Successful closure of the TMT+Iraq project titled “Capacity building for water experts' network and integrated entrepreneurship”

This TMT+ project was funded by Nuffic and led by SLM group in Wageningen University and Research. It aimed to strengthen the capacities of the staff of Salahaddin and Kerbala universities, and also of other organisations (such as MoWR, MoA, MoWR, NGOs, Private sector etc.) to adapt to water scarcity and increase the agricultural production.

This TMT+ was building on the results achieved in previous TMT+ and OKP-ICP projects in Iraq (SLM was leading the OKP-ICP project and part of TMT+). Therefore, during the running of this project many trainings were provided in topics related to climate-smart irrigation, salinity and soil management, enhancing agricultural production, empowering famers, curricula assessments and development, field work, entrepreneurship trainings. The university staff, and the experts from ministries, NGO and private sectors gained more skills to support climate-smart agriculture strategies in Iraq to mitigate the salinity impact and enhance agricultural production. The participants made designs for water and soil problems in their regions for the farms that we did field work during this project.

Beside to the technical trainings, a special focus was on proving training on transferring knowledge to farmers: the trainees in this project got training on how to strengthen the role of famers in the farm management and provide training from farmers to famers. The PIP approachwas introduced and applied for the first time in Iraq. PIP is an acronym for the FrenchPlan Intégré du Paysanor Integrated Farm Plan. Which aim for giving the farmers a leading role in envisioning a better future and planning to motivate them to lead transition towards adapting sustainable land and water management practices in their farms.

Another key achievement is the initiation of drafting efforts to implement a network platform for CSA experts in Iraq. This TMT+ project aimed not only to provide capacity building but also to ensure sustainability by disseminating knowledge beyond the project's duration. Establishing this network will enable water and soil experts to promote collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, leading to long-term benefits for both Iraqi society and the environment.

This network will provide opportunities to connect with the private sector and build a network of contacts within the agricultural industry, including fellow graduates, faculty, and industry professionals. It will serve as a sustainable knowledge hub, facilitating future training and consultancy efforts. The water experts who participated in the project have already started collaborating, with a mutual decision to continue working together in the future.