As a result of the violent conflicts in northern Iraq, agricultural yields have fallen, agricultural infrastructure has been destroyed, investments have failed to materialise and know-how has been lost. Many agricultural products are currently imported from neighbouring Turkey and Iran at low prices, often below local production costs. This makes it difficult for the country to create its own added value and makes agriculture unattractive.
The project uses a pilot greenhouse from Baden-Württemberg to demonstrate that agricultural productivity in vegetable growing can be increased using sustainable methods. At the centre of the project is the construction and test operation of the innovative foil greenhouse on the campus of the Faculty of Agriculture in Dohuk. The cooperation between the University of Dohuk and the State School of Horticulture Stuttgart-Hohenheim with the objective of developing expertise in applied teaching and research, as well as in exchange with agricultural stakeholders, will strengthen the state training institutions in the key sector 'agriculture', which is important for the stabilisation of the region. In addition, agricultural students apply the new knowledge and acquire qualifications that improve their career prospects.
Further information on the project can be found in the factsheet.