Project to Strengthen Food Security and Agricultural Livelihoods in Bahrka Camp

Donar: Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA)

IID Organization, in partnership with Hungarian Interchurch Aid (HIA), implemented a project aimed at strengthening food security and supporting agricultural livelihoods for displaced families in Bahrka Camp in Erbil Governorate. The project was implemented under the Qudra 2 program, which focuses on supporting communities affected by the protracted crises in Iraq and Syria.

The project was implemented over a six-month period from May to October 2021 and targeted internally displaced persons (IDPs) as well as members of the host community living in the camp. The initiative focused on empowering vulnerable households to improve food production and increase income opportunities through agricultural training and sustainable livelihood support.

- Rehabilitation of Greenhouses

One of the key activities of the project was the rehabilitation of six greenhouses that had previously been installed in Bahrka Camp but were no longer in use. Through maintenance and upgrades, these greenhouses were restored and made operational for agricultural production across different farming seasons.

A total of 12 displaced households benefited directly from the greenhouses. Each greenhouse is shared by two families, allowing farmers to collaborate and develop their agricultural skills while generating income through crop production.

- Training Farmers and Building Skills

In addition to rehabilitating the greenhouses, IID organized a 12-day training program for the selected beneficiaries on greenhouse and crop management. The training included both theoretical and practical sessions covering topics such as plant cultivation, pest and disease management, harvesting techniques, crop handling, and safety practices in greenhouse environments.

Participants also received essential agricultural tools and inputs to begin cultivation, including vegetable seeds and basic farming equipment.

- Promoting Social Cohesion

Beyond agricultural support, the project also aimed to strengthen social cohesion and peaceful coexistence among the diverse communities living in Bahrka Camp.

IID organized a series of workshops on dialogue, peacebuilding, and conflict resolution. These activities brought together 47 participants from different ethnic and religious backgrounds, including Kurds, Arabs, Turkmen, and Shabak communities. The sessions created a platform for dialogue and encouraged cooperation and mutual understanding among camp residents.

- Strengthening Organizational Capacity

As part of the project, IID also invested in strengthening its internal capacity. A report writing training workshop was organized for 12 IID staff members from different governorates. The training aimed to improve staff skills in documentation, monitoring, and reporting, thereby enhancing the organization’s ability to deliver high-quality project reporting and program management.

- Project Impact

The project directly supported 12 displaced households by providing opportunities for agricultural production through greenhouse farming. In addition, dozens of community members benefited from peacebuilding and training activities.

Overall, the project contributed to improving food security, strengthening livelihoods, and promoting social cohesion among displaced communities in Bahrka Camp. It represents an important step toward building resilience and supporting sustainable livelihoods for vulnerable populations.