Climate-adapted Use of Water Resources in Iraq

Context

Iraq is severely affected by climate change. Heat waves, droughts and sandstorms are commonplace. Moreover, the average annual temperature is forecast to rise by two degrees by the year 2050.

A growing water shortage is a threat to agriculture and leading to increased food insecurity. This situation is weakening the country’s social and economic structures. At the same time, conflicts, poverty and corruption are hindering efforts to adapt to climate change and implement effective measures.

A variety of water distribution conflicts are occurring in the catchment area of the Hillah River. People in the south are suffering from a shortage of water due to intense water usage in the river’s upper reaches. There is a lack of water resource plans that take account of climate change.

Objective

The technical and institutional conditions for climate-resilient water resources management for the Hillah River are improved.

Approach

The project improves data management at the Ministry of Water Resources (MoWR), implements a climate-resilient water management model and identifies opportunities to reuse drainage water.

To do so, it implements the following measures:

• Using technical measures, it optimises monitoring and data collection in the catchment area of the Hillah River. The project employs a digital model to simulate scenarios for climate-resilient water management in order to make transparent decisions for the fair distribution of water resources.
• It modernises MoWR’s training centre and expands its range of services to include innovative training modules on climate change adaptation, including the use of artificial intelligence in water resources management. Another new feature is a special training programme for women managers.
• It analyses the potential of drainage water as an additional water resource and develops pilot projects ready for implementation.

Last update: March 2025