Key Takeaways
- The World Food Programme (WFP), in partnership with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and with funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), has launched the MURUNA project in Iraq.
- MURUNA, meaning “resilience” in Arabic, targets water scarcity and food insecurity affecting an estimated 2.5 million people in the country who require humanitarian assistance.
- The project, implemented with Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources, focuses on inclusive water governance, community-level water management and climate-smart agriculture.
- It will support national water planning while helping water user associations develop water use plans and improve local infrastructure, with a focus on women's participation.
- MURUNA also aims to introduce climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices to help vulnerable farmers build long-term resilience.
WFP and ICBA Launch MURUNA Project in Iraq
The World Food Programme (WFP), working with the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture (ICBA) and backed by funding from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), has launched the MURUNA project to strengthen climate resilience in Iraq. The project's name means “resilience” in Arabic.
Addressing Iraq's Water and Food Security Crisis
Iraq continues to face serious challenges to food security, with an estimated 2.5 million people requiring humanitarian assistance. Increasing droughts, desertification, rising temperatures and dwindling water flows in the Tigris and Euphrates rivers are threatening rural communities, undermining agricultural productivity, reducing arable land and worsening food insecurity across the country.
WFP's Three-Pronged Approach to Building Resilience
Implemented in partnership with Iraq's Ministry of Water Resources, MURUNA addresses water scarcity through three connected approaches: inclusive water governance, improved community-level water management and climate-smart agriculture. The project will support water planning and decision-making at the national level while working with water user associations to develop water use plans and improve infrastructure, with an emphasis on fair water allocation, local participation and support for women. It will also help vulnerable farmers adopt climate-smart agricultural technologies and practices to strengthen resilience against future shocks.
Partner Perspectives
“Water is at the heart of Iraq's future food security,” said Amit Singh, WFP Iraq's Acting Country Director. “By investing in sustainable water governance and climate-smart agriculture, we are not only protecting livelihoods today but also securing resilience for generations to come.”
“ICBA is proud to partner with WFP, with the support of Global Affairs Canada, on the MURUNA project, which brings together stronger water governance, community-led resource management, and climate-smart agriculture. For rural communities facing increasing climate pressures, resilience depends on practical solutions that work on the ground. Through MURUNA, ICBA will contribute its expertise to help farmers adapt and strengthen long-term food security in Iraq. This is where science can make a real difference — by turning research into practical solutions that strengthen livelihoods and build long-term agricultural resilience in Iraq,” said Dr. Tarifa Al Zaabi, Director General of ICBA.
The project is designed to align with Iraq's national strategies and policies on water scarcity and climate change. By empowering communities, strengthening institutions and investing in infrastructure, WFP and ICBA said the initiative builds a pathway toward inclusive governance and sustainable development.
