THE REALITY OF AGRICULTURAL EXTENSION ACTIVITIES IN THE NINEVEH PLAIN REGION POST LIBARATION (2017-2023)

The objective is to study the challenges of the agricultural sector including field crops, animal production, and extension in the Nineveh plains region after ISIS liberation. Nineveh Plains is considered the "breadbasket” of Iraq, and it is one of the most fertile plains in the country. In 2014, the Nineveh Plain territory was overtaken by the Islamic State of Iraq (ISIS). Close to one million people are estimated to have fled their homes, and at least 20,000 commercial and government buildings, including schools, animal projects, and training institutions, were destroyed. To achieve sustainable agriculture development the ideal use of natural, capital, human and technical resources is necessary. Through a cultural lens, strategies to improve the efficiency, effectiveness, and management of agricultural development are being explored. The overall objective of the study is to assess the livelihood of agricultural sub-sectors of rural communities, highlighting farmer needs for restoring agriculture and proposing culturally relevant interventions and solutions. This project strategically selected the districts of Al-Hamdaniya, Tilkaif, and Bashiqa to conduct interviews and needs assessments. Revolution in the agricultural sector can make it an engine of economic development. Post-conflict, agricultural expansion, and improved productivity may be achieved by focusing on agricultural promotion which includes improving the skills of farmers, the investment environment, irrigation, availability of data and information, and minimizing price distortions.