Planting Seeds for a Better Future

Nadia's Initiative is planting 2,800 olive trees in Bashiqa and Bahzani in the Al Hamdaniya district of Ninewa. These towns are historically renowned for their olive groves; however, after ISIS gained control of the region, the majority of these ancient trees were destroyed.

The cultivation of olive trees in arid or water-stressed areas, such as Ninewa, has long represented an eco-friendly strategy to mitigate droughts.

The crop is ideal for the region, given soil conditions and olive trees’ adaptation to drought-prone environments, while allowing farmers to make a living from the yearly harvest.

The project will directly benefit over 4,000 residents of Bashiqa and Bahzani who depend on agriculture for their livelihoods. Implementation will be carried out with the support of a local NGO, Bassma Organization for Development, and its many volunteers.

This project is funded by the Austrian Development Agency with funds from Austrian Development Cooperation.