São Paulo – Saudi Arabia has donated US$ 14.7 million to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in a bid to ensure food security to Iraqi households, especially rural ones. <\/p>\n
According to a press release issued by the FAO last Thursday (5th), Iraqis who live far from urban centres are struggling this year as a consequence of botched cereal crops and of the conflicts underway in the country. According to FAO, the governorates of Ninevah and Salah al-Din were the most badly hit. These areas farm approximately 40% of barley and two thirds of all the wheat grown in Iraq. <\/p>\n
According to the FAO representative in Iraq, Fadel El Zubi, “losses of both assets and income opportunities are exposing a growing number of poor people to an alarming state of food insecurity of harvests and food production facilities.” <\/p>\n
"Massive displacement of people and inaccessible farmland, as well as disruptions to fuel supplies, harvest subsidies and food supply chains, are affecting the availability of and access to food. The situation is likely to deteriorate as the crisis continues and the emergency situation becomes increasingly complex," El Zubi added. <\/p>\n
The FAO also reports that it will soon distribute wheat seeds and fertilizers for the upcoming planting season, which opens in October. The organization should also aid in developing backyard vegetable and poultry and production units, and provide training to rural households headed by women. The FAO pledges to provide veterinary supplies and serices. <\/p>\n
The cash donated by Saudi Arabia to the FAO is part of a US$ 500 million grant to support Iraqis affected by ongoing conflicts in the country. <\/p>\n
*Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum<\/strong><\/p>\n