FAO warns of the impact of drought on the inhabitants of the marshes

(Xinhua) The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has warned of the impact of drought on the marshes and their people in southern Iraq, calling for urgent measures to help buffalo farmers to cope with climate change and water shortage.

“The marshes are one of the poorest areas in Iraq and are among the areas most affected by climate change and water shortages, causing catastrophic effects on the livelihoods of more than 6000 rural families,” the organization said in a statement.

The organization renewed its commitment to support local communities, especially buffalo breeders, in the Iraqi marshes.

FAO called for urgent support for buffalo breeders, such as providing water, water tanks, fodder and diesel for boats in the marshes. “Without quick intervention from national and international actors, farmers who have lived there for generations will have to give up their land forever,” she said.

It also called for “the allocation of more financial resources from donors and the international community to assist vulnerable communities severely affected by water shortages and climate change in the Iraqi Marshes and for more cooperation with the Iraqi government and local partners to reduce the impact of the crisis.”

Iraq suffers from a water crisis and drought as a result of the lack of rain

The drought and lack of water led to the migration of many buffalo breeders in the marshes and their displacement to nearby governorates such as Wasit, Muthanna, Najaf, Karbala and others, and some of them turned to other professions to earn their daily livelihood.