Rapid Food Security Assessment in Baghdad Governorate

February 2015

Prepared by: M&E Unit, Relief International

Acknowledgment

This report was written under the generous donation of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the FAO Project “Increase food availability among conflict-affected vulnerable rural households and support continuous assessment and monitoring of the food security situation” (OSRO/IRQ/401/CHA). FAO, RI and WFP are thankful to the households surveyed for participating in this assessment, to the brave field monitors who conducted this survey in difficult and insecure areas, and FAO and WFP for its technical support. The report was completed under the technical supervision and contribution of Hadi Fathallah, Food Security Officer at FAO Iraq, Ayman Ramisis, Head of Programs at RI, and Venkat Dheeravath, VAM Officer at WFP Iraq. At FAO, special thanks goes to Fadel El Zubi, Country Representative, Paul Schluncke, Emergency Coordinator, Nakd Khamis, Senior Agronomist, Mohamed AwDahir, Regional Food Systems Economist, and the rest of FAO Iraq team. At WFP, special thanks goes to Jane Pearce, Country Representative & Country Director and Venkat Dheeravath, VAM Officer and Tareq Abdulhaj, the rest of the WFP Iraq and Regional team. At RI, special thanks goes to Fadi Hanna, Assessment Officer, and the rest of the team.

Table of Content

1. BACKGROUND 1

1.1 CONTEXT 2 1.2 OBJECTIVES 3 1.3 METHODOLOGY 3 1.3.1 RECRUITMENT AND TRAINING OF FIELD STAFF 3 1.3.2 DATA COLLECTION TOOLS 4 1.4 POPULATION AND SAMPLE DESCRIPTION 4 1.5 LIMITATIONS AND CHALLENGES 6

2. KEY FINDINGS 6

2.1 DEMOGRAPHICS 6 2.2 KEY ECONOMIC INDICATORS 9 2.2.1 INCOME LEVEL 9 2.2.2 EXPENDITURE 11 2.3 FOOD SECURITY STATUS 12 2.3.1 ACCESS TO FOOD ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 2.3.2 FOOD CONSUMPTION ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 2.3.3 FOOD SECURITY INDICATOR ANALYSIS ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 2.3.4 ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE 19 2.4 AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOODS STATUS 19 2.4.1 AGRICULTURAL PROFILE OF BAGHDAD 20 2.4.2 HOUSEHOLD ENGAGEMENT IN LIVELIHOOD 21 2.4.3 AGRICULTURAL ZONES AND LIVELIHOOD GROUPS 25 2.4.4 ACCESS TO WATER 26 2.4.5 ACCESS TO INPUT 28 2.4.6 EMPLOYMENT TREND 29 2.4.7 SERVICES AVAILABLE TO LIVELIHOOD GROUPS 29 2.4.8 CHANGES IMPACTING LIVELIHOOD GROUPS 30 2.4.9 CHALLENGES FACING LIVELIHOOD 31 2.4.10 SOLUTIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS TO FACE AND OVERCOME NEGATIVE CHANGES 32 2.5 MARKETS AND SUPPLY CHAIN STATUS 33

3. CONCLUSIONS 36

4. RECOMMENDATIONS 37

WATER 37 FINANCE 38 POST-HARVEST CROP LOSSES 38 SMALL SCALE MECHANIZATION 38

FARMER FIELD SCHOOLS 39 HOME GARDENS AND SMALL LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION 39 SECURITY 39

Table of Figures

FIGURE 1 - MARITAL STATUS OF THE HEAD OF HHS ...... 7 FIGURE 2 - GENDER OF THE HEAD OF HHS AND INTERVIEWEES ...... 7 FIGURE 3 - EDUCATION LEVEL OF THE HEAD OF HHS ...... 8 FIGURE 4 - DISABILITY STATUS OF HEAD OF HHS ...... 8 FIGURE 5 – 2013 – 2014 INCOME PATTERN ...... 10 FIGURE 6 - REASONS FOR DECREASE IN INCOME ...... 11 FIGURE 7 - FOOD PROBLEMS ...... 12 FIGURE 8 – FOOD PROBLEMS PER DISTRICT ...... 13 FIGURE 9 - FOOD ITEMS INTAKE FREQUENCY ...... 14 FIGURE 10 - SOURCES OF FOOD ...... 15 FIGURE 11 - AGRICULTURAL ENGAGEMENT ...... 21 FIGURE 12 - CROPS CULTIVATED AT HOME ...... 22 FIGURE 13 - CROPS CULTIVATED ON A LARGER SCALE ...... 22 FIGURE 14 - # OF PEOPLE WORKING ON LAND ...... 23 FIGURE 15 - LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES ...... 25 FIGURE 16 - PROGRESS OF LIVELIHOOD ACTIVITIES ...... 25 FIGURE 17 - CONSTRAINTS IN WATER ACCESS ...... 27 FIGURE 18 - INPUTS AND TECHNIQUES ...... 28 FIGURE 19 - CHANGES IN YIELDS IN THE LAST 24 MONTHS ...... 30 FIGURE 20 - REASONS FOR DECREASE IN YIELDS ...... 31 FIGURE 21 - POOR PERFORMANCE ...... 31 FIGURE 22 - OBSTACLES IMPEDING LIVELIHOOD DEVELOPMENT ...... 32

Table of Tables

TABLE 1 - NUMBER OF SAMPLES ...... 5 TABLE 3 - DESCRIBING THE FAMILY ...... 8 TABLE 4 - ORIGIN OF IDPS...... 9 TABLE 5 - INCOME LEVEL ...... 9 TABLE 6 - EXPENDITURE IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS ...... 11 TABLE 7 - EXPENDITURE IN THE LAST 30 DAYS ...... 12 TABLE 8 - DIET PATTERN ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. TABLE 9 - EATING LESS-PREFERRED/EXPENSIVE FOOD ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. TABLE 10 - BORROWING FOOD OR REPLYING ON HELP FROM FRIENDS AND RELATIVES ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. TABLE 11 - LIMITING PORTION SIZE AT MEALTIME ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. TABLE 12 - LIMITING ADULT INTAKE IN ORDER FOR SMALL CHILDREN TO EAT ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. TABLE 13 - REDUCING THE NUMBER OF MEALS PER DAY ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. TABLE 14 - FOOD CONSUMPTION SITUATION IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. TABLE 15 - FOOD BEHAVIORAL ACTIVITIES IN THE PAST 30 DAYS ...... ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. TABLE 16 - ACCESS TO ASSISTANCE ...... 19 TABLE 17 – CULTIVATED LAND AND OWNERSHIP TYPE ...... 20 TABLE 18 –TYPE OF TENURE ...... 20 TABLE 19 - TYPES OF LIVESTOCK AND CROP ...... 21 TABLE 21 - INTEREST IN PLANTING CROPS ...... 23 TABLE 22 – TYPE OF TRAINING REQUIRED ...... 24 TABLE 23 - KEEPING LIVESTOCK TABLE 24 - REASONS FOR SELLING ANIMALS ...... 24 TABLE 25 - IRRIGATION AND WATER USEAGE PATTERN ...... 26 TABLE 26 - SOURCES OF WATER ...... 27 TABLE 27 - DEBT PATTERN ...... 28 TABLE 28 - HH DEBT PATTERN ...... 29 TABLE 29 - REDUCED NATURAL RESOURCES ...... 30 TABLE 30 - MARKET ACCESS ...... 33 TABLE 31 – MEANS OF ACCESS TO MARKETS ...... 34 TABLE 32 - ESTIMATED TRAVEL TIME TO ACCESS MARKETS ...... 34 TABLE 33 - SELLING FARM PRODUCTION ...... 34 TABLE 34 – LOCATIONS FOR SELLING FARM PRODUCTIONS ...... 35

Glossary

Internally Displaced Persons (IDP): The United Nations Higher Commissioner for Refugees defines IDPs as “World’s most vulnerable people. Unlike refugees, IDPs have not crossed an international border to find sanctuary but have remained inside their home countries. Even if they have fled for similar reasons as refugees (armed conflict, generalized violence, human rights violations), IDPs legally remain under the protection of their own government – even though that government might be the cause of their flight. As citizens, they retain all of their rights and protection under both human rights and international humanitarian law.”

Livelihood: comprises the capabilities, assets and activities required for a means of living.

Livelihood activities: activities that households engage in to earn income and make a living.

Food Security: The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as existing “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active life”.

Food availability: sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis.

Food access: household’s ability to acquire food regularly through one or a combination of home production and stocks, purchases, barter, gifts, borrowing, and food aid.

Executive Summary

In the wake of the violence across the country that surfaced after troops of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant – also known as the Islamic State (IS) – crossed the Syrian border into Iraq, the northern and central parts of the country, in particular, became a battleground for insurgents and sectarian fighting. Accordingly, the humanitarian crisis in Iraq has been deteriorating rapidly in the past twelve months with nearly two million people (most of whom are children) fled their homes seeking shelter and protection. The displacement flow has put additional pressure on vulnerable rural households, some of them already suffering from food insecurity due to poverty and limited food access.

The recent crisis have caused political instability and economic downturn that affect the population, which triggered the need for conducting an assessment that clarifies the impact of the current crisis on food security and livelihood situations, and determine the priority needs of the affected population that consist of most vulnerable farmers, internally displaced persons and their host families.

Consequently, this paper assesses the food security status in six-target districts in Baghdad using internationally known food security indicators and methods. It also discusses the agricultural and livelihood status by assessing the level of access to water and inputs, employment trends, service availability, challenges facing livelihood and the agricultural profile of the six districts.

This Rapid Food Security Assessment is funded by Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and implemented by Relief International – a humanitarian non-profit agency that provides emergency relief, rehabilitation, development assistance, and program services to vulnerable communities worldwide, in Baghdad province. Relief International, carried out a detailed questionnaire in six districts in Baghdad to generate a comprehensive database that can be used as a tool to assess the needs of the affected population and assess the main challenges that impede agricultural and livestock production and development. The assessment was implemented with the assistance of World Food Programme that provided technical supports for data analysis.

After thoroughly assessing the food security and agricultural and livelihood status, this assessment provides recommendations on how to improve the productivity, effectiveness, competiveness and sustainability of agricultural and livelihood groups, and improve accessibility to resources. The recommendations based on the assessment will contribute to improved food security, and agricultural and livestock productivity in Baghdad.

1. Background

Iraq, anciently known as the land of Mesopotamia, was the heart of earliest civilization in humankind history. The word Mesopotamia in Latin means “Between Rivers” referring to the land between the Tigris and the Euphrates rivers, which covered most of Iraq, eastern Syria and southeastern Turkey. It was well known for its fresh water, beautiful lands and changing climate that contributed to the birth of the earliest ages of civilization. The fertile land had made it possible for large numbers of inhabitants to settle there. It is believed that the first form of agriculture, animal domestication and urban development originated from this area.

Ever since civilization started in the old Mesopotamia, agriculture has been the main contributing factor to the economic development and source of living for the population. In present, agriculture provides 8% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Iraq, employs nearly 20% of the country’s labor force, and supports 7 million of the rural population 1.

The main revenue generation factor is represented by crop production where it contributes to 75% of farmers’ income. An estimated 9 million hectares of Iraq’s land is arable (representing 22% of its entire territory), 60% of which is cultivated. In north and central areas, where rainfed is used, wheat and barley are among the main crops produced in those areas. Whilst in south and other central areas, farming is mainly dependent on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers as sources of irrigation; hence, mixed agricultural crops are produced. These crops are mainly represented by dates, fruit trees, and vegetables (tomatoes and potatoes in particular).

Livestock is the second revenue generator for farmers in Iraq. Sheep, goats, cattle, camels, buffaloes, inland fisheries and backyard poultry raising are important sources of protein and income generation, for the rural population in particular.

In recent years, and after witnessing a number of wars, ongoing conflict and terrorist activities, the production of the agriculture sector in Iraq has significantly declined. Being a major source of living, the decline is affecting the income level of farmers, higher unemployment and the entire national economy.

______1 FAO Iraq: http://www.faoiraq.org/index.htm

1.1 Context

Since the beginning of 2014, Iraq has been facing a complex and escalating humanitarian crisis with 2,472,444 million Iraqis displaced due to terrorist activities conducted by IS 2. Vulnerable groups continue to suffer the deadly conflict, social and sectarian tension and violations of human rights. Humanitarian actors have lacked the necessary resources to provide prompt responses to life-saving needs of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP). Despite the ongoing efforts of civil society organizations, host communities, local authorities and international organizations, there remains a considerable need for immediate and long-term actions to fill the gap of IDP needs.

The crop cycle in Anbar, Baghdad, Diyala, Ninawa and Salah ad Din has been considerably interrupted. In addition, the routes connecting Syria and Iraq are no longer safe, which has led to severe decline in ground cargo arriving from these locations. Because of this food shortage, prices of daily food products, such as rice, cooking oil and water have become excessively expensive.

Cereal harvest and production activities in areas directly affected by IS operations, such as Ninawa and Salah ad Din, were severely impacted. The harvest from in these areas contributes to one third of Iraq’s supply of wheat; this not only affected the IDPs but it significantly reduced the food availability nationwide. It is estimated that nearly 1.5 million individual of low income level, not displaced, have become highly food insecure and are in need of immediate food emergency assistance. The remaining vulnerable individuals, including host families and host communities, are at high risk of becoming food insecure if the current situation does not improve.

In Baghdad, and according to IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix [See Annex 5.1], there are currently 45,607 IDP families residing with host families and at camps. During an assessment conducted by IOM in Baghdad recently, it was found that many of the IDPs have sought shelter in unfurnished houses, without doors or windows. Most families had laid plastic sheeting on the floor without having a bed or a mattress to sleep on. They have no access to heaters or stoves despite the freezing cold winter and have limited access to food supplies. Children were found crying from the cold and hunger; surviving under these cold and hunger conditions would not be for long. It is anticipated that the IDP figures will increase if the situation persisted.

With the current increase in food prices and unemployment rate and shortage in food supply, host families are facing difficulties to afford a living. Consequently, there is a significant dependence on food basket assistance over an extended period, among the IDPs in particular. The people of concern (IDPs and host families) are in grave danger of the decrease in food production, decline in government subsidies, loss of livelihood, and increase in food prices.

Support from the international community is extremely necessary to rehabilitate the Iraqi agriculture sector, improve livelihood and to achieve sustainable growth towards the well-being of the entire country at both micro and macro levels. Therefore, this assessment was considered necessary to draw a picture on the degree of food insecurity, identification of the most vulnerable and scale of food assistance required.

______2 IOM Iraq: Displacement Tracking Matrix

The assessment will act as an entry point for the delivery of inputs and technical support for those engaged in agriculture with the potential to protect and rebuild livelihoods, strengthen resilience and facilitate the acceptance of IDPs in their host communities, while increasing purchasing power and improving access to food.

Upon completion of the assessment, with established means and in coordination with relevant partners, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) has proposed the distribution of vegetables and pulse seeds for rapid local food production and animal feed to maintain long-term food security for IDPs rather than the sole dependence on food basket and assistance. It has also proposed to reinforce and sustain food security and calorie intake via the distribution of backyard farming units in IDP populated areas, if deemed feasible.

1.2 Objectives

This FAO assessment was designed to assess the immediate, lifesaving agricultural, food and livelihood needs of the population severely affected by displacement in Baghdad. The proposed rapid food security assessment explores the critical problems of food insecurity of IDPs and host communities to:

1- Guide future FAO and World Food Programme (WFP) interventions and provide humanitarian and development actors with baseline information to establish a comprehensive strategy for food security and livelihood interference targeting both the host community and IDPs in Baghdad; 2- Determine the characteristics of livelihood groups in Baghdad, changes that have affected livelihood in the past two years (if any), and reasons for these changes. 3- Provide a clearer understanding for the Ministries of Agriculture and Planning on the impact of interventions conducted in support of the host and IDP communities; 4- Generate information that acts as an advocacy tool to attract increased funding for food security and livelihoods interventions in Baghdad; 5- Evaluate the impact of the current humanitarian crisis on agriculture activities and production, food security, and livelihood condition of host families and IDP communities residing in Baghdad; 6- Determine the priority needs of the IDP families in relation to food security, income generation and agricultural product; 7- Better comprehend the issues and problems of food security that continue to be unaddressed.

1.3 Methodology

1.3.1 Recruitment and training of field staff

Relief International (RI) assigned one analyst/report writer and a team of eighteen staff members comprising of one assessment coordinator, two team leaders, 12 field monitors and three data entry members to carry out assessment procedures and practices. The team was provided with training session by FAO and WFP to explain the data collection tools, needs and sampling requirements. All activities were carried out under the guidance and supervision of RI’s Monitoring and Evaluation Manager at the main office in Erbil, Iraq.

1.3.2 Data Collection Tools

Before the commencement of the assessment, in-house review was made for the survey methodology and dada collection tools in consultation with FAO and WFP. The assessment was designed in three types of tools and as follows:

1- Key Informant Interviews (KII): this method of assessment was conducted to determine the agriculture and livelihood characteristics in Baghdad with a particular focus on rural areas, obstacles and challenges that hinder the development of agriculture, and identify any changes to livelihood activities in the past 24 months. It was also conducted to investigate the impact of the unstable security conditions represented by terrorist activities and movement of IDPs on livelihood groups and find solutions to alleviate the negative changes and improve livelihood.

2- Focus Group Discussion (FGDs): this method aimed at determining the agricultural profile of the area in terms of land cultivation and ownership type, types of livestock bred in the region, farming and livestock techniques, and sources of finance used to fund operations. It was also designed to identify the sources and methods of farming practices (rain fed or irrigation), changes in water access in the past 24 months, challenges facing water access for farming and livestock use, changes in agriculture labor market, changes in individuals’ dietary habits, and level of food insecurity in the region.

3- Household (HH) Interviews: this assessment investigated the food security situation of households through examining their social and demographic characteristics, sources of income, expenditure levels, livelihood, type of shelter and infrastructure design, land ownership, access to water, types and level of food consumption, need for assistance, access to market and whether any farming and livestock practices are being undertaken by the residents.

The assessment timeframe started from January 15 and ended on March 10, 2015. IDPs and host communities were both included in the assessment. RI selected random samples from six-target districts, and their respective sub districts in Baghdad (Abu Ghraib, Al Istiqlal, Al Mada'en, Al Tarmia, Mahmoudiya and Taji), to ensure a transparent coverage of the food insecurity in Baghdad.

The data collected were entered into SPSS – a software package used for statistical analysis – for the purpose of organizing and analyzing the data. Cleaning of data for the HH and KII tools was carried out with a minimum of 5% error. Subsequently, the collected data was refined, summarized and analyzed in this report to demonstrate a comprehensive assessment of the food security and livelihood conditions in Baghdad.

1.4 Population and Sample Description

Both IDPs and host communities were targeted in this assessment, which was conducted in six districts and their respective sub districts in Baghdad and as shown in Table 1:

Table 1 - Number of Samples

District Sub district FGD KII HH Interviews Abu Ghraib Center, Agargoof, Al-Naser 1 group of 5 Abu Ghraib 6 120 Walsalam, Khan Dhari Participants 1 group of 6 Al Istiqlal Rashdiya 6 120 Participants Al-Jisr, Al-Nahrawan, Salman Pak, Al- 1 group of 4 Al Mada'en 13 120 Wihda Participants 1 group of 4 Al Tarmia Tarmiya Center, Hammamiyat 6 120 Participants Latifiya, Yousifiya, Mahmoudiya 1 group of 8 Mahmoudiya 6 120 Center, Nahyat Al-Rasheed participants 1 group of 4 Taji Taji Al-Jadeed, Sabe'a Al-Bor 4 120 Participants

In each location, interviews were conducted at both government and community levels and as follows:

1- Focus Group Discussion: six FGDs, one per district, were conducted with: a. Abu Ghraib: Chairperson of Farmers’ Unions (FUs) and Director of Water Resources (WRs) in Abu Gharib; and Chairpersons of Agricultural Committees (ACs) in Agargoof, Al- Naser, and Khan Dhari Local Councils (LCs); b. Al Istiqlal: Director of WRs and representatives of Agriculture Department (AD) and Seeds Trading Department (STD) in Al Istiqlal, in addition to 3 farmers (agricultural land owners); c. Al Mada'en: Chairperson of AC and FUs, Director of WRs, and representative of STD in Al Mada'en; d. Al Tarmia: Representative of Ministry of Agriculture; Chairperson of FUs, Chairperson of AC in LC, and representative of STD in Al Tarmia; e. Mahmoudiya: Director of WRs, representatives of Agriculture Department, Chairperson of AC, representative of STD, and Chairperson of FUs; f. Taji: Taji Director of Agriculture and WRs in Taji; and Chairpersons of 2 ACs in Hammamiyat and Sabe'a Al-Bor LCs.

2- Key Informant Interviews: included interviews with district mayors, head of neighborhoods, head of Agriculture Committee at the District Council, head of ACs at the Neighborhood Councils, representative of the Ministry of Agriculture, representatives of Chamber of Commerce, representatives of Chamber of Agriculture, representatives of Farmers Association, local investors of agriculture, and lecturers from College of Agriculture. Note that some of the interviewees were the same participants in the FGDs. 3- Household Interviews: interviews were held with 720 households in the six aforementioned districts. In each district, 80 agricultural families, 30 IDP families, and 10 host families who are hosting IDPs among the 30 families been interviewed as part of the assessment.

1.5 Limitations and Challenges

Undoubtedly, the unstable security condition hindered free movement in Baghdad and imposed a threat on the lives of staff members on few instances. Al Tarmia and Abu Ghraib were found to be of higher risk than other locations as there has been activities conducted by IS in these areas. Meeting with government officials and conducting interviews in groups made them a target for terrorist activities including bombings and kidnapping. Following the FGD interview in Al Tarmia at the District Council, a car bomb exploded near the council not long after that and curfew was imposed the next day. The same incident took place in Taji and Mahmoudiya. In fact, the team was not able to conduct HH interviews in Mahmoudiya at one occasion because they did not have employment IDs and security officer did not allow them to enter the district due to the bad security situation.

Accessibility to villages and some areas proved to be very challenging. Taxi drivers were hesitant to drive far from the city center worrying for their lives forcing staff members to rent a van, which drew extra attention by the public. Passing security checks was almost impossible if none of the staff member had any connection with officials that could vouch for them to enter the area. Obtaining official approvals was not easy either. Furthermore, the assessment for Mahmoudiya was delayed for almost two weeks because the Local Council Chairman, whose one of the staff members had a good connection with, was out of the country and the approval process to enter the district took a fair bit of time.

Time limitation was another challenge for this assessment, not only for collecting data but also for developing the assessment report. Staff members needed more time to collect the information and enter it into Excel Sheets or SPSS software. As a result, the delays in receiving data allowed very limited time to create the report, which at some level might have compromised its quality. More often than not, incomplete data were being sent, which drained more time to understand and draw the bigger picture. It also created difficulties in creating tables, charts and analysis based on incomplete data. In most cases, when the remaining data were sent many charts, tables and paragraphs had to be reshaped to reflect the new findings.

2. Key Findings

2.1 Demographics

According to the United Nations, Department of Economic and Social Affair: Population Division, Population Estimates and Projections Section, the estimated population of Iraq was 30,962 million people in 2010. The disaggregation of population indicated that the population under age 15 represented 41.2% of the total population, age 15-24 was at 19.8%, age 15-64 was 55.4%, and aged 65+ accounted for 3.4%. A more recent statistics by the World Bank showed the total population of Iraq is approximately 33.42 million people in 2013.

Baghdad is the capital city of Iraq. It is located on the banks of the Tigris River, which divides the city into east and west sides. Baghdad consists of 9 security districts and over 70 neighborhoods. With an area of 734 km², it has a population of nearly 7 million people making it the largest city in Iraq and the second largest city in the Arab world. Approximately one-third of Iraq’s population lives in Baghdad and its

6 suburbs. Its population consists of every major ethnic and sectarian group in Iraq; the majority of which are Arab Muslims (Sunni and Shiite), followed by Kurds, Turkmen, Assyrians and Armenians (Christians), Yezidis and other minorities. Arabic is the main language spoken in Baghdad, followed by Kurdish, Turkmen, and Aramaic.

Table 2 – Population Distribution Based on this assessment, the total number Percentage of of IDPs in the six districts covered under this District Population IDPs IDPs assessment is 49,660 IDP individuals Abu Ghraib 664,000 14,000 2% accounting for 2% of the overall population. Al Istiqlal 94,460 4,460 5% Mahmoudiya has the largest population among the other 5 districts and the largest Al Mada'en 502,600 2,600 1% IDP number; this is followed by Abu Ghraib. Al 252,600 2,600 1% Al Tarmia Istiqlal has the lowest population but the Mahmoudiya 804,000 24,000 3% third largest number of IDPs after Abu Ghraib. Taji 302,000 2,000 1% Table 2 shows the total number of population 2,619,660 49,660 and IDP numbers in each district. Total 2% Source: Government staff through FGDs The results from the HH assessment showed the following demographic trends:

Figure 1 - Marital Status of the Head of HHs Figure 2 - Gender of the Head of HHs and Interviewees 94.9% 100.0% 100.0% 90.0% 90.0% 80.0% 80.0% 70.0% 70.0% 60.0% 60.0% 50.0% 50.0% 40.0% 40.0% 30.0% 30.0% 20.0% 20.0% 10.0% 4.9% 1.0% 1.0% 10.0% 0.0% 0.0% Married Single Widowed Divorced Male Female Male Female Marital Status Interviewee Head of Family

As shown in the Fig.1, 98.3% of interviewees were male. Male were also dominant over female in being the head of family, where 97.6% of HH identified as male-headed. Of the 720 households interviewed, 94.5% of head of HH were married, 4.9% widowed, only 1% were single and 1% were divorced.

Figure 3 – Education Level of the Head of HHs Figure 4 - Disability Status of Head of HHs

35.0% 80.0%

30.0% 70.0% 25.0% 60.0% 20.0% 15.0% 50.0% 10.0% 40.0% 5.0% 30.0% 0.0% 20.0%

10.0%

0.0% Disabled Not Disabled

Based on Figure 3, a low percentage of head of HH had completed a university degree (6.5%) or completed a training (6.1%). A Higher percentage had completed secondary school (31.3%) and primary school (29.9%). The results also indicate that 23.3% have not completed any form of education. A smaller number indicated they have completed informal education (3.1%).

The results, per Figure 4, showed that 70.4% of head of HH have a disability or chronic disease. The 29.3% claimed to have no disability.

Table 2 - Describing the Family N=720 Describing the Family Of the 720 HHs interviewed, 63 (8.8%) of them were IDPs, 170 (23.6%) were families District Resident (not Host Family (with hosting IDPs IDPs or Refugees IDP hosting IDPs or refugees within their or refugees) within HH) household, and 487 (67.6%) were residents not hosting IDPs or refugees. Based on the Abu Ghraib 67.5% 22.5% 10.0% results, Abu Ghraib has the highest number Al Istiqlal 66.7% 25.0% 8.3% of IDPs (10%) followed by Al Mada'en Al Mada'en 71.7% 19.2% 9.2% (9.2%) [As shown in Table 3]. The highest Al Tarmia 67.5% 24.2% 8.3% number of HH hosting IDPs appeared in Taji Mahmoudiya 66.7% 25.0% 8.3% (25.8%) followed by Al Istiqlal and Taji 65.8% 25.8% 8.3% Mahmoudiya (25% each).

Total 67.6% 23.6% 8.8%

Table 3 - Origin of IDPs

N = 63 The largest IDP movement was District Origin discovered to have taken place during July Salah Al- Anbar Ninewa Kirkuk Diyala – September 2014 (46%) and October din 2014 – January 2015 (28.6%) who mainly Abu Ghraib 53.8% 15.4% 30.8% 0.0% 0.0% originated from Salah ad Din (54%) Al Istiqlal 10.0% 10.0% 60.0% 10.0% 10.0% followed by Anbar (25.4%) and Ninawa Al Mada'en 20.0% 20.0% 50.0% 0.0% 10.0% (15.9%). Only one IDP family was from Kirkuk (1.6%) and two were from Diyala Al Tarmia 30.0% 0.0% 70.0% 0.0% 0.0% (3.2%). Table 4 shows the origin of the 63 Mahmoudiya 10.0% 40.0% 50.0% 0.0% 0.0% IDPs interviewed per district. Taji 20.0% 10.0% 70.0% 0.0% 0.0% Total 25.4% 15.9% 54.0% 1.6% 3.2% Of the 63 IDPs, 55 (87.3%) of them are not contributing to any rent of accommodation and 8 (12.7%) are contributing as agricultural labor (1 IDP), construction labor (1 IDP), domestic labor (4 IDPs). Two IDPs were giving monetary contribution of 120,000-300,000 Iraqi Dinar. On average and based on the assessment, the 720 HH are living in houses with an area of 200-400 m2, with 3-7 rooms and 1-3 bathrooms.

2.2 Key Economic Indicators

Prior to 1990, Iraq had one of the highest per capita food availability in the Middle East, because of its relative prosperity and capacity to import large quantities of food, which met up to two-thirds of food requirements. After 1990, however, Iraq’s ability to import food was significantly constrained. Agriculture has been the primary economic activity in Iraq for millennia. Now, it contributes only 6% of GDP and employs 13% of labor force 3.

Iraq is an oil-rich lower-middle-income country. Economic growth has averaged 7.1 percent over the past five years, compared with 4.5 percent in the Arab world as a whole. Meanwhile, several social indicators related to education and healthcare are above the Arab average. However, conflict, weak governance, and excessive dependence on oil pose significant challenges to Iraq’s socioeconomic development. Average per capita incomes in Iraq are only about one-third of the Arab world’s average, and 19.8 percent of Iraqis were classified as poor in 2012 according to the official poverty line4.

2.2.1 Income Level

The interviews indicated that 60.4% of the total 720 households are middle-income earners, with Mahmoudiya having scored the highest amongst the other districts where 70.8% of its 120 households were classified as middle-income earners. This was followed by Al Istiqlal at 69.2%, as shown in Table 5. ______3 City Population: http://www.citypopulation.de/Iraq.html 4 World Bank: http://data.worldbank.org/country/iraq Table 4 - Income Level

Table 5 – Family Income

Low Middle Higher Very Low (0 – Upper District (1,000,001 – (5,000,001 – (10,000,001 - 1,000,000) (>15,000,0000) 5,000,000) 10,000,000) 15,000,000)

Abu Ghraib 1.7% 20.0% 51.7% 24.2% 2.5% Al Istiqlal 1.7% 9.2% 69.2% 18.3% 1.7% Al Mada'en 0.0% 4.2% 59.2% 35.8% 0.8% Al Tarmia 0.0% 4.2% 59.2% 34.2% 2.5% Mahmoudiya 0.0% 10.8% 70.8% 17.5% 0.8% Taji 0.0% 11.7% 52.5% 33.3% 2.5% Total 0.6% 10.0% 60.4% 27.2% 1.8%

The highest percentage of low income households were found in Abu Ghraib (20%), which is relatively high compared to the other districts. Low-income earners contributed to 10% of the total figure, whilst higher income earners contributed to 27.2% of the total. On the other hand, the income level has dropped dramatically over a 12-month period. As displayed in Figure 5, 46.9% of HHs indicated that their annual income level for 2014 has decreased by 25% compared to 2013. Another 39.3% of HHs claimed their 2014 annual income level have declined by 50%. Whereas, 12.2% of responses showed there has been no change to their income level.

Figure 3 – 2013 – 2014 Income Pattern

60.0%

50.0% 50.0% 48.3% 47.5% 46.7%46.7% 47.5% 40.0% 45.0% 41.7% 40.8% 40.0%

30.0% 35.0% 28.3%28.3% 20.0%

10.0% 13.3% 10.0% 10.8% 0.0%1.7% 0.8%3.3% 0.0%0.8% 0.0%0.8%5.8% 0.0%0.0%5.0% 0.0%1.7% 0.0% Abu Ghraib Al Istiqlal Al Mada'en Al Tarmia Mahmoudiya Taji

+50% +25% No Change -25% -50%

This significant decline was determined to be caused by the price increase of materials and items needed for livelihood production, such as fuel, inputs, seeds and others, as indicated by 25.8% of responses. Other contributing factors included the decrease in selling prices that in turn lowers the revenue (16%), reduction in the productivity of livelihood (14.4%), and limited movement/mobility

caused by the deteriorated security situation (11.9%). Figure 6 exhibits the reasons for the reduction in income level.

Figure 4 - Reasons for Decrease in Income

Other

Reduced movement due to insecurity

Decrease in the value of productive assets

Reduction in productivity of livelihood

Environmental Changes

Decrease in selling price

Customer base has decreased

Increase in laborer's wages

Increase in Cost of materials

Salary decreased

Less job opportunities

Displacement

0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90%

2.2.2 Expenditure

Table 5 - Expenditure in the Last 6 Months N = 720 Items Incurring Expenditure in the Last 6 Months Avg. (IQD) Cost of agricultural and livestock Health (medicine, treatment, etc) 674,409.72 inputs (such as seeds, fertilizers, Education (school materials, uniform, etc) 369,904.58 pesticides and animal feed) Rental of farm land 31,072.22 incurred the highest amount of Non-Agricultural Business related costs (market store, 56,743.06 expenditure by households in the tools, property rental) last six months. As shown in Cost of input (animal feed, seeds, fertilizers, pesticides, 953,201.39 Table 6, an average of 953,201.39 livestock drugs…) IQD was spent on input, 674,409.72 IQD on health Water Commercial/farming USE ONLY e.g. irrigation 288,263.89 followed by education Labour costs (agricultural or non-agricultural) 369,701.39 expenditure at 369,904.58 IQD.

Table 6 - Expenditure in the Last 30 Days

N = 720 For the last 30 days, spending Items Incurring Expenditure in the Last 30 Days Avg. (IQD) was mainly Transport 165,150.00 allocated to Debt repayment 312,652.78 food items, an Communication costs (telephone bill, internet connection, phone 81,625.00 credit) Housing (rent) 7,659.72 Electricity /heating /cooking fuel 117,323.61 All Food items (including drinking water) for the household 444,765.28

Other non-food costs (Other, cleaning products, toiletries, etc) 64,443.06 average of 444,765.28 IQD, followed by debt repayment at 312,652.78 IQD, as shown in Table 7.

2.3 Food Security Status

Food security data was collected from six districts of: Al Tamia, Jani, Mahmudiya, Al-Mada’in, Al Istiglal and Abu Ghraib in order to analyse the food security indicators Figure 11 – Sample Size by District in Baghdad Governorate. Data was collected from three categories of Households from each district: approximately 10 IDP families, 30 hosting households, and 80 resident households (see Figure 11).

The sampling was not carried out purely randomly. Households selected based on the three main criteria: - wealth groups, locations within the district, urban and rural. It should also be noted that each of the districts are individual assessments. Any aggregation of the data in this section of the report is only for illustration due to low variability between the districts. The selection of districts was not representative of the districts in Baghdad governorate, nor the population of each family type (resident, hosting family, IDP family). Thus the quantitative data was analysed with the intention of understanding some of the issues faced by the main household types across the districts selected and the general trends, as well as uncovering key vulnerabilities in terms of access to food. Food security of the survey respondents is assessed through a number of indicators that reflect different dimensions of food security. These include household expenditures on food, household food consumption score, Household Food Insecurity Experience Scale and food-based and livelihood-based Coping Strategies. The results indicate that IDPs in Baghdad Governorate are experiencing widespread and significant food insecurity. Host families and other members of the host community are also found to experience heightened food insecurity, though to a lesser degree than IDPs. The results also indicate that food assistance received by IDPs from host families plays a large role in alleviating food insecurity among IDPs. Despite this, IDPs in Baghdad Governorate resort to food based

coping strategies and all have employed livelihood-based coping strategies, some of which indicate crisis condition and have long term implications on their livelihoods and resilience to shocks.

Expenditures on Food

IDPs spend 375 Iraqi Dinars (IQD) on food purchased from the market1 per person per day, whereas host families spend 1,249 IQD and other residents of the host community spend 1,115 IQD per person per day on food. This is compared to the 2011 average for Baghdad 2170 IQD per person daily2. Considering that the cost of dietary energy3 for Baghdad during the time of the survey was 663.3 IQD per 1000 kilocalories, it is estimated that food acquired through direct purchases by IDPs provides an average of 565 kilocalories per person daily. This is compared to an estimated 1,882 kilocalories per person daily for interviewed host families and 1,681 kilocalories per person daily for interviewed residents within the host community.

The analysis reveals that 97% of the interviewed IDPs in Baghdad Governorate acquire less than 2,100 kilocalories per person per day from purchases. This proportion falls to 70% among residents and 59% among host families. Figure 12: Proportion purchasing less than 2,100 kilocalories per capita daily

Expenditure on Food (Baghdad) 110 97 100 90 80 70 70 59 60 50 41 40 30 30 proportionHHs of 20 10 3 0 Resident (not hosting IDPs Host Family (with IDPs or IDP or refugees) Refugees within HH)

pcexp>2001kcal/p/d pcexp<2100kcal/p/d

With only 565 kilocalories per person daily from their own resources, IDPs rely on other food sources to bridge the consumption gap. Among those that are unable to acquire at least 2,100 kilocalories per

1 It should be noted that this reflects only expenditures on food purchased from markets and does not include the value of food acquired from other sources. 2 IKN survey, 2011 3 This figure is the cost of 1000 kilocalories among the poorest quintile within Baghdad Governorate. It is estimated based upon the baseline calculated from the GOI 2012 IHSES survey and updated to January 2015 prices using a food price index calculated for this purpose by WFP using food prices collected by WFP for 10 food commodities. Food price inflation from 2012 up to January 2015 is estimated at 10.8%.

13 person daily from food purchases, the consumption gap is estimated at 1,675 kilocalories per person per day for interviewed IDPs compared to 1,031 and 1,048 for host families and residents respectively.

Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES)

The Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES) is a tool used to assess the severity of food insecurity at the household level, and compares access to food among population groups. It is composed of 8 questions on food consumption patterns and diet alterations precipitated by lack of resources. Households are classified food secure, mildly food insecure, moderately food insecure and severely food insecure.

In Baghdad, more than 95 percent of the surveyed IDPs had modified their diet patterns by limiting food variety or missing out meals, due to lack of money or other resources. Specifically, 98 percent were worried about running out of food and 97 percent indicated anxiety at not being able to access nutritious food and had reduced their food intake.

Residents had not modified their food consumption patterns as much as IDPs, although over 52 percent of those surveyed were concerned about future food shortage and have restricted diet.

Overall, household food access is most concerning for IDPs, followed by host families, and indicates that residents are relatively better off.

Figure 13: food insecurity experience scale items

Classifying the food security status of the survey respondents according to the FIES approach reveals that all interviewed IDPs have experienced food insecurity during the 12 months preceding the survey, though to varying degrees. Moreover, only 16% of host families and 27% of other residents in the host community did not experience food insecurity during the same reference period. Figures 14, 15 and 16 below further illustrates the FIES classification by population group.

Figure 14: Food insecurity experience by Resident

Resident 50% 44% 40% 27% 28% 30% 20% 10% 1% 0% Food Secure Mild Food Moderate Severe Food Insecurity Food Insecurity Insecurity

Figure 15: Food insecurity experience by Host Family

Host Family 43% 50% 37% 40% 30% 16% 20% 10% 4% 0% Food Secure Mild Food Moderate Severe Food Insecurity Food Insecurity Insecurity

Figure 16: Food insecurity experience by IDP

IDP 94% 100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0% 3% 3% 0% Food Secure Mild Food Moderate Severe Food Insecurity Food Insecurity Insecurity

Frequency of Food Consumption and Food Sources

Respondents were asked to quantify the number of days in which they consumed food belonging to 8 different food groups during the 7 days preceding the survey and to specify the main source of the food. Figure 17 below presents the frequency of consumption of the food groups by residence status. The results indicate that, on the whole, food consumption of the interviewed households in Baghdad Governorate is considered to be adequate, using the food consumption score classification4. Moreover, it is apparent in figure 17 that IDPs in Baghdad Governorate exhibit greater dietary diversity than both residents and host families. While this may appear to contradict the results presented above – particularly expenditures on food and the FIES categories – it should be noted that the reported frequency of consumption also accounts for food received from host families and other sources. Figure 17: Comparison of consumption patterns between household types

8.0 7.0 6.9 7.0 6.8 7.0 6.9 6.9 6.8 7.0 6.7 6.7 6.5 6.1 6.2 6.2 6.2 Staples 6.0 5.3 5.0 Meats 4.7 5.0 4.5 Sugar 4.0 Oils 3.0 3.0 2.7 2.6 Vegetables 1.8 2.0 1.7 Dairy Fruits 1.0 Pulses 0.0 Residents Host Families IDPs

4 The analysis considers different food groups to hold different weights (staples = 2, oils and sugars = 0.5, meat/eggs/fish and dairy = 4, vegetables and fruits = 1, beans and pulses = 3). These are aggregated into a single score, which is then categorized into adequacy of consumption groups. In this analysis 28 or less was considered to be “poor” and those in the range 28.5 to 42 were considered to be “borderline”.

Exploring frequency of consumption attributed to different sources among the interviewed IDPs reveals a high dependence on food provided by host families. This is illustrated in figure 18 below. While cash purchases and own production account for the vast majority of food consumed5 by both residents and host families (97.1% and 98.5% respectively), these sources only account for 29.7% of the food consumed by IDPs. In contrast, host families account for 67.7% of the food consumed by IDPs.

Figure 18: Main food sources by household type

IDPs 28.8% 67.7%

Host Families 64.4% 34.0%

Residents 62.8% 34.3%

0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Residents Host Families IDPs Cash 62.8% 64.4% 28.8% Host Family 0.2% 0.1% 67.7% Own Production 34.3% 34.0% 0.8% Other 2.7% 1.5% 2.6%

Food-Based Coping Strategies

The analysis of the use of food based coping strategies reveals that interviewed IDPs are facing more challenges in accessing food than host families and residents. Differences between hosting and non- hosting families were not significant.

The most frequent coping strategies used among the three groups were relying on less preferred food and limiting portion size. While in addition to those, IDP had also employed the more severe strategies such as borrowing food (98.4 percent) and reducing adult consumption (19 percent), compared to 5.1 percent and 4.5 percent for residents respectively (Figure 19). The graph shows that IDPs are using coping strategies more regularly than the other two community groups.

5 Frequency of consumption of food groups during the 7 day recall period is taken as a proxy for food consumption. While the lack of information on quantity of consumption limits the usefulness of the indicator, frequency of consumption has been shown in other contexts to correlate with food consumption. In this analysis, this indicator is mainly employed to explore the various sources of food consumed by IDPs.

Figure 19: Percentage of strategies used and not by HHs

% of strategies used and not by HHs 100% Less preferred Borrow food 90% Limit portion Reduce adult consumption 80% Reduce number of meals 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0% Resident (not hosting IDPs) Host Family (with IDPs within IDP HH)

Livelihood-Based Coping Strategies

Livelihood-based coping strategies are those mechanisms by which a family ensures a sufficient access to food. Such strategies are categorised into “stress”, “crisis”, and “emergency”, according to the severity of the coping strategy and the consequent effect on the households’ livelihood. More severe coping strategies have longer-term negative effects); for example, the sale of productive assets or the sale of arable land. Other coping strategies include borrowing of money and spending their savings. Overall, interviewed IDPs were engaged in more severe coping mechanisms than residents, with about 50 percent of IDPs engaging in crisis strategies. Importantly, all IDP families were engaged in some form of livelihood coping strategy. The main coping strategies employed by almost all IDPs and approximately half of host families were borrowing money and spend savings. Interviewed IDP households indicated having already exhausted these coping mechanisms prior to the month of assessment, which is a reflection of their heightened vulnerability to livelihood shocks. Around 30 percent of all families reported a reduction in essential non-food expenditures, such as healthcare, or having sold productive assets. IDPs were more likely to report the sale of productive or non-productive assets than host families (one in three families), although one in five resident families also reported having used this coping strategy to ensure access to food.

Conclusions of Food Security Indicator Analysis

The results of the analysis for Baghdad Governorate indicate a high prevalence of food insecurity among IDPs as well as fairly high food insecurity and vulnerability among host families and communities. IDPs

18 appear to possess limited purchasing power and are heavily reliant on food transfers to meet their dietary needs. Moreover, the results indicate that host families play a tremendous role in alleviating the food insecurity of IDPs, though this generosity appears to also burden host families and expose them to the risk of food insecurity as evidenced by the higher prevalence of food insecurity and vulnerability of host families compared to other residents within the host communities.

2.3.1 Access to Assistance

The assessment showed that 465 people had received assistance in the last three months. The type of assistance was categorized into family, cash and non-food items. The most common form of assistance given to households was found to be family assistance at 65.5%, 64% of which was granted by the government. This was followed by non-food items at 2.5%, 2.2% of which was through non-profit organizations, such as the United Nations, and civil society organizations. Table 16 below shows the percentage breakdown per each category of assistance received by households.

Table 7 - Access to Assistance

N = 465 Family Assistance Cash Assistance Non-food Items NGO, UN NGO, UN District NGO, UN and Government and Civil Government Government and Civil Civil Society Society Society Abu Ghraid 53.3% 0.0% 1.7% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Al Istiqlal 70.0% 5.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 4.2% Al Mada'en 58.3% 2.5% 0.8% 0.8% 1.7% 3.3% Al Tarmia 63.3% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.8% Mahmoudiya 70.0% 0.8% 0.8% 0.0% 0.0% 0.8% Taji 69.2% 0.0% 0.8% 2.5% 0.0% 4.2% Total 64.0% 1.5% 0.7% 0.6% 0.3% 2.2%

2.4 Agriculture and Livelihoods Status

There has been a significant decline in Iraq’s agriculture effectiveness in recent years. This was primarily due to the lack of investment, isolation from the global economy and counterproductive agricultural policies. Iraq has been dependent on importing a significant portion of its food. In addition, soil salinity and drought have hindered the efficient working of the irrigation system. The current security situation imposed a significant decline in agriculture and livelihood productivity.

According to the focus groups, the on-going agricultural season is affected by a shortage of seeds and farming inputs, as well as damaged irrigation systems and rural road networks, the latter hampering access to markets. The low quality of seed, herbicides, insecticides, fertilizers, animal vaccines, machinery, irrigation equipment and spare parts have also contributed to the decline in agricultural productivity.

2.4.1 Agricultural Profile of Baghdad

Respondents were asked to describe the main characteristics of agriculture in their community; the responses indicated that the six districts are characterized by the availability of large areas of fertile land, access to water through the Tigris River and availability of labor. Livestock is being practiced in the region as well but to a lesser extent than agriculture.

According to FGD assessment, Al Tarmia has the largest cultivated land area at 112,500 donums of which 90% of it is privately owned. This is followed by Taji at 81,000 donums; nonetheless, only 12% of the land is privately owned, the other 78% is rented, as shown in Table 17 that summarizes cultivated land area and ownership type per district.

Table 8 – Cultivated Land and Ownership Type

Cultivated Land Cultivated Land Ownership District (In Donums) Owner Rented Land Others*

Abu Ghraib 65,800 50% 50% 0% Al Istiqlal 40,000 90% 10% 0% Al Mada'en 25,000 20% 80% 0% Al Tarmia 112,500 90% 10% 0% Mahmoudiya 79,000 50% 50% 0% Taji 81,000 12% 78% 10%

*Others include: scatter basis, inheritance proceedings, etc…

Table 9 –Type of Tenure

In all five districts respondents Type of Tenure indicated that most of the District Single- Partnership cultivated land areas were owned Religious Holding / Multiple- Company Public by a single person or a (Waqf) /Private Holdings partnership [Please refer to Table Abu Ghraib X X X X 18].

Al Istiqlal X X Wheat, barley, other cereals, and Al Mada'en X X X vegetables were determined to Al Tarmia X X be the main types of agricultural crops produced in the region. In Mahmoudiya X X X addition to these main types, Taji X X X Palm Trees were identified to be planted Al Istiqlal and

Mahmoudiya, and Citrus Trees in Al Istiqlal distinctively. On the other hand, potato, corn, summer fruit, and fodder are being planted in Abu Ghraib in particular. Whereas cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry are the types of livestock bred in the six districts without exception as presented in Table 19.

Table 10 - Types of Livestock and Crop

District Type of Livestock Bred Type of Crop Cultivated Abu Ghraib Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Poultry Potato, Wheat, Corn, Summer Fruit, Fodder Al Istiqlal Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Poultry Cereals, Vegetable, Palm Trees, Citrus Trees Al Mada'en Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Poultry Cereals and Vegetable Al Tarmia Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Poultry Wheat, Barley, Corn, all kinds of vegetables Mahmoudiya Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Poultry Cereals, Vegetable, Palm Trees Wheat, Barley, Cereals, all kinds of Taji Cattle, Sheep, Goats, and Poultry vegetables

2.4.2 Household Engagement in Livelihood

The HH assessment indicated that 45% of Figure 20 - Agricultural Engagement households are engaged in agricultural activities of 70% any kind including home gardens on terraces, small 60% plots and smallholdings, and large farms. In addition, 62% of interviewees indicated that they 50% have access to land that could be, or is being, used 40% for growing food items such as fruit and vegetables, 30% as shown in Figure 20. [Refer to Annex 5.1 for 20% percentage breakdown per district] 10%

The main types of crops cultivated by households in 0% their homes and gardens are dates, oranges, Engaged in Agricultural Have Access to Activities Agricultural Land tomatoes, cucumber, olive trees and potatoes as shown in Figure 21. A smaller percentage of Yes No households are cultivating grapes, onions, lemon, pomegranate, apple, watermelon, wheat, barley and maize. [Refer to Annex 5.7 for percentage breakdown per district]

On a larger scale, nonetheless, tomatoes were determined to be the most cultivated agricultural product by households. This was followed by, potatoes, cucumber, wheat, barely, onions, dates, maize and oranges consecutively. As presented in Figure 22, lemon, apple, pomegranate, grapes and olive trees, on the other hand, are cultivated on a smaller percentage compared to the aforementioned products. [Refer to Annex 5.8 for percentage breakdown per district]

Figure 21 - Crops cultivated at home

60%

50%

40%

30%

20%

10%

Figure 22 - Crops cultivated on a larger scale

Large Scale Crop Cultivation 70%

60% 50%

40%

30% 20%

10% 0%

N = 720

District No Yes

Abu Ghraib 89 31

Al Istiqlal 97 23

Al Mada'en 99 21

Al Tarmia 71 49 Mahmudiya 87 33

Taji 76 44

Total 519 201

Table 20 - Paying someone to work on Land

Households were also asked if they would be interested in planting fruit, vegetables and other crops, where 78% of respondents indicated they would be interested, as shown in Table 21. Respondents also expressed their willingness to undertake training courses in the fields listed in Table 22.

Out of 720 households, 201 (28%) indicated that they are paying someone to work on their land to assist in agricultural activities, as shown in Table 20. The average number of people paid to work on agricultural land is between 2 to 6, as presented in Figure 23. These paid workers are mainly seasonal hire (45%), families or friends (41%) or permanent hire (14%) Table 11 - Interest in Planting Crops Figure 23 - # of People Working on Land N = 720 80.0% 70.0% District Yes No 60.0% Abu Ghraib 64% 36% 50.0% Al Istiqlal 69% 31% 40.0% Al Mada'en 87% 13% 30.0% Mahmudiya 92% 8% 20.0% Taji 78% 22% 10.0% Al Tarmia 81% 19% 0.0% Total 78% 22% 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 15 20 25

In relation to livestock, the assessment shows that 81% of respondents keep livestock on their lands. As can be seen from Table 23, Taji has the highest percentage for keeping livestock (88%) followed by Al Tarmia (84%) and Al Mada'en (83%). However, respondents indicated that they had to sell their livestock

Table 12 – Type of Training Required

N = 565 Responses Type of Training N Percentage Agricultural production 385 15% Animal husbandry 295 12% Agricultural practices and improved inputs 349 14% Food quality and hygiene 227 9% Agricultural processing 463 18% Post-harvest practices 250 10% Adoption of modern machinery and irrigation techniques 440 17% How to work together in farmers’ associations or within cooperatives to better 153 6% ensure marketing of their products over the past 6 months to provide a source of livelihood (45%) or because they simply could not afford purchasing fodder, pasture or animal feed (26%). Other reasons for selling livestock are shown in Table 24.

Table 13 - Keeping Livestock Table 14 - Reasons for Selling Animals

N = 720 N = 583 District Yes No Responses Reasons Animal were Sold Abu Ghraib 75% 25% N Percentage Al Istiqlal 77% 23% Lack of fodder/pasture/animal feed 181 22% Al Mada'en 83% 18% Not affording fodder/pasture/animal feed 209 26% Al Tarmia 84% 16% Mahmudiya 80% 20% Infertility 15 2% Taji 88% 13% Lack of shelter to house animals 40 5% Total 81% 19% Normal source of livelihood 369 45%

2.4.3 Agricultural Zones and Livelihood Groups

Based on the results of key informant interviews, agriculture related activities were the main livelihood sources. The first most commonly Figure 24 - Livelihood Activities reported sources were crop production, including cereals, Livelihood Activities vegetables, olives, fruit trees, floriculture and nurseries, aromatic Other Types of Activities Cultural and Artistic Activities and medical plants and organic Hand Craft farming. Livestock, was the next Restauration, cafeteria most common and was represented Non-agricultural Services by cattle, sheep, goats, poultry, Agirucltural Services apiculture, fisheries and aquaculture. Transport Processing of agricultural products, Trade Processing of Agricultural Products agricultural services, non-agricultural Fisheries and Aquaculture services, handcraft, and other types Organic Farming of activities were among the less Apiculture significant sources of livelihood in Poultry the 6 districts. Figure 24 Goats demonstrates the percentage Sheep Cattle breakdown of each of the above- Aromatic and Medical Plants mentioned activities. Floriculture and Nurseries Forestry These livelihood activities are Fruit Trees performed by both men and women Tobacco throughout the year. Nonetheless, Olives three respondents (2 in Al Mada'en Vegetables Cereals and 1 in Abu Ghraib) indicated that livelihood activities are performed 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% 14% 16% by men only, whereas in Mahmoudiya 3 respondents indicated that agriculture is performed by both genders but livestock and other activities are performed by men only. In addition, two respondents from Al Istiqlal and one from Abu Ghraib claimed that agricultural activities are performed during winter and summer seasons only. One respondent in Abu Ghraib stated that there is no agricultural activities in the area due to water scarcity.

Figure 25 - Progress of Livelihood Activities With respect to improvement in livelihood activities, 66% of the Remained the Same respondents (27 in total) indicated that livelihood activities have Improved significantly decreased and Disappeared deteriorated over the past 24 months [Refer to Figure 25]. Around 22% (9 Decreased responses) indicated that activities remained the same, 3 of which 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% claimed there has been an increase in jobs over the past 24 months. Another

7% (based on 2 respondents from Al Mada’en and 1 from Al Istiqlal) claimed they have improved and 5% (1 from Al Tarmia and 1 from Abu Ghraib) stated that agricultural and livestock activities are no longer being carried out.

2.4.4 Access to Water

The type of water supply practiced in all six districts is irrigation – a method of transporting water to crops in order to maximize the amount of crops produced. The main irrigation methods used include surface irrigation, sprinklers, and localized irrigation, as can be seen from the Table 25.

Table 15 - Irrigation and Water Useage Pattern

Affect of Source of Method of Changes in Reasons for These District These Irrigation Irrigation Water Use Changes Changes Agricultural Canal, Surface Production Decreased Decreased Supply of Abu Ghraib River/Spring/Strea Irrigarion, Decreased up to 25% Water m, Well Sprinklers more than 25% Surface Stayed the Stayed the Al Istiqlal Canal Stayed the Same Irrigarion Same Same Spriklers, Stayed the Stayed the Al Mada'en Canal Localized Stayed the Same Same Same Irrigation Decreased Supply of Agricultural Water and Poor Production Surface Decreased Al Tarmia Canal Quality of Water Decreased Irrigarion up to 25% Provision more than Infrastructure 25% Decreased Supply of Agricultural Canal, Surface Decreased a Water and Poor Productio Mahmoudiya River/Spring/Strea Irrigarion, lot more Quality of Water Decreased a m, Well Sprinklers than 25% Provision lot more than Infrastructure 25% Agricultural Surface and Decreased Production Decreased Supply of Taji Canal Localized more than Decreased Water Irrigation 25% more than 25%

It was found that over the past 24 months, water use has decreased a lot more than 25% in Mahmoudiya, and up to 25% in Abu Ghraib and Al Tarmia, and more than 25% in Taji, whereas in Al Istiqlal and Al Mada'en, it stayed the same. It was perceived by respondents that this decrease is a result of lack of water supply and poor quality of water provision infrastructure where in most cases water is lost due to leaks. The infrastructure systems in place do not use the water in the most efficient way.

This causes more water than necessary to be used or for there not to be enough water to ensure healthy crops. Of all livelihood sectors, agriculture is the sector where water scarcity has the greatest relevance. This is in support of KII respondents’ perception of reasons for poor agricultural performance in the 6 districts. Water scarcity was ranked the second biggest factor affecting agricultural progress.

Table 16 - Sources of Water

N = 720 In addition, the HH assessment The Main Source of Drinking Water Frequency Percent indicated that the main source of water, as shown in Table 26, for the Store/Market-bought water 37 5.1% 720 HH interviewed is from municipal Private vendor (water truck) 85 11.8% connection that each household has direct access to at home (71.1%). Municipal connection (in home) 512 71.1% Shared municipal connection was the second main source of water (69%) Municipal connection (shared by >1 50 69.0% HH) followed by private vendors at a low percentage of 11.8. Water purchased Certified/authorised borehole or 12 1.7% from stores (5.1%), well water (2.4%) spring and authorized borehole or spring Unauthorised/unprotected water 7 1.0% water (1.7%) were other insignificant source sources of water that households Well 17 2.4% have access to. Total 720 100%

Seven households (1%) claimed that they only have access to unprotected/unauthorized source of water. Of the 720, 40.7% are trying to make their water safer for drinking by either using water filters, adding bleach or chlorine, or simply boiling.

Figure 26 - Constraints in Water Access When asked about the obstacles they have faced 9% in accessing water in the last 30 days, 22% of HHs 9% stated that they have faced constraints in accessing water mainly because it is not available to them as often as they need it. As presented in Figure 26, 82% of the answers indicated that availability is the main constraint, followed by the 82% price of water (9%) and insufficient storage facility (9%) for storing water.

Availability Price Storage Facility

2.4.5 Access to Input

The results of the FGD assessment showed Figure 27 - Inputs and Techniques that, in general, the inputs and techniques used by households for farming and livestock Use of Machinery practices include seeds of local, hybrid, improved or certified varieties; fertilizers; Veterinary Services phytophagous sanitary chemical products that Artificial Insemination include pesticides, herbicides, insecticides, fungicides and others; and use of machineries. Phyto Sanitary Veterinary services, such as treatment of diseases and vaccination, and artificial Fertilizers insemination are used to a smaller degree Seeds than the aforementioned techniques [As shown in Figure 27]. Respondents claimed 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% that veterinary services are poor, costly and are usually bought on the black market; therefore, they have limited access to veterinary services. All of these services are often purchased from profits generated from production or money borrowed. In Abu Ghraib, the results showed that products are being used as collateral and exchanged for these inputs/techniques.

Respondents claimed that some techniques, such as pest control aircrafts, are not available now due to the humanitarian crisis cause by IS. There has been no new techniques or inputs developed after the crisis; however, respondents in Abu Ghraib stated that farmers are being encouraged to plant potatoes, but this is in need for further studies before implemented.

Table 17 - Debt Pattern

District Reasons for taking Debts Source of Loans Period of these loans food, health, education, clothing, bills, Abu Ghraib Family or Friends Less than 12 Months agricultural inputs, livestock expenses food, health, education, clothing, tools Al Istiqlal N/A * N/A* and machinery food, health, education, clothing, bills, Al Mada'en Family or Friends Less than 12 Months livestock expenses food, health, education, clothing, bills, Private Lender, Al Tarmia agricultural inputs, livestock, livestock Less than 12 Months Family or Friends expenses Mahmoudiya Unknown* N/A * N/A* food, education, bills, agricultural inputs, Taji land rent, livestock, livestock expenses, Private Lender Less than 12 Months tools and machinery

*Respondents from Al Istiqlal and Mahmoudiya have indicated that there are not aware of any debts being taken in the district. Respondents were asked if they know of anyone who has taken on debt in the last 24 months. The responses across all 6 districts, as shown in Table 27, indicated that a large number of households have

28 been taking on debt. It was found that people take debt in order to buy food and clothing, cover health and education expenses, pay for household bills, buy agricultural inputs and livestock, cover livestock expenses, and buy tools and machineries. Covering agricultural expenses have been identified as the main reason for taking a debt in each of Abu Ghraib, Al Mada'en, Al Tarmia and Taji. This has been the case in the past 24 months in particular because the low profit margin generated from agribusiness, increase in the cost of agricultural input and the deterioration of the overall lifestyle. These loans are often taken from families or friends, or private lenders for a period of less than 12 months.

Table 18 - HH Debt Pattern

N = 720 The HH questionnaire showed that 69% (495 District No Yes Don't know HH) of the 720 HHs took on debt in the last 24 months, as shown in Table 28. This justifies the Abu Ghraib 52.1% 46.2% 1.7% high rate of expenditure on debt repayment as Al Istiqlal 36.8% 61.5% 1.7% explained under Expenditure (section 2.2.2). Of Al Mada'en 24.2% 75.8% 0.0% this 69%, 30.9% have taken only one loan, 17% Al Tarmia 21.7% 78.3% 0.0% taken two loans, 18.2% have taken three loans, Mahmoudiya 15.8% 84.2% 0.0% 11.7% have taken four loans, 5.5% have taken Taji 31.7% 67.5% 0.8% five loans, 6.9% have taken six loans, 4.4% have taken between 7-60 loans and only 5.5% Total 30.3% 69.0% 0.7% indicated that they have taken no loans.

2.4.6 Employment Trend

In relation to employment and labor markets, respondents indicated that the unemployment rate increased over the past 24 months because most farmers left their businesses due to declining profit margins. This decrease is likely due to recent trends towards self-employment, freelance jobs and government jobs. There was also an increase in imported goods due to the high demand for them in the market.

When asked about hiring preferences, focus groups from Al Istiqlal, Al Mada'en, Al Tarmia and Taji stated that preference would be given to community members rather than strangers or members of other communities. The focus group from Abu Ghraib and Mahmoudiya, on the other hand, stated that there are no preferences given to candidates and everyone has equal employment opportunities.

2.4.7 Services Available to Livelihood Groups

The services people potentially have access to, according to respondents, are veterinary services, financial services and funding. These services are mainly provided by the government, followed by the humanitarian organizations and the private sector. There is insufficient access to these services at present; nonetheless, respondents believe if there is an adequate amount of these services, there is a great potential for livelihood activities to reform in due course.

2.4.8 Changes Impacting Livelihood Groups

Results from the HH assessment showed that there has been a 25% decrease in yields on average. Tomatoes followed by potatoes, cucumber, wheat and barley seem to be the most affected types of crops as shown in Figure 28. Yields from onions, oranges and dates have also significantly dropped in the past 24 months. Annex 5.9 shows the percentage decrease for each item per district.

Figure 28 - Changes in Yields in the Last 24 Months

40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

+50% +25% Same -25% -50%

Table 19 - Reduced Natural Resources

N = 720 What natural resources have been reduced? The reason for this reduction was Loss of Crop Soil Tree perceived by households to be due to Water Access Other Erosion Coverage increased cost of agricultural inputs to Land followed by increased cost of Dates 5.3% 0% 1.0% 0% 11% machinery, as presented in Figure 29. Grapes 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% Reduction in natural resources, Apples 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% represented mainly by water shortage, Pomegranates 0% 0% 0% 0% 0% has considerably contributed to Water Melon 1% 0% 0% 0% 1% reduction in agricultural yields. As Barley 10% 3% 1% 0% 6% determined from KII and FGD Wheat 10% 3% 2% 0% 6% assessment, the HH results also support that water scarcity is seen as Maize 7% 1% 1% 0% 2% one of the major obstacles affecting Tomatoes 8% 1% 3% 0% 5% agricultural production, as evident in Potatoes 6% 1% 2% 0% 4% Table 29. Cucumber 6% 1% 3% 0% 3% Oranges 1% 0% 1% 0% 2% When asked about the three main Lemons 1% 0% 0% 0% 1% changes in livelihood groups in the past Onions 4% 0% 2% 0% 1% 24 months, the responses from the KII Olive trees 1% 0% 0% 0% 0% assessment were largely similar across all six districts. There was a great agreement that decrease in agricultural production, reduction in agricultural jobs forcing the shift of the labor force towards government/private sector jobs and self-employment, and limited access to water. It was perceived by respondents that lack of funds for livelihood groups and increase in importing

30 international goods have led to these negative changes. The goods that are being imported into the country are cheaper than locally produced products; thus, farmers are forced to reduce their prices in order to sell their products, leading to reduction in the revenue generated. In addition, government funding is insufficient to support good quality agricultural techniques, seeds, machineries and treatment for diseases, which influenced the progress of livelihood development significantly. With the increased cost of agricultural input, machineries and labor as identified by HH interviews, the limited funds granted by the government does not favor agricultural development. These negative changes contributed to worsening the current humanitarian crisis in Baghdad.

Figure 29 - Reasons for Decrease in Yields

40% 35% 30% 25% 20% 15% 10% 5% 0%

Reduction in Natural Resources Increased Cost of Agr. Input Increased Cost of Machinary Increased Cost of Labor Less Market Demand Relying on Other Income Sources

2.4.9 Challenges Facing Livelihood

The perceived reasons for such poor Figure 30 - Poor Performance performance were predominantly due to insufficient funding of government allocation for agriculture and livestock Others (33% of respondents) and water Figure 5 - Obstacles Impeding Livelihood Low Revenue scarcity (18%) [As shown in Figure 30]. DevelopmentFigure 6 - Poor Performance Poor Services While poor security situation was acknowledged as factors contributing Lack of Funds to the poor performance (14%), and FigurePoor Security 7 - Obstacles Situation Impeding Livelihood Development some respondents believed that low Water Scarcity revenue generated from agriculture Figure 3 – Education Level of the Head of HHs Figure 8 - and livestock (10%) and poor services 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% Obstacles Impeding Livelihood DevelopmentFigure 9 - Poor (8%) have affected the progress of Performance livelihood (agriculture and livestock) in the region. These poor services are characterized by lack of support to cure the spread of plant and animal diseases, lack of fertilizers and pesticide, and lack of

Figure 1031 - Obstacles Impeding Livelihood DevelopmentFigure 11 - Poor Performance

vaccines and good quality seeds. Around 17% of respondents indicated that the low performance is also caused by large numbers of IDPs fleeing their homes and leaving their farms behind. It is also caused by the movement of the labor force towards freelance and other independent jobs and decrease in the overall purchasing power of households.

In addition to the challenges Figure 31 - Obstacles Impeding Livelihood Development faced by livelihood activities, Obstacles many obstacles are also hindering the development Access to credits of certain activities. Pest and diseases According to respondents, Veterinary services access and as presented in Figure Animal feed 31, the most significant Security reasons (including land mines… obstacles are represented by Post-harvesting obstacles absence of agricultural loans (10%), decrease in Marketing obstacles agricultural product prices Pasture/grazing land degradation (10%), and the spread of Quality of inputs pest and diseases (10%). It is Lack of skilled labor also believed that the lack of Lack/Absence of agricultural extension animal feed (10%), the Access to water for irrigation absence of agricultural Decrease in agricultural products prices extension and crop Difficulty in accessing agricultural lands diversification (8%), Absence of agricultural loans marketing (8%) and post- Displacement harvesting obstacles (7%) are 0% 2% 4% 6% 8% 10% 12% impeding the development of livelihood activities. Other obstacles were characterized by the degradation of lands and increased soil salinity (5%), limited access to irrigation water (7%), limited access to veterinary services (4%), and difficulty in accessing agricultural lands (5%). A number of respondents indicated that displacement of people (5%) and deteriorated security conditions (4%) act as roadblocks to livelihood developments.

Due to these challenges and obstacles that hamper the progress of livelihood activities, most citizens have shifted their career direction towards state jobs, self-employment and trade. Importing of goods that are cheaper than locally produced products is being practiced by a large number of citizens in the region.

2.4.10 Solutions and Recommendations to Face and Overcome Negative Changes

Respondents were asked how people in their communities coped with these negative changes in livelihood activities. Most responses indicated that the labor market found opportunities in trade and imports, and government jobs to make a living, as mentioned earlier. Some stated that a greater focus was given to animal husbandry while others believed a large number of the population was not able to cope. Respondents recommended the following services that could be provided to help people in

Baghdad in general, and for those living in rural areas in particular, to solve these issues and changes to rural livelihood: 1- Provide farmers with access to agricultural loans and issue grants that specifically focus on innovation, create benefits for disadvantaged farmers, and improves farming practices; 2- Deliver training on farming practices and techniques with emphasis on functional literacy, thinking skills, and life-long learning; 3- Develop of policy advice and provide services to improve the productivity, competitiveness and sustainability of agriculture, fisheries, forestry and related industries. These services included improved veterinary services, provision of fertilizers, seeds, machinery and equipment, and raw material; 4- Protect and preserve rural community character; 5- Provide greater access to irrigation water; 6- Take advantage of large areas that could be utilized for fish farms 7- Lay the ground work for improved market access

Encourage and promote local production with the aid of regulated imports, enforced government laws and facilitate marketing of local products.

2.5 Markets and Supply Chain Status

Agricultural products are distributed and sold at the market place in each of Abu Ghraib, Al Mada'en, Al Tarmia and Taji. In Al Istiqlal, however, products are sold at farm gate.

The results from HH indicated that open-air markets, which are forms of organized markets, are the most accessible by households. This was followed by access to local shops (Small-established stores where farmers can sell their produce), and kiosks (Street Vendors). Supermarkets were determined to be the least type of market accessed by households. Table 22 shows the percentage breakdown of markets access per district.

Table 20 - Market Access

N = 720 Do you Access this market? Al Mahmoudiy Abu Ghraib Al Istiqlal Al Tarmia Taji Total Market Mada'en a Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No N/A Open air market (organized 90% 0% 97% 2% 99% 0% 93% 0% 100% 0% 96% 0% 96% 0% 4% market area) Local shops (small established 87% 0% 91% 0% 99% 0% 93% 1% 95% 0% 97% 0% 93% 1% 6% stores) Kiosks (street 75% 0% 89% 3% 84% 0% 76% 0% 81% 0% 85% 0% 82% 0% 18% vendors) Supermarket 66 34% 43% 58% 28% 72% 28% 71% 37% 63% 37% 63% 35% 65% 0% (large stores) %

As can be seen from Table 23, the means of transportation to access these markets are mainly by cars and foot. This is followed by taxis or rented vehicle, and buses.

Table 21 – Means of Access to Markets

N = 720 How do you Access this market? Market Taxi/moto- Bus Foot Car Motorbike taxi/rented Other N/A* vehicle Open air market 6% 9% 73% 0% 8% 0% 4% (organized market area) Local shops (small 2% 43% 43% 1% 4% 0% 6% established stores) Kiosks (street vendors) 1% 53% 26% 1% 1% 0% 18% Supermarket (large 1% 0% 29% 0% 4% 0% 65% stores) *Refers to respondents who did not answer

In addition, households were asked how long it takes them to reach the market place. The results showed that it the estimated travel time is less than 30 minutes in most cases, especially when accessing local shops or kiosks, as shown in Table 24.

Table 22 - Estimated Travel Time to Access Markets

N = 720 How long does it take you to reach this market? Market <30 30 min-1 1-2 hours >2 hours N/A* minutes hour

Open air market (organized market area) 46% 41% 8% 0% 4% Local shops (small established stores) 72% 21% 0% 0% 7% Kiosks (street vendors) 69% 12% 1% 0% 18% Supermarket (large stores) 5% 25% 4% 1% 65%

Table 23 - Selling Farm Production N = 720 When asked if they sell farm production, 84% of respondents District No Yes indicated that they do. As can be seen from Table 33, Abu Ghraib 28% 72% Mahmoudiya has the highest percentage (90%) of responses Al Istiqlal 18% 82% indicating that households are selling farm productions. Al Mada'en 11% 89% Al Tarmia 13% 87% Farm productions are sold at market places mainly (77%) and Mahmoudiya 10% 90% through contracts (53%) as shown in Table 34. Taji 14% 86% Total 16% 84%

Table 24 – Locations for Selling Farm Productions

N = 720 Where do you sell your produce? Abu Al Market Al Istiqlal Al Tarmia Mahmoudiya Taji Total Ghraib Mada'en Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No Yes No

At Farm Gates 11% 89% 18% 82% 28% 72% 20% 80% 22% 78% 27% 73% 21% 79% At Market Places 56% 44% 76% 23% 83% 16% 80% 20% 83% 17% 83% 17% 77% 23% Through Agricultural 11% 89% 3% 98% 1% 99% 0% 100% 0% 100% 3% 98% 3% 97% Production Through 63% 37% 48% 53% 58% 42% 55% 45% 48% 52% 48% 53% 53% 47% Contracts

3. Conclusions

Livelihood development in Baghdad is deteriorating rapidly due to many obstacles including, but not limited to, inadequate availability of funds by the government, water scarcity, lack of security stability, spread of plant and animal diseases, poor agricultural and livestock services, and many others as illustrated earlier in the report. Iraq faces serious problems of livelihood degradation that must be addressed immediately because failure to act now will greatly compound the cost and complexity of later remedial efforts, and because livelihood degradation is beginning to pose a major threat to human well-being, especially among the poor.

Although it may seem that households have sufficient access to food and source of living, the increasing number of IDPs and poor security situation is not promising any positive outcomes. With the good access to agricultural land and access to market, agriculture and livestock can be reformed with a good strategic plan to help millions of households, including IDPs.

4. Recommendations The three Food Security assessments carried out by RI in Baghdad, Kirkuk and Diyala demonstrate the presence of consistent challenges and needs across the governorates and therefore require a consistent strategy to address those needs. This will allow the development of common interventions of technical assistance in the areas of market development, strengthening of the capacity of producer and marketing groups, water management and crop and livestock production and health. The strategy to be developed in detail must:  prioritize the food security, agriculture and income generation needs of the affected populations  demonstrate appropriate interventions to restore local livelihoods and food production  highlight the means by which appropriate agricultural interventions can contribute to rebuilding livelihoods, strengthening resilience, and facilitating the acceptance of IDPs in the host communities. The Food Security assessment in Baghdad highlighted the following as being key constraints:  Pest and Diseases  Animal Feed  Post harvesting obstacles  Marketing obstacles  Pasture/grazing land degradation  Lack of agricultural extension  Access to water for irrigation  Decrease in agricultural product prices  Difficulty in accessing agricultural land  Absence of agricultural loans  Displacement

Security will continue to be a major constraint and all recommendations are to be viewed and evaluated in this context.

Possible Intervention Options:

Water Development and/or rehabilitation of productive water structures and facilities can be used for a two- fold purpose: 1. To provide short term cash income opportunities to host community members and IDPs through Cash for Work (CfW), targeting construction or rehabilitation of irrigation canals and surface water storage dams. As necessary, soil conservation measures can be included where agricultural areas require protection and stabilization and can also be addressed through CfW. 2. The rehabilitated canals will help to overcome the lack of irrigation for field crops and the water storage dams can support small livestock rearing, including fodder production, and dry season growing of vegetables and fruits which find a ready market in the urban areas.

Training and extension for farmers on agricultural practices designed to maximize the benefits from existing water resources in areas of low and erratic rainfall, such as:

 Conservation tillage, incorporating the use of cover crops and crop rotation, combined with minimal soil disturbance.  Use of drought resistant varieties of cereal crops and legumes, as promoted by ICRISAT and ICARDA  The use of drip or trickle irrigation in selected locations and for in-demand and short rotation crops. This applies particularly to farmers operating in reasonably close proximity to urban markets.

Promotion of participatory water resource management.  Support the development of participatory water resource governance structures.  Facilitate dialogue between land owners and farmers, local government and other relevant stakeholders.  Improve water management through a more equitable and transparent use of resources.

Finance Direct subsidies to farmers and livestock producers are unlikely to be available to any significant extent. Therefore another mode of financial investment for the sector must be found. A model that shows promise is: 1. Organize producer and marketing groups into small business units, which receive training and capacity building on:  Development of simple business plans, building business and management skills and simple market analysis and marketing skills.  Support to the producer and marketing groups to enable them to secure investment funds from the private sector, in the form of credit groups, banks, micro-finance institutions and development agencies and also from local government sources.

2. Support agricultural development units within the municipal governments, to channel investment into identified productive sectors, generating improvements in agricultural output, local employment and income to the municipal government from receipts.

Post-harvest crop losses Post-harvest losses of agricultural produce can be considerable, due mainly to the actions of rodents, insects and molds. The presence of molds can also pose a serious health hazard to consumers. This can be reduced considerably by improved practices in crop harvesting, drying, grading and transportation and in the construction and maintenance of storage structures. Support activities would include:  Construction of simple farm-level stores, for individual families or producer groups, which are well ventilated, rodent and insect proof and allow regular inspection and cleaning.  Training and extension for crop producers on harvesting, grading, storage and transportation to avoid damage and maintain quality as the produce move along the value chain.

Small scale mechanization There is now a range of relatively low-cost and simple to use machinery and equipment for the agricultural sector, which provide small farmers the opportunity to grow their enterprises and increase production and farm income. These include:

 Walking tractors, ranging from 7 to 14 HP and allowing family production units to plough and cultivate their land, incorporating the use of conservation agriculture. They may also operate an irrigation pump directly from the tractor engine when it is disengaged from the vehicle transmission. The tractor can also pull a trailer and can, depending on the HP available, pull a load of up to 1,000 kg and allow the transportation of harvested produce from the fields, delivery of inputs to the fields and transportation of produce to market.  Access to this basic technology can be through membership of the producer groups and the investment and credit opportunities provided by them.

Farmer Field Schools Training and extension services should be provided to farmers, both crop and livestock, on overcoming constraints identified by them in their sector of interest. They can cover aspects of plant and animal health and production. The Farmer Field School (FFS) approach will provide an ideal avenue to develop this service to the community, working through the relevant government agencies, university departments and research bodies.

Home gardens and small livestock production Can be focused primarily on women and especially women-headed households. These are interventions which can be started up quickly and give early results in terms of income and household food security. They also provide a means of training children in the principles of crop and livestock production as part of their overall education, but not to an extent that would interfere with their formal education.

Security Inter-community tensions can to some extent be reduced and local security increased by utilizing the business networking opportunities provided by development of inter-linked agricultural value chains. The growth of regular channels of commerce and communication and the development of a practice of regular dialogue and negotiation provides a means of security building at the community level. Properly functioning market systems encourage the development of trust between the various actors along the value chain and gradual improvement in social cohesion. This will also promote acceptance of IDPs by host communities, as the market linkages are established between the two groups, providing another element of improvement in security. Development of self-reliance and reduction in feelings of exclusion and marginalization on the part of minority communities can be expected, over time, to reduce their potential cooperation with militant groups and also contribute to social cohesion.