Development of conservation cropping systems in the drylands of northern Iraq - Final report

This project aimed to consolidate and expand research conducted in Ninevah (Iraq) and Aleppo (Syria) and promote conservation cropping practices to wider areas within Ninevah, and the new governorates of Kirkuk, Salahaddin and Anbar, in Northern Iraq.

Project outcomes

• Promoted ZT technology widely in Ninevah and also into surrounding governorates (Kirkuk, Salahaddin, Anbar) where dryland crops were prominent, through demonstrations, extension, research and training.
• Developed an in-depth research program on conservation cropping, with collaborative, multi-site research in Ninevah, ICARDA, South Australia, and Western Australia.
• Developed and promoted efficient and sustainable farmer-based seed production.
• Increased farmer access to and uptake of well-adapted crop varieties.
• Evaluated adoption and impact of project technologies through socio-economic surveys.
• Provided capacity development and training of Iraqi scientists in Mosul, ICARDA and Australia, including on-going support for six postgraduate trainees at UniWA and UniAdelaide enabling them to complete their degrees.