The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Ministry of Agriculture and Water Resources, in collaboration with the UN Development Program (UNDP) in Iraq and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), on June 6 announced the graduation of 200 women from a training program for doing business in the agri-food industry.

Participants across nine locations in the Kurdistan Region, including Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, Duhok, Halabja, Garmian, Soran, Raparin, Zakho, and Akre, were trained on agricultural techniques, marketing strategies, and entrepreneurship skills tailored to the specific needs of each location, the UNDP said in a press release

“This collaboration exemplifies our commitment to supporting inclusive and sustainable development in Iraq,” said UNDP Iraq Resident Representative Auke Lootsma in the press release.

USAID Mission Director in Iraq Elise Jensen Congratulates Graduates of the Agriculture Food Industry Training, Supported by USAID and Implemented by UNDP (Photo: USAID)

“By investing in the capacity and untapped potential of Iraqi women, we are not only fostering equitable economic empowerment, but also contributing to the overall advancement of the agriculture sector in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region. This wouldn’t have been possible without the generous contribution of our steadfast partner, USAID.” 

“The successful completion of this training underscores the importance of partnerships in driving positive change. By working together, we can create opportunities for every Iraqi to play a transformative role in the agriculture food industry, ultimately contributing to food security and economic prosperity in Iraq,” said USAID Mission Director in Iraq Elise Jensen.

The women were trained in various skills, including pickling olives and vegetables, making jams, tomato paste and sauces, preparing natural sweets, producing vinegar and juices, drying fruits and vegetables, and handling frozen products.

Through this training, the KRG, UNDP, and USAID aim to enable today’s graduates to not only enter the agri-food industry, but also to establish their own businesses, thereby fostering sustainable livelihoods and contributing to Iraq’s economic growth.