in the country.[/size]
[size=45]The majority of the people of Hawija depend on agriculture. With its proximity to the Little Zab River and two major water stations, the Hawija area was and still is suitable for agricultural production. However, during the war against ISIS, the people of Hawija and its infrastructure suffered devastating consequences.[/size]
[size=45]Daphne Van Dam, director of the Cordide Development Program in Iraq, said, “The people of Hawija are finding it very difficult to rebuild their lives. The war destroyed their livelihood and they were left alone with their unresolved psychological troubles. Developing an integrated empowerment program with sustainable economic development and psychosocial support is vital.”[/size]
[size=45]Within a coalition between the Netherlands and local partners specialized in developing the agricultural environment in fragile areas affected by the battles, this project supports the people of Hawija in rebuilding their livelihood.[/size]
[size=45]Over a period of six months, this project will support 250 farmers, including 100 women and another 60% youth, through capacity building as well as business and field training. After completing this, grants will be given to 95 farmers to develop their irrigation systems and follow-up training to implement what they have learned on the ground.[/size]
[size=45]75 agribusiness associates (including at least 30 women and 30 youths) will participate in labor management skills development training. 35 business owners will receive grants to invest in their business and personal training.[/size]
[size=45]In order to raise awareness and engage agro-ecosystem activists, links to market events and local education workshops designed to make food systems more sustainable have been established.[/size]
[size=45]The project is implemented by the United Nations Development Program in partnership with the Cordide Foundation, the NGO Al-Ghad and Delphi, with funding from the German Federal Ministry of Development and Economic Cooperation. Other than this funding, the Cordide Foundation has allocated funding from it. This will allow the participation of an additional 45 farmers to receive grants.[/size]
[size=45]With regard to mental health care and support for the social and psychological aspect, sufficient funds were provided for this aspect, as most, if not all, of the participants had experienced hardships and psychological trauma.[/size]
[size=45]These experiences have profoundly affected people's private lives and careers. For this reason, throughout the life of the project, a psychologist, two social workers and a protection officer are available to serve all participants. If treatment is needed, a psychologist will be present to place the concerned participants in more specialized mental care services.[/size]
[size=45]During all activities, the Cordide Foundation cooperates closely with the city's local committees. And always have an advisory role in all activities. Through them, the activity of the people is at the center of the project.[/size]
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