Historically, Iraq was one of the world’s leading date producers, but war, drought and economic difficulties have made life tough for the dads.
Most of Iraqi 22 million dads palms are grown in the so -called “Daddel Belt”. The Shatt al-Arab area formed at the collection of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in southern Iraq and mouths into the Gulf of Persia.
But now the farmers here have new challenges. The soil is getting more and more salt content and forcing farmers to leave their soil spots.
Moving to the desert
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Now they find new opportunities in desert
Date Farmers Fleeing the River as Saltwater Intrusion Threatens Livelihoods
The once-fertile lands along the Shatt al-Arab river in southern Iraq are facing a crisis. Saltwater intrusion, driven by climate change and reduced freshwater flow, is devastating date palm farms, forcing some farmers to abandon their ancestral lands and seek new opportunities in the desert.
Abdul Wahed Amin al-Shawi (51) moved his farm to a desert area west of Basra as early as 2010. He reports successful production, attributing it to a consistent groundwater supply.”The salt water weakened the palm trees, and we did not have room to plant as tightly as here,” says al-Shawi, who now owns 4000 palm trees and manages 6000. “So here on the mainland I currently own 4000 palm trees instead of 100, and I take care of 6000. The desert is huge and gives us the opportunity to expand.”
Though, not all farmers have the option to relocate. Yali Salem Thajil remains near the river, witnessing a dramatic decline in his yields. His farm, reliant on water from the Shatt al-Arab’s channels, is suffering.
Thajil’s date harvest has plummeted from approximately 3800 kilos in 2022 and 2023 to around 1,200 kilos this season. The situation highlights a growing trend: as saltwater encroaches further inland, the future of date farming in this region hangs in the balance.
Iraq Faces Critical Water Shortages as Tigris River Levels Decline
Water scarcity is a growing crisis in Iraq, notably in the southern region of Basra, fueled by drought and upstream dam construction, primarily in Turkey. While a recent agreement between Iraq and Turkey offers a glimmer of hope,the situation remains dire,impacting agriculture,livelihoods,and public health.
The Tigris River, a vital water source for Iraq, is facing critically low levels. Photo: Ahmad Al-Rubaye / AFP / NTB
Causes of Water Scarcity in Iraq
Several factors contribute to Iraq’s worsening water crisis:
Drought: Iraq has experienced prolonged and severe droughts in recent years, exacerbated by climate change. according to the UN Assistance Mission for iraq (UNAMI), Iraq is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change, including reduced rainfall and increased temperatures. https://www.uniraq.org/2022/09/22/un-envoy-highlights-climate-change-threats-to-iraq/
Upstream Dam Construction: turkey has constructed numerous dams on the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, significantly reducing water flow into iraq. The Ilisu Dam, completed in 2019, is a particularly contentious project. https://www.middleeastinstitute.org/policy-analysis/turkey-iraq-water-dispute-over-the-ilisu-dam
Inefficient Water Management: Outdated irrigation techniques and a lack of investment in water infrastructure within Iraq contribute to notable water loss.
Salinity Intrusion: Reduced freshwater flow allows saltwater from the Persian Gulf to move further inland, contaminating freshwater sources in southern Iraq, particularly impacting agricultural land in Basra. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/iraqs-basra-grapples-with-water-crisis-salinity-threatens-farms-2023-08-23/
The Impact on Basra
Basra, a major port city in southern Iraq, is particularly vulnerable to water shortages. The consequences are far-reaching:
Agricultural Losses: Salinity intrusion and reduced water availability are devastating agricultural production, impacting farmers’ livelihoods and food security. many farmers have been forced to abandon their land.
Public Health Concerns: Contaminated water sources lead to waterborne diseases, posing a significant threat to public health. Access to clean drinking water is a major challenge for many residents.
Economic Disruption: The water crisis impacts various sectors, including fishing, date farming, and industry, hindering economic progress.
Social Unrest: Water scarcity has fueled protests and social unrest in Basra, as residents demand action from the government.
The Turkey-Iraq Water Agreement
In April 2024,Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan visited Baghdad and pledged a ten-year water management agreement aimed at addressing Iraq’s water needs. https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/turkey-iraq-agree-water-deal-erdogan-says-2024-04-22/ Details of the agreement remain somewhat limited, but it reportedly includes provisions for increased water releases from Turkish dams and cooperation on water management strategies. Though, as of August 2024, the tangible results of this agreement have yet to be seen in Basra, and skepticism remains regarding its effectiveness. The agreement’s success hinges on consistent implementation and a willingness from Turkey to prioritize Iraq’s water security.
Key Takeaways
Iraq is facing a severe water crisis driven by drought and upstream dam construction.
Basra is particularly vulnerable, experiencing agricultural losses, public health concerns, and economic disruption. A recent agreement between Turkey and Iraq offers potential for improvement, but its effectiveness remains uncertain.
Addressing the crisis requires a multi-faceted approach, including improved water management within Iraq, regional cooperation, and long-term strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is being done to address the water crisis in Iraq?
A: The Iraqi government is working to rehabilitate water infrastructure, promote efficient irrigation techniques, and negotiate with neighboring countries for increased water allocations. International organizations are also providing assistance.
Q: What role does climate change play in iraq’s water scarcity?
A: Climate change is exacerbating drought conditions and increasing temperatures, leading to reduced rainfall and increased evaporation