Iraq is one of the countries, most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, facing extreme temperatures, unpredictable precipitation, intensified drought and increasing water scarcity. At the same time, rapid population growth, urbanization and inefficient water use by the agricultural and industrial sectors are propelling a demand for more water. The multifaceted stressors have led to further losses of agricultural livelihoods, especially in southern governorates, thus aggravating food insecurity. As Iraq transitions from a humanitarian to a development context after decades of conflict and political unrest, the country is focused on building a strong, home-grown innovation ecosystem that supports a climate-smart and resilient future capable of withstanding the challenges posed by climate change.
To address these challenges, the World Food Programme (WFP) launched its first-ever call for applications in Iraq in 2024. The PALM (Promoting Adaptation through Localized Methods) Iraq Innovation Challenge aimed to identify and support local cost-effective solutions, both low-tech and high-tech, to build resilience and enhance climate adaptation of affected communities.
We invited innovators, entrepreneurs and organizations from Iraq to contribute impactful and fit-for-purpose solutions to strengthen the capacities of local communities to adapt to climate change and improve livelihood opportunities. WFP in Iraq provides comprehensive support to selected teams, facilitating the development and scaling of the most promising solutions. Our focus is on nurturing innovations that are not only novel to the context of Iraq but also sustainable, scalable and capable of bringing long-term change within the local ecosystem.
