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Iraq Pilot Farm

Project Overview

The Iraq Pilot Farm Project is the first of its kind – a regenerative farm in Iraq. Iraq is already feeling the first hand effects of climate change. According to the United Nations, Iraq is one of five countries in the world worst affected by climate change, 92% of its land is at risk of desertification and temperatures are rising seven times faster than the global average.

Enduring Harvest was established in 2020 to provide food security, education and economic opportunities for at-risk communities and mitigate the devastating effects of climate change across the globe. Our first project, The Iraq Pilot Farm Project, is designed to deliver all of our core goals in Iraq.

About the Iraq Pilot Farm Project

The Iraq Pilot Farm is located in the southern Province of Al-Muthanna near the city of Samawah, Iraq which was chosen due to its remote, peaceful location and the positive impact the farm would have on the environment and the people. In 2021, Enduring Harvest purchased a 20-acre plot of land with the goal of transforming compact, lifeless soil into a thriving regenerative agricultural hub. The land has been seriously degraded in the area due to centuries of overgrazing and destructive farming practices. Many of the local community members in this region are widows or orphans living in extreme poverty due to the generations of war and lack of opportunities. This project focuses on helping those individuals by implementing educational programs, teaching regenerative farming methods and income-generating skills.

Current Progress

After the 20-acre plot of land was purchased, we went straight to work. Local Agricultural Engineers and Farm Managers have been hired, the soil has been prepared to sustain life, and local families were hired to develop compost to soften the soil. A variety of crops have been planted and small animals have been introduced to the farm. The most efficient irrigation system to date, Responsive Drip Irrigation, has been installed to ensure no water goes to waste. Additionally, solar batteries, state-of-the-art farming equipment, excess water storage and shelter for livestock have already been established on the farm.

The Future of the Iraq Pilot Farm Project

 

In the next decade, we plan to vastly improve the natural conditions of this region for the local communities and assist them with the agricultural and income producing skills they need to counteract the effects of climate change, starting with our 20-acre regenerative farm. This farm will act as a blueprint for what we are hoping to replicate with other regenerative projects in other at-risk nations.

Project Concept
  • 1. Aquaculture and ProcessingExisting in a custom-built or prefabricated structure, the fishponds used to raise and farm fish provide nutrient-rich water that is pumped through the hydroponics, closed-loop system. We can improve plant and fish health by oxygenating the water using EarthWise Global’s nano-bubble technology.
  • 2. Solar panels with battery storageThese solar panels are ground-mounted, making it more efficient for maintenance. Simple, widely used techniques can be used keeping solar panels cool and clean in. They will be powered Gel Acid or Lithium-Ion battery storage and as a back-up, a gas generator can be used.
  • 3. Irrigation system (Responsive Drip Irrigation)Responsive Drip Irrigation uses 30-50% less water than Standard Drip Irrigation (which is 40% more efficient than conventional irrigation). It will be installed 8in deep by a tape-injector and 16 inches apart. For trees, additional vertical feeders needed down the sides of the trees allows for deeper tree roots. This Irrigation system will be fed by gravity storage tanks and is designed to last 10-30 years once installed.
  • 4. Water retention ponds/Outdoor FishpondsThese have been dug in-ground and lined with a pond liner. They will be used to raise fish, creating extra revenue and nutrients for plants. Various plants like Duckweed, Azolla and seaweed can be raised in ponds to attract insects and/or feed fish directly. Fish water can be pumped to the irrigation storage tanks, serving as a large reservoir for irrigation. This will prevent the extraction of water and other natural resources from the surrounding area.
  • 5. Grazing LivestockA mix of goats, sheep, cows, and other grazing animals are vital to the regenerative aspect of the farm. They will all be holistically managed to prepare the land for planting crops by will providing natural fertilizer for the crops and trees. This will efficiently create healthier soil and farmlands.
  • 6. Mobile Chicken CoopChickens will follow grazing livestock by a few days, feeding off insects that appear after grazing. The chicken eggs will provide ongoing source of income. Mobile chicken coops can be built out of readily available materials and directed using mobile electric fencing.
  • 7. Trees/Permaculture/AgroforestryThe trees will be planted in tight rows alternating patterns approx. 25-30ft apart. Specific tree species will be selected that are climate tolerant and have multiple functions. Produce crops that can be harvested from the trees are fruit, nuts, timber, or other similar products.
  • 8. Crops/Alley CroppingCrops will be Irrigated with RDI system and soil, water, and air conditions will be monitored using Agrology sensors and app-based platform for the most efficient crop yield. We use a state-of-the-art machinery to insure no-till plant to keep the integrity of the soil. The ground will be fertilized by the livestock, and a mix of cash crops, cover crops, herbs, spices, and medicinal crops will be grown based on grazing and seasonal schedules.

This project is possible thanks to donors like you.

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