Author:<br />Lec. Dr. Bareq Ali Abdulhadi<br />Department of Building and Construction Engineering Technologies<br />College of Engineering and Technology<br />Al-Mustaqbal University, 51001, Babylon, Iraq<br />Abstract<br /><br />In recent decades, Iraq has been facing increasing environmental challenges represented by the worsening phenomena of drought and desertification, which are among the most serious threats to the country’s environmental, food, and economic security. These phenomena result from intertwined natural and human factors, most notably climate change, declining water resources, poor water management, and unsustainable human activities. This study aims to analyze the current and future risks resulting from drought and desertification in Iraq, while reviewing the available mechanisms and strategies to m...<br /><br />Introduction<br /><br />Iraq is one of the countries most exposed to drought and desertification in the Middle East, as it lies within the arid and semi-arid zones. Iraq relies mainly on the waters of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which have significantly decreased in recent decades due to climate change and upstream water activities. With the continuation of these environmental pressures, it becomes crucial to study the growing environmental risks that threaten the agricultural, water, public health, and socioeconomic sectors in the country.<br /><br />1. The Concept of Drought and Desertification<br /><br />- Drought: A climatic phenomenon indicating a decrease in rainfall below normal levels over a certain period, leading to water scarcity.<br />- Desertification: The degradation of land in arid and semi-arid regions due to climatic and human factors, reducing soil productivity and leading to desert expansion.<br /><br />2. Causes of Drought and Desertification in Iraq<br /><br />2.1 Natural Causes<br /><br />- Global climate change: Rising temperatures and decreased rainfall.<br />- Decreased snowfall in the headwaters of the Tigris and Euphrates.<br />- Increased evaporation rates due to higher temperatures.<br /><br />2.2 Human Causes<br /><br />- Construction of dams in neighboring countries (Turkey, Iran, Syria).<br />- Poor local water resources management.<br />- Violations of water quotas.<br />- Desertification due to overgrazing and deforestation.<br />- Unregulated urban expansion.<br />- Deterioration of irrigation and drainage networks.<br /><br />3. Current Risks of Drought and Desertification in Iraq<br /><br />- Decline in groundwater and surface water levels.<br />- Loss of vast agricultural lands.<br />- Decrease in national agricultural production.<br />- Increased rural-to-urban migration.<br />- Rising unemployment in the agricultural sector.<br />- Spread of dust and sandstorms.<br />- Biodiversity deterioration.<br />- Increased rates of water-related diseases and pollution.<br /><br />4. Future Risks of Drought and Desertification<br /><br />- Aggravation of food security crisis.<br />- Socioeconomic disruptions due to internal displacement.<br />- Increased likelihood of regional water conflicts.<br />- Further loss of arable lands.<br />- Decrease in hydroelectric power plant productivity.<br />- Higher costs of water desalination or importation.<br /><br />5. Available Mechanisms to Reduce Drought and Desertification in Iraq<br /><br />5.1 Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM)<br /><br />- Develop fair water distribution plans among provinces.<br />- Modernize irrigation networks to adopt drip and sprinkler irrigation.<br />- Construct small and medium-sized water reservoirs.<br />- Repair deteriorated agricultural drainage systems.<br /><br />5.2 Regional Cooperation and Water Diplomacy<br /><br />- Sign binding agreements for water sharing with upstream countries.<br />- Activate the role of the UN and international organizations as mediators.<br /><br />5.3 Afforestation and Desertification Control Programs<br /><br />- Establish green belts around cities and villages.<br />- Plant drought-resistant trees such as tamarisk and acacia.<br />- Combat overgrazing and regulate land use.<br /><br />5.4 Scientific Research and Technology<br /><br />- Support specialized research centers in water and soil studies.<br />- Use remote sensing technologies to monitor environmental changes.<br />- Import modern technologies for water desalination and wastewater treatment.<br /><br />5.5 Community Awareness Raising<br /><br />- Promote water consumption rationalization culture.<br />- Launch media and educational campaigns on desertification dangers.<br />- Introduce water management concepts into educational curricula.<br /><br />6. Recommendations<br /><br />- Develop a comprehensive national strategy to combat drought and desertification.<br />- Encourage investments in water sustainability and climate-smart agriculture projects.<br />- Establish a national early warning center for drought and desertification.<br />- Develop international research partnerships to exchange expertise and modern technologies.<br /><br />7. Conclusion<br /><br />Drought and desertification represent strategic threats to Iraq’s future in terms of food security and socioeconomic stability. Addressing these complex challenges requires a comprehensive national vision that integrates sound water resources management, regional cooperation, scientific research, and community participation. Adopting sustainable solutions today is the safety valve for Iraq’s environmental and economic future.<br /><br />8. References<br /><br />1. FAO (2023). The State of Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture in the Near East and North Africa.<br />2. UNCCD (2022). Global Land Outlook – Iraq Country Report.<br />3. Ministry of Water Resources, Iraq (2023). Annual Water Resources Report.<br />4. IPCC (2021). Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis.<br />5. Al-Ansari, N. (2020). Water Resources in Iraq: Perspectives and Prognoses. Journal of Earth Sciences and Geotechnical Engineering.<br /><br />