In Iraq, water crisis leaves farmers clinging to sidr trees

In Iraq, water crisis leaves farmers clinging to sidr trees

Iraqi farmer Ismail Ibrahim has switched from date palm trees to sidr trees, which require less water and can rely on salty groundwater. Palm trees are not as durable and can be affected by salty water, leading to a loss of quality and yield. The water shortage in Iraq, caused by damming of rivers and lower rainfall trends, is impacting farmers’ livelihoods.