Programme de bourses "Echanges Universitaires"

Iraqi Kurdistan aims for alimentary self-sufficiency

The regional government of Kurdistan region (KRG) of Iraq has announced in 2008 an agricultural plan to achieve alimentary self-sufficiency. With more than 15% of its population which has difficulties to eat enough to be considered as having a good consumption pattern by the UNWFP, the goal of the KRG seems utopian.

To analyze how the KRG wants to reach alimentary independence, a precise description of the actual situation of the agriculture is made, recent production statistics found during a field work are analyzed and human agricultural management structures are studied. This part exposes the production problems.

To discuss the past and the future of the region, interviews and statistics permit to point out the challenges that the region has to overpass to achieve self-sufficiency. This analyze found that the Anfal, the oil for food program and the building of the new governmental structures are the main causes of the alimentary deficiency of the region.

Rural rehabilitation challenges and production complications are finally discussed through the current rebuilding process. Conclude with an interrogation point on the time to achieve the alimentary self-sufficiency, this study shows that the KRG goal is not utopian but difficult.

Walliser Yann
Rue du milieu 16 A
2502 Bienne
E-Mail: yawal@hotmail.com

With the collaboration of:

IKNN, Ainkawa, Erbil
IKNN@hotmail.com

WADI, Association for Crisis Assistance and Development Co-operation
Iraq-Sulaimanyah/sub office 
Tel: 00964/7701588173
http://www.wadinet.de, wadisul@yahoo.com