Drought Impact on Displaced and Returnee Iraqis

From the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC). Any opinions expressed are those of the author(s), and do not necessarily reflect the views of Iraq Business News.

Cracked Earth, shrinking harvest: Drought impact on displaced and returnee Iraqis

This report explores an often-overlooked theme: the impact of climate on individuals and communities who are still displaced. How-if at all-does extreme weather impact people's lives in displacement settings? How does it impact the lives of women and children?

Importantly, is there a link between climate deterioration and movement intentions of Iraqis still seeking a durable solution to displacement?

The ability of returnees to rebuild livelihoods and restore economic stability is increasingly undermined by climate-induced stressors.

These environmental pressures, in turn, complicate progress toward durable solutions, particularly in agriculture-dependent regions like Anbar, Kirkuk, Ninewa, and Salahaddin. Agriculture, which forms the backbone of livelihoods for many returnees, has been especially affected by climate change.

Key findings:

Impact of climate on Iraqis who have returned to areas of origin in Anbar, Kirkuk, Ninewa and Salahaddin:

• 57% were forced to cultivate less land or use less water during the 2024 farming season
• 30% of households had to borrow to cover basic expenses during the summer months.
• 15% reported having to reduce expenditure on healthcare and education, and 8% had to expend savings
• 5% of returnees were forced to move due to drought-like conditions in 2024, down from 11% in 2023

Impact of climate on Iraqis who are currently displaced in Anbar, Ninewa, Salahaddin and Duhok:

• 1 in 5 Iraqi households in informal sites do not have access to clean water
• 3 in 4 households reported community tensions over sharing of water resources, and 44% of households report local authorities barring certain groups from accessing water
• 62% of households had to borrow money to cover basic expenses during the summer months, and 59% of households reported having to reduce food expenditure
• 80% of Iraqis who are currently displaced link decision to return on ability to farm. 93% are currently making decisions to stay, move or return based on information about resources in areas of origin

Click here to download the full report.

(Source: NRC)