Improved livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Iraq through integrated pest management and use of organic fertilizer

This working paper summarizes the findings of the socioeconomic component of the research project Improved livelihoods of small-scale farmers in Iraq through integrated pest management and use of organic fertilizer, that was managed by ICARDA and funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the Ministry of Agriculture in Iraq between (2009-2012). The research focused on two of Iraq’s key farming systems – the rainfed wheat/legume systems in the north and the irrigated date palm systems in central and southern Iraq. Its aim was to promote environmentally friendly methods to control diseases and insect pests and encourage the more effective use of organic fertilizer.