Iraq’s water crisis and the need for global action

Iraq is facing a water crisis of staggering proportions. Extreme temperatures, prolonged droughts and inadequate water management have pushed the country into a state of emergency.

A report published this month by the Norwegian Refugee Council highlights how Iraq’s agricultural decline is being compounded by “extreme temperatures and long, dry spells,” forcing one in two families to cultivate less land or use less water in 2024 compared to previous years. The report sheds light on how these challenges affect income, harvest yields and people’s ability to recover from decades of instability.

Iraq’s reliance on outdated irrigation techniques has most likely exacerbated the crisis. As many as 70 percent of farmers still depend on inefficient flood irrigation, despite severe water shortages.

Years of conflict have also left Iraq’s water infrastructure in a state of disrepair, rendering it incapable of addressing current or future challenges. The reduction in agricultural inputs has led to dire economic and social consequences. In addition, farming communities have witnessed a steady decline in wheat, vegetable and fruit harvests for the second consecutive year. This trend is not only eroding household incomes but also increasing the vulnerability of millions to hunger and poverty. Without urgent intervention, Iraq faces a spiraling crisis that threatens to destabilize rural communities and deepen socioeconomic inequalities.

Iraq’s aging water infrastructure requires urgent and comprehensive improvement to address its inefficiencies

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Addressing Iraq’s water crisis requires a comprehensive strategy that integrates modernization, investment and resilience-building efforts, including transitioning to efficient irrigation techniques such as drip and sprinkler systems. This would significantly reduce water wastage. Promoting drought-resistant crops is another vital step to ensure that agriculture can adapt to the changing climatic conditions.

Iraq’s aging water infrastructure, encompassing reservoirs, irrigation canals and distribution networks, requires urgent and comprehensive improvement to address its inefficiencies and vulnerabilities. Decades of neglect and conflict have left these critical systems in disrepair, leading to significant water losses that exacerbate the challenges posed by climate change. Modernizing this infrastructure by investing in advanced storage facilities can play a pivotal role in water management. These facilities could help capture and conserve water during the wet season, ensuring a reliable supply during prolonged periods of drought.

Equally important is equipping farmers with the necessary knowledge and skills to adopt sustainable water usage practices. Training programs on modern farming techniques, efficient irrigation systems and crop diversification could significantly reduce water wastage in agriculture, which is the sector that uses the largest volume of water in Iraq. To encourage the widespread adoption of these measures, government-led initiatives offering financial incentives such as subsidies or tax breaks for water conservation practices could be highly effective.

At the same time, the establishment of strong regulatory frameworks is essential for equitable water distribution and efficient resource management across Iraq. Without clear regulations and oversight, disputes over water access and mismanagement are likely to persist, further straining an already fragile system. Such frameworks should include mechanisms to monitor and control water usage, enforce sustainable practices and ensure fair distribution among urban, rural and agricultural sectors.

It is important to point out that Iraq’s water crisis is not an isolated problem but a global challenge requiring international support. Global powers and international organizations have a moral and practical responsibility to assist Iraq in overcoming this crisis. World powers and wealthier nations, particularly those responsible for significant greenhouse gas emissions, must share the responsibility of funding transformational projects in Iraq.

Global powers and international organizations have a moral and practical responsibility to assist Iraq

Dr. Majid Rafizadeh

Sue Clarke, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s country director for Iraq, emphasized: “The world’s largest polluters, which also happen to be among the richest, must share the collective responsibility of investing in climate-resilient transformational projects in countries like Iraq.”

Organizations like the UN and the World Bank can offer technical assistance to modernize Iraq’s irrigation systems and water infrastructure. The international community must recognize the disproportionate burden placed on countries like Iraq, which are bearing the brunt of climate change despite contributing minimally to global emissions. This recognition should translate into tangible support for Iraq’s adaptation efforts.

If immediate steps are not taken, the consequences for Iraq and the broader region could be catastrophic. First of all, continued agricultural decline will lead to widespread food insecurity, forcing millions into poverty and hunger. Vulnerable groups, including displaced populations, will suffer the most. As water resources dry up and livelihoods collapse, migration pressures will intensify, straining Iraq’s urban centers and neighboring countries.

In addition, competition over water resources could escalate tensions within Iraq and with neighboring countries, potentially leading to broader regional conflicts. Furthermore, Iraq’s struggles could disrupt global food supply chains, exacerbating food price inflation and economic instability worldwide. And the prolonged neglect of water management will accelerate desertification, further reducing Iraq’s arable land and biodiversity.

In conclusion, Iraq’s water crisis is a stark reminder of the interconnected nature of climate challenges. While Iraq must take decisive steps to modernize its water systems and adopt sustainable practices, the international community has an equally important role to play. World powers and wealthier nations must invest in climate resilience projects, mediate regional disputes and advocate for climate justice to support Iraq in overcoming this crisis. The stakes are too high to ignore. Failure to act will not only devastate Iraq but also have far-reaching consequences for the region and the world.

• Dr. Majid Rafizadeh is a Harvard-educated Iranian American political scientist. X: @Dr_Rafizadeh