In the heart of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, in Garmian’s wide lands. Farmers have long relied on plastic in agriculture to compete in an increasingly demanding market. Yet, many were unaware of the long-term environmental and health risks this practice posed. Many of them are illiterate and can not look for information, or haven’t been exposed to the facts.
In light of these issues, the Adwi Organization, with the support of (PIN) People In Need development cooperation, launched a series of awareness seminars to educate farmers on the hidden dangers of plastic and pesticide overuse. Alongside building a network of farmers and plastic recycling companies. To try to tackle the problem at the root.
Through a three-month-long project “Strengthening Resilience Among Vulnerable Communities of Kurdistan Region of Iraq Facing Waste Management and Climate Change Challenges,” For the first time, many farmers heard about the direct link between plastic pollution and severe health risks, including cancer.
Another farmer, Hassan, highlighted the economic pressure behind the practice:
Through seminars and hands-on engagement, Adwi uncovered a widespread knowledge gap. Farmers were using ultra-thin plastic materials that disintegrate in just six months, embedding in soil and making removal nearly impossible. This was damaging the soil in an irreparable way. Leaving the landlords with marginal land. And the farmers with damaged crops.
The excessive pesticides were killing the biosystem and posing a great risk to farmers’ and consumers’ health.
No one was wining!
Chalanges
The severe drought in Garmian added another layer of complexity. The economic strain caused by water shortages pushed farmers to rely more heavily on plastic and chemical-based farming methods to maintain productivity. While the project could not directly address the drought, it connected farmers with local authorities to explore sustainable farming techniques and alternative water management strategies.
Another challenge was the limited availability of meeting spaces. Finding large venues capable of accommodating all the farmers for the seminars proved difficult in the early stages. This issue was resolved with the support of the Agriculture Department, which provided access to government facilities, ensuring that awareness sessions could be held in suitable spaces.
Lastly, the project encountered a communication gap between farmers and government authorities. Farmers rarely approached authorities for support due to a lack of trust, while authorities assumed that farmers were self-sufficient. Adwi played a crucial role in bridging this.
In just three months, the project reached (233)farmers and achieved several milestones:
- Land lease agreements revised: Kurdish landowners now require Arab farmers to return leased land free of plastic pollution.
- Plastic waste collection commitment: Arab farmers pledged to gather and properly dispose of plastic monthly at recycling centers.
- Government collaboration strengthened: The Agriculture Department committed to assisting farmers with soil testing and offering solutions to reduce chemical use.
- Community connections established: Farmers were linked with local tuk-tuk drivers and recycling centers to facilitate waste collection.
These efforts were amplified through media coverage from outlets like
kirkuk news – Titled (Awareness attempts against using nylon in farming)
to leave a lasting impact, ADWI provided wood-free, environmentally friendly leaflet. That answered all the important questions like:
What is waste management? Why is it important for farmers?
What are the waste management techniques?
What is greenhouse gas? And how do we manage it?
Lasting Impact and Lessons Learned
The project’s influence extended beyond immediate awareness. Farmers showed genuine eagerness to change their practices once they understood the risks, even modifying land lease agreements to enforce plastic waste removal. The project also fostered a broad network of stakeholders, including media, recycling centers, government agencies, and local suppliers, laying the foundation for long-term environmental sustainability.
The key lessons from the project highlight that awareness drives action, as farmers are willing to change once they are equipped with knowledge and practical solutions. Timing is equally important, as aligning future projects with the farming calendar will maximize their effectiveness. Bridging communication gaps between farmers and authorities is essential, as building trust enables the development of long-term solutions.
Finally, sustained engagement remains crucial, requiring continuous follow-ups, educational campaigns, and media outreach to ensure that positive changes take root and last over time.
Adwi’s work demonstrates that even in the face of climate change and waste management challenges, knowledge and collaboration can drive meaningful transformation. By connecting farmers with solutions, authorities, and each other, the organization is planting the seeds for a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable farming future in the Kurdistan Region.
