News & Events

FAO EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 2011

The Regional Senior Emergency Coordinator, Dr. Fadel El-Zubi, and on the occasion of World Food Day, was interviewed live on Dubai and MBC TV Channels, where he expressed his regret for the African Horn famine, confirming the need of immediate international response with this humanitarian crisis, also he stressed on the role of FAO seeking to overcome such situation, in order to avoid the aggravation of this crisis.

In a firm message to the International community, Dr. Fadel emphasized on the importance of directing the donor countries towards the justice achievement in distribution of food donations, and to face the death caused by hunger especially in the African Horn, saying that fighting hunger and tackling poverty are the first priorities of the organization and its work.”    

 

 

Click here to see video

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Meeting with the new SRSG
FAOR, Dr. Fadel ElZubi, met with the newly incoming Special Representative of the Secretary General for Iraq, Mr. Martin Kobler. Dr. Fadel welcomed the new SRSG to his new post. The two also discussed the ongoing activities of FAO in Iraq as well as the vision for the future of the Agriculture Sector throughout the country.

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Meeting with Babil and Missan Governorate
FAO Iraq Representative, Dr. Fadel El Zubi, welcomed the Governor of Babylon and Missan in a meeting in Amman where areas of future cooperation between FAO and the Governorate of Babylon and Missan were identified, culminating in FAO Iraq’s proposal to draw a strategy for further developing the agricultural sectors and the economy in Babylon.
More dialogues are planned, in the near future, between their respective governorate representatives and FAO experts to defining priorities in the projects and determine a precise roadmap for implementation, under the supervision and funding of the governorate.

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Meeting with Karbala
In September 2011, FAO-Iraq meet with Representatives from the Karbala Governorate to discuss possible interventions in the Governorate. Karbala Governorate Representatives recognized the value of various areas of intervention and projects targeting the priority areas in agriculture, as a catalyst to longer term development of the sector and agreed with the focus based on FAO’s comparative advantage and long association with reconstruction and development work in the agricultural sector in Iraq.

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Meeting with Dhi Qar
Deputy Governor of the Dhi Qar Governorate, HE Mr. Abdul Hassan Hadi, met with Dr. Fadel ElZubi and other FAO Chief Technical Advisors regarding future cooperation between the Dhi Qar Governorate and FAO-Iraq. The meeting consisted of issues regarding the agricultural priorities of the Dhi Qar Province and how FAO with its technical repertoire could assist in some of the long term objectives that the Province wants to encompass in the coming years.

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Meeting with Salahuddin
On October 16h, 2011, FAO-Iraq met with the officials from the Iraqi Governorate of Salahuddin. The two parties discussed the needs and priorities of the Governorate with regards to the agriculture and water sectors. Furthermore, future actions, activities and projects were broadly discussed outlining the possible solutions and steps that need to be taken in the coming future to tackle some of the ongoing issues that are underlying in the Salahuddin Governorate.

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Regional Conference on Statistics
FAOR, Dr. Fadel ElZubi, attended a conference on the usage of statistics in the Middle East and North Africa Region (MENA). The FAOR gave a short presentation highlighting the implementation of such statistics in practical application in countries such as Iraq.
 

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FAO Delegation discuss over the new coordination plan for projects

13 September, 2011

On the 13th of the September,  Erbil Governor along with the  FAO Delegation headed by Dr. Fadel Elzubi  (FAOR), Dr. Hilal Mohammed ( Deputy of FAOR) , Amjad Bitooshi (information officer) and Anwer Jahfar (OIC FAO Erbil Sub-Office), discuss over the new coordination plan for projects.

During the meeting the economic situation in the region together with activities and programs between Erbil & FAO were discussed.

The activities pertain to agriculture  products and Investments (BARHAMHENAN) , fish breading, irrigation, livestock breading, poultry, scientific use of mechanized irrigation systems and related modern technology were discussed.

More cooperation to achieve the joint programs from KRG 2012 budget and the Governor development funds were confirmed.

The preparation Programme for mitigating the drought effect, more facilitation to promote fish breading projects, milk cow farms, dairy products as well as some new irrigation and ponds for collecting rainwater deliberated on during the new joint activities

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Cooperation between the Thiqar Governorate and FAO-Iraq

Deputy Governor of the Thiqar Province of Iraq, HE Mr. Abdul Hassan Hadi, met with Dr. Fadel ElZubi and other FAO Chief Technical Advisor regarding future cooperation between the Thiqar Governorate and FAO-Iraq. The meeting consisted of issues regarding the agricultural priorities of the Thiqar Province and how FAO with its technical repertoire could assist in some of the long term objectives that the Province wants to encompass in the coming years.

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FAO Iraq Receives Governor of Babylon His Excellency Mohammed Ali Hussein Al Masoudi in Amman,

28 June, 2011
FAO Iraq Representative, Dr.Fadel El Zubi, welcomed the Governor of Babylon and his team of experts in a meeting where areas of future cooperation between FAO and the Governorate of Babylon were identified, culminating in FAO Iraq’s proposal to draw a strategy for further developing the agricultural sectors and the economy in Babylon.

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FAO Iraq and Ministries Establish a Roadmap to Agricultural Growth and Employment Generation in Iraq,

21 June, 2011

 The Iraq Agricultural Growth and Employment Generation Support program (I-AGES) meeting was convened by the Government of Iraq and the FAO in Beirut. The highly respected delegates discussed a roadmap for developing an evidence-based national agricultural policy and investment strategy.

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FAO Iraq Representative Receives Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq His Excellency Dr Saleh Mutlak,

8 June, 2011
The Deputy Prime Minister of Iraq, H.E. Dr. Saleh Mutlak, announced the prospect for establishing a unilateral government trust fund to facilitate future cooperation with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO). FAO-Iraq is developing a strategy to enhance agricultural production, generate income and employment opportunities for farming households and rural families, and assist with rehabilitation and reconstruction of Iraq’s agricultural infrastructure.

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FAO Iraq Delegation Meets with Governor of Basrah and Officials from Basrah Council,

5 June, 2011
FAO-Iraq’s technical experts met with the Governor of Basra, H.E Khalaf Abdel Samad, to discuss the critical role of fisheries and aquaculture development in the Governorate. An understanding was established between the leadership of Basra and FAO to pave the road towards increasing fish production activities to improve the food security and employment opportunities for the local population.

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FAO Discusses Agriculture Development and Future Assistance to Farmers with Different Ministries in Erbil, 2 June
The FAO delegation, led by Dr Fadel El Zubi FAO Representative of Iraq, was welcomed by the Governor of Erbil, H.E. Nawzad Hadi, in a visit to the Governorate to discuss a roadmap to revive the region’s agricultural sectors, including livestock, fisheries and modern irrigation systems. The roadmap aims to promote progress in agriculture production, provide incomes to farming communities and ensure food security for the Iraqi population.

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Water Conference
On February 20, 2011 FAOR, Dr. Fadel Elzubi, presented a case study on Iraq’s water resource challenges and the trans-boundary conflicts they are facing. The conference was hosted by Knowledge Kingdom. Members from both the Iraqi and Jordanian ministries were present at the conference. Dr. Fadel mentioned the history of the usage of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as well as the relationship that Turkey and Iran play in these issues. Dr. Fadel ended his presentation with recommendations on how Iraq has to move forward in solving their water resource situation.

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FAO Retreat
FAO-Iraq held an all-day mini-technical retreat on February 16th, 2011 at the Landmark Hotel in Amman. Officials from FAO’s Rome Headquarters were present along with the FAO representatives in both the Erbil and Baghdad office. The meeting focused on what FAO-Iraq needs to do to make sure an on time and high quality delivery of the projects and programmes that they are currently undertaking. Each project manager presented his projects and informed his colleagues on the current activities as well as the future activities that need to be undertaken. The retreat proved to be an excellent way to have all the employees on the same page heading into the year 2011.
 

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Central Statistics Organization (CSO)

In appreciation of International Statistics Day and the launch of the Iraqi National Census, Dr. Mahdi Al-Allaq through his representative, Mr. Abdur Razzak, on behalf of the Central Statistics Organization (CSO) presented FAOR, Dr. Fadel El-Zubi, an award to commend the cooperation and coordination of FAO in the development of the Iraqi National Census. CSO lauded that efforts and achievements of FAO and wished to continue the productive relationship it has had with FAO in the future.

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Conflict-related development analysis (CDA)

FAO has much experience in implementing projects in the DIBs area. The disputed internal boundaries (DIBs) between Iraq and the Kurdistan Regional Government are a complex environment where conflict is bound up with social, cultural and developmental factors. To address these challenges in a coordinated manner, the DIBs have been identified as a priority area for planning for the UN system in Iraq. UNDP is planning a conflict-related development analysis (CDA) in the DIBs areas, a tool to provide joint analysis with a number of Government and civil society stakeholders, analyze ongoing programming, and inform future strategy, programming, and partnership decisions, also regarding the sustainability of national and local capacities for conflict prevention and peace building. FAO is committed to evidence based planning, and this meeting was held at FAO-Iraq to discuss FAO’s experience in handling the conflicts that riddle the DIBs area and how FAO can play a part in alleviating the existing drivers of social conflict.

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Success Stories

1. Fisheries

These projects have enhanced the productivity in the aquaculture and fisheries sector through establishing and implementing modern technology and methods to vulnerable fishermen and farmers, creating job opportunities, improving livelihood, and generating income. It was estimated that more than 9,000 beneficiaries were directly impacted by these projects, and that women and children were indirectly benefiting from the resulting activities of their heads of households. Most importantly, this effort provides food security and self sufficiency in domestic production for the economy of Iraq because locally harvested fish have resulted in fish price dropping by stunning 40%. This success has led to the Private Sector in Iraq to adopting the same technology and will increase the pace of the rehabilitation of the fisheries sector in Iraq.

2. Livestock
The livestock project has introduced innovative techniques for efficient cattle breeding and management and has involved government institutions and producers to build their capacities in organizing the production base at a grassroots level with the aim of increasing their milk production quantitatively and qualitatively, reducing post-harvest losses, and creating market and employment opportunities along the dairy value chain in both rural and urban areas.
One of the main activities of the project is to ensure the complete rehabilitation of the artificial insemination activity. Complete rehabilitation of artificial insemination laboratories and importation of pure Friesian bulls from Australia was successfully conducted. The production of frozen semen straws was started since the middle of 2009 and by the end of that year more than 220,000 of frozen semen straws were produced. By this year, the production will cover more than 80% of the country need.
Along with the livestock breeding program, importation of 1000 heads as a nucleic stock of pure Alawasi Sheep was imported from Turkey which was located at Abu Gharib Animal Breeding Center in Baghdad. By end of 2010, the number of nucleic stock became 5,500 after three lambing seasons. The generation was distributed to the beneficiaries in Salah al-din and Karbala. The high performance achieved by this breed has resulted in several requests being received from different governorates to adopt this innovative technique.
 

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On January 13th, 2011, Dr. Fadel El-Zubi, FAOR, along with the rest of the United Nations Country Team for Iraq met in both Amman and Baghdad to sign Iraq’s first United Nations Development Assistance Framework (UNDAF). FAO-Iraq looks to continue its support to Iraq in the upcoming years through the provisions of the UNDAF and in coordination with the Iraqi Government. FAO-Iraq plans to help the Government with projects that promote inclusive, more equitable and sustainable economic growth, environmental management and compliance with ratified international environmental treaties, and increased access to quality essential services. FAO will co-chairing the Environment and Food Security PWGs providing FAO the platform to making a difference in Iraq.

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FAO EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 2010

 

I-AGES publishes its First Newsletter

AGES Newsletter No 1 - December 2010

Click here to view  

 

FAO Iraq made enormous strides in the past three months of May, June, and July across all projects and the programme. Not only did FAO manage to get approval and kickoff the Iraqi Agricultural Growth and Employment Support (I-AGES) and Developing Iraqi Agricultural and Agro-Industrial Data, Information Systems and Analytical Capacities (DIAS) programmes, but also successfully conducted over 5 workshops (national and international across 3 agricultural sectors), 4 steering committees, 2 technical meetings, and closed 1 project.

1. Strengthening of Zoonotic and Transboundary animal diseases control capacity of Iraqi Veterinary Services (OSRO/IRQ/707/UNDG)

Several training sessions were planned for this project in the last few months that are critical for improving animal and human health in Iraq.
Brucellosis training was successfully completed on July 20, 2010. 5 veterinarians, from GSCVS/MOA, were trained on Epidemiology, at Australian Biosecurity Cooperative Research Centre, in Australia/Perth. National Rabies workshop in was also completed recently in Iraq.
A training course for the same disease (Rabies) is completed in Morocco. Local training, on poultry diseases, was completed recently in Baghdad. Around 150 veterinarians and officials had attended this activity.
 

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2. Modernization and Development of the Dairy Cattle Sector in Iraq (OSRO/IRQ/707/UNDG)
 

Milk producers study tour in Morocco was completed for the fifteen candidates on

July 4, 2010 study tour including:

1- Participation in the discussion and evaluation of the organization of the dairy cattle sector with particular reference to milk collection centers and cooperatives in Morocco.

2- Visit to various institutions and meeting with relevant staff in charge.

3- The output of the study tour was significant exposure to the Moroccan experience in the organization of milk production, collection and processing at the regional level and was an example of how this sector could evolve in Iraq. The experience gained through field observations and discussions will upgrade the technical background and planning capacities of the participants. As the next immediate step, the experience gained from the study tour will be used to support on-going and planned activities under the present project and to expanding the experience gained in the pilot areas to other suitable regions of Iraq.

 

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3. Ninewa Governorate Visit to FAO-Iraq

On July 29, 2010, Dr. Fadel El-Zubi, the Head of Mission for FAO-Iraq, welcomed Mr. Atheel A. Alnujaifi, the Governor of Ninewa.
A proposed Ninewa Governorate FAO Assistance Strategy for the development of the agriculture sector was discussed at the Ninewa FAO Workshop. Interest was shown by them in sectors: A. Fisheries. B. Water Harvesting C. Dairy and Small Ruminants D. Seeds and Crops E. Pasture and Range lands F. Agro-industry.
The MOU and Project Concept notes were developed and endorsed by the Governor.
Please note that Anbar Delegation is expected to arrive next, in the ongoing unilateral strategy and collaboration effort with the decision makers in Iraq, to implement sustainable improvements to agricultural sector.
 

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4. Water Hyacinth Workshop

A Workshop was held on 4-5 July on Management Strategies used for Eradication of Nile Flower. This initiative was ground breaking work to target eradication of Water Hyacinth, which has led to infrastructure damage and water waste in Iraq. Ministry of Water Resources and a technical expert from FAO HQ contributed to the discussions and offered their views on solving the problem and programmatic approaches to tackle the situation, as reflected in the FAO Iraq produced PCN. The proposal was presented to MoWR for funding arrangements.
 

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Iraqi Society Fish Producers Site Visit:

ISFP had site visit for Al- Sawarya Hatchery Center (MoA - JBFRD) on April 22, 2010 at Kut. During their visit, 22 participants who are farm and hatchery owners were introduced to the use and benefits of the Closed Recirculation System and the Chinese Style Hatchery System. In collaboration with FAO national coordinator, ISFP staff was given details on the production and operation process of these advanced systems. This visit is an important step towards increasing fish production and food security.  

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     Basra Governorate Visit to FAO-Iraq       

On April 24, 2010, Dr. Fadel El-Zubi, the Head of Mission for FAO-Iraq, welcomed Dr. Ahmad Hamed Al-Hussni the Deputy Governor of Basra, and Dr.Muhssin Abd Al Hay, Dr. Sajed Al-Noor who are some of the other Basra representatives.

A proposed Basra Governorate FAO Assistance Strategy for the development of the agriculture sector was discussed at the Basra FAO Workshop. Particular interest was shown by them in:  A. Sustainable Salt Water Fisheries.  B. Irrigation and Water Management. C. Development of Veterinary Services, Milk Production, Food Safety and Quality Control. D.  Development and Rehabilitation of Date Palm sector.                                      

This event is a great achievement for FAO Iraq in the collaboration effort with the decision makers in Iraq, to implement sustainable improvements to agricultural sector.

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Diyala Governorate Visit to FAO-Iraq

On February 26, 2010, the Diyala Governor and some of the representatives visited FAO-Iraq. A proposed Diyala Governorate FAO Assistance Strategy for the development of the agriculture sector was discussed at the Diyala FAO Workshop. Particular interest was shown by them in:  A. Agro-Industry in the Marshlands   B. Rehabilitation of Veterinary Sector   C. Fisheries and Aquaculture Development    D. On Farm Irrigation                                          

The event is yet another great achievement for FAO Iraq in the collaboration effort with the decision makers in Iraq, to implement sustainable improvements to agricultural sector.

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Cattle Embryo Transfer Training

FAO, in collaboration with Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, conducted training on cattle embryo transfer in Al-Nahrain University / Biotechnology Research Center in Baghdad, February 14, 2010 – March 2, 2010. This training is a major milestone in capacity building in the livestock sector of Iraq, with such high level of technical

 training being the first for Iraq.

 

 

 

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ANIMAL IDENTIFICATION AND REGISTRATION SYSTEMS TRAINING

FAO Training Workshop for Iraqi Experts from the MoA on Animal Identification and Registration Systems (January 18-22, 2010)

FAO-Iraq is conducting a training workshop on Animal Identification and Registration Systems in Iraq from January 18 to 22, 2010. The objective of this workshop is to enhance the capacity of MoA staff to develop the animal identification and registration systems in Iraq. This workshop will be attended by 15 experts from the Ministry of Agriculture in Iraq. To encourage the exchange of animal identification and registration methods in the region, experts from Palestine and Jordan will also attend. The training workshops will be facilitated by lecturers from Jordan, Morocco, Tunisia, Germany and FAO.

This workshop comes at a crucial time in Iraq. With the recurrence and spread of transboundary disease such as Foot and Mouth Disease, the identification and registration of livestock has become incredibly important to mitigate the loss of livestock, and most importantly, protect human health. This workshop will provide experts with knowledge of the latest techniques in animal identification and registration which they can take back to colleagues in their respective departments in the MoA and utilize to implement sustainable and effective strategies.

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FAO EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 2009

 

WORLD SUMMIT ON FOOD SECURITY

Please note that in addition to the local radio channels, the Summit was broadcasted on the below national and regional satellite news channels:

- MBC

- Al Arabia

- Iraqia TV

- Al Hurra

Cognizant of the importance of the dissemination of information on Hunger Summit, the local and regional media of TV and radios channels as well as the specialized media of the UNAMI-Iraq broadcast and Public Information sections have broadcasted on the issue as a news clipping.

In the occasion of the "World Summit on Food Security", Dr. Fadel was invited by the popular 'MBC' Arab satellite channel to be interviewed on the issue. The interview was part of the daily “MBC Good Morning Arabs” programme and highlighted the commencement of the Summit today, its purpose and goals and FAO's agenda in this regards.

The interview lasted for 15 minutes and included a report prepared by MBC on the hunger in the Middle East, the clip of Mr. Jacques Diouf on the petition to end hunger, the fact of the fasting of Mr. Diouf and the UN Secretary General Mr. Ban Ki-moon and activities of the summit underway.

Worth mentioning the MBC is the most widely watched Arabic Satellite Channel in the region and the Arab world.

     Where do the hungry live?

 

      Click here for the World Hunger Map

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FAO-Iraq supporting rural households by improving their food security and nutrition.

The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) will support drought-stricken rural households in Iraq by helping families establish home gardens and backyard gardening in an effort to increase food production and household nutrition levels. This was made possible through the generous contribution of USD 3 million from AusAID.

Click here to view  Press Release

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FAO TCES Regional Operational Meeting

FAO held a Operational Meeting at the Dead Sea to discuss issues of concern to FAO operations in Iraq as well as the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The meeting discussed areas of potential areas of collaboration and cooperation between the FAO programmes in the region in order to maximize comparative advantage of FAO in emergency and development work.

The meeting included a session on RBM conducted by colleagues from the M&E Unit at UNAMI.

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FAO-Iraq and Ministry of State for the Marshlands

Joint Programming for the Development of the Iraqi Marshlands 

FAO-Iraq and the Ministry of State for the Marshlands Affairs have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on the joint coordination for the development of the Iraqi marshlands.

The signed MOU entails an agreement on a five-year medium term Joint Programming Strategy for the rehabilitation and development of the Marshlands area in Iraq. The framework and structure of the said Strategy was discussed in length during the Validation Workshop that took place over 11 and 12 march 2009 at the Meridian Hotel in Amman.

In order to ensure a comprehensive dialogue and discussions and also to guarantee the best impact of the meeting, all stakeholders were represented at the Validation Workshop: technical staff from the Iraqi Ministry of State for the Marshlands Affairs, representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture/Directors of Agriculture, representative from the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources, representatives from the Iraqi Ministry of Higher Education/University of Basra, representatives from the Iraqi Private Sector, Donors, the UN Country Team (the DSRSG and sister agencies) and FAO technical staff from the field as well as from FAO HQ in Rome.     

-          Technology Transfer,

-          Capacity Building, and

-          Investment for Agriculture Development. 

As explained above, six main areas were previously identified as priority. Consequently, projects proposals were prepared jointly by the technical staff from FAO and the Iraqi Ministry of State for the Marshlands Affairs. The proposals were discussed in details during the workshop and comments were discussed to be incorporated in the final projects documents. 

As discussed during the meeting, the funding requirement for the comprehensive programmes implementation is US$ 47 million. The Iraqi Ministry of State for the Marshlands Affairs has already committed for the year 2009 a total of US$ 5 million in support of the proposed projects. Additional Donor funding is sought for the prompt implementation of the programmes. 

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Meeting with the Special Representative of the Secretary General:

On January 26, 2009 a meeting took place between FAO-Iraq O-i-C and the Special Representative of the Secretary General (DSRSG) Mr. David Shearer at FAO-Iraq premises in Amman.  The meeting discussed the FAO’s ongoing and planned activities primarily the cooperation between FAO and the Ministry of State for the Marshlands as well as the UN Country Team future operations in Iraq. follow up by the DSRSG’s office took place also with other UN sister agencies and it was subsequently agreed to make use of the planned FAO/MOM validation workshop where a one-day meeting would take place (one day prior to the FAO workshop) between the UN agencies and the minister of MOM and technical staff and subsequently the FAO validation workshop with the MOM would take place over 11 and 12 March, 2009.

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Meeting with the Iraqi Director General for Livestock

A meeting was organized on January 27at the FAO-Iraq premises in Amman with Mr. Salah Kawaz – the Director General for Livestock at the Iraqi MOA. The meeting discussed updates on the FAO interventions to develop the Iraqi agriculture particularly the Livestock and Veterinary Services. Dr. Salah expressed his appreciation to FAO interventions in Iraq and conveyed HE the Minister of Agriculture’s regards.

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First Dairy Project Steering Committee

The 1st Project Steering Committee for the “Modernization and Development of the Dairy Cattle Sector in Iraq” project took place in Amman over 2 and 3 March 2009.

The meeting was chaired by the FAO-Iraq O-i-C, Dr. Fadel Elzubi and facilitated by the FAO technical staff in the presence of the FAO technical staff from FAO HQ in.

The project builds upon achievements of recently completed FAO emergency assistance programs to Iraq in re-establishment of essential livestock services which have collapsed due to widespread looting and damage during the war in 2003.   

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FAO and Minister of State for the Marshlands cooperation:

On Monday December 15, 2008, a high level meeting took place between H.E. the Minister of state for the Marshlands (MoM) Mr. Hasan Al Sari and the FAO-Iraq team headed by the FAO-Iraq O-i-C Dr. Fadel El Zubi. The meeting commenced with a comprehensive brief from Dr. El Zubi on the FAO emergency and rehabilitation activities in Iraq and the planned future interventions and concluded with a request from HE the Minister of MOM to develop a strategic plan for a joint programming interventions between FAO and the MOM to rehabilitate the Marshlands.

 As agriculture is the backbone sector in the Marshlands, a team of technical staff from MOM and FAO commenced with preparing a programmatically comprehensive and sound coordination framework based on MOM priorities and the worldwide FAO’s expertise in this field and its comparative advantages to rehabilitate and revitalize the Marshlands and improve the lives and livelihoods of the Marsh Arabs.

 A joint programming document was drafted and is currently under discussions and revision from both parties. The document will be further discussed in details during the workshop scheduled to take place in March 2009. The event is planned to be a forum for discussing the details of the FAO’s interventions in the Marshlands under the UN Country Team; a one-day session chaired by the DSRSG – Mr. David Shearer is scheduled to take place one day before the FAO validation workshop. The session would be dedicated for interactions between HE the Minister and his technical team, Iraqi officials from related authorities and related UN agencies.

 In order to enrich the discussions and produce a comprehensive joint programming framework, the FAO validation workshop will be attended by technical staff from the MOM, technical staff from the related Iraqi authorities, related Iraqi Directors of Agriculture, technical staff from FAO HQ in Rome, technical staff from FAO in eth field, related UN agencies, Universities, Private Sector and national and intonations NGOs and governmental and semi-governmental entities.  

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Seed II project Inception Meeting

The First Project Steering Committee (PSC) – Inception Meeting for the OSRO/IRQ/703/UNG (Seeds II) project took place last week (4 and 5 December 2008).

The agenda for the meeting was prepared on a lessons-learned basis from the Seeds I project. The meeting was chaired by Dr. Fadel El Zubi – FAO-Iraq O-i-C and was facilitated and led by Mr. Werner Chakkalakal – Senior Project Coordinator, FAO HQ Rome. The inception meeting was attended by MOA technical staff (the Advisor to the Minister of Agriculture, Chief Researcher at the MOA-Iraq and the National Project Coordinator) as well as FAO technical team.

Membership of the PSC was approved in addition to the Terms of Reference (TORs) of the PSC,  the project workplan, location for the activities, equipment and infrastructure requirements and the training programmes and modules.

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AFSSOT priority pipeline projects:

In November 2008, the Agriculture and Food Security Sector Outcome Team (AFSSOT) has prepared and organized the below list of pipeline projects as priority for consideration by the Donor Community. 

 

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Notes on Iraq National Seed Policy 2008 Published
The adoption by the Government of Iraq of the National Seed Policy is a milestone in the country’s agricultural thrust as the document provides the blueprint for Iraq’s seed industry development. The Policy document is an output of the FAO on-going project “Rehabilitation and Development of the National Seed Industry in Iraq”. It is a comprehensive document which was formulated following a consultative process with holding of the National Seed Policy Forum and very close collaboration between FAO and the Iraqi Ministry of Agriculture.  The Policy prescribes strategies and modalities to establish short, medium and long term goals and programmes for Iraqi seed industry components such as variety development, seed production seed quality control services, seed marketing and trade, etc. It aims to provide the guiding principles for all seed related activities and accordingly lead to enhance the performance and increasing the capacity of the national seed industry.  The Policy puts an emphasis on an effective role for the private sector and making the seed industry commercially competitive 

Towards assisting the Government in implementation of the Policy, FAO as an activity of the on-going seed project has supported the preparation of the initial draft of the Seed Law upon review of the existing pieces of legislation pertaining to seed sector. The Government has been requested to take necessary action on fine-tuning the draft among others with holding stake-holders seminars and meetings in the country. 

It is noteworthy to quote among others the following remarks of HE Dr. Ali H.K. Al-Behadli, Minister of Agriculture on the policy adoption foreword: 

Quote 

“I believe that this Policy should provide the enabling environment for sustaining and enhancing growth of the Iraq seed industry over the long term. I would therefore like to call upon all stakeholders, particularly the international agencies and donors for their support and cooperation to make this Policy a success”

 Unquote  

FAO World Food Day World Food Security: the Challenges of Climate Change and Bio-energy

FAO celebrates World Food Day each year on 16 October, the day on which the Organization was founded in 1945.

 

This year’s World Food Day activities will focus on Climate change and bioenergy which is expected to involve over 150 countries.

 

 

WFD news clipping       WFD08 information       photo gallery

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Under its Livestock and Veterinary Services as well as the Seeds Programmes, FAO has received additional US$ 7.3 million cover the below two projects:

 - Modernization and Development of the Dairy Cattle Sector in Iraq (A5-24) US$ 4.4 million;

 -  Rehabilitation and Development of the National Vegetable Seed Industry in Iraq (A5-25) US$ 2.8 million.

Preparations for the projects implementation already started to ensure prompt and efficient execution of the two projects.

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FAO Strategy in Iraq Approved

Under the patronage of the Iraqi Minister of Agriculture, H.E. Dr. Ali Al Bahadli and the high level Iraqi delegation and the FAO-Iraq Officer in Charge, Dr. Fadel El Zubi and the senior FAO delegation from HQ, the FAO Strategy in Iraq was approved and signed at the end of a three day validation workshop in April 08 in Amman.

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Seed Legislative Review Meeting

The National Seed Policy was adopted by the Government of Iraq withs signature affixed on the Document by H.E. Dr. Ali Al-Behadli, the Minister of Agriculture on 16 June 2006. Subsequently, efforts were invested in reviewing the existing seed legislation in Iraq and the Seed Legislative Review Meeting took place on 30 June 08 in Amman chaired by FAO-TCES Senior Project Coordinator, Mr. Werner Chakkalakal (second from the left) with the objective of drafting a seeds legislation. ___________________________________________________________

FAO-Iraq Relocated Office

After months of preparations, FAO-Iraq relocated office to Amman moved from its premises (in Shmesani area) to a new location at Um-Uthaina, Amman. The new premises was inaugurated by the FAO Chief TCES Mr. Christian Miczaika (left).  

AFSSOT Regular Meeting

The Agriculture & Food Security Sector Outcome Team (AFSSOT) held its last meeting on August, 21, 2008.  The meeting focused on reviewing and discussing a number of outstanding issues, including three proposed project documents.

Of the eight SOTs within the Iraq UNCT, the AFSSOT is lead by FAO (Mr. Rajan Chhabra- Sector Leader/ FAO Senior Executive Officer) with membership of UNIDO, WFP, IOM, UNESCO, and UNOPS as well as CHF International, ACTED and IRD.

AFSSOT members have also created three study groups for the cross-cutting issues to develop project concept notes covering the topics of decentralization, public and private sector reforms.

Pumping Station

FAO constructed a drainage Pumping Station (Drain 22 ) at Al Mussaib Irrigation Scheme  consisting of 8 pumps with total capacity of 8.0 m3/sec that will facilitate the drainage of an area of 2 500 ha to eliminate water lagging and salinity problems that are restricting farming. The pumping station was fully constructed in early July and will be fully operational by August. 

 

 

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Drainage Systems Programme 

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