Program and Project Makers

Iraqi Sheiks

The development of working relations with multiple leaders significant task

Reception of leaders

Many programs are held outside due to attendance

Dinner Celebration Iraqi Style

Yes this is a contract even in Iraq can not get away from paperwork!

This innovator is the type of farmer we (USDA) are always looking for.

Here is showing new chicken coop cooling system needs support for new pump and components.

Dinner with Government Director.
Essential to initiation of future working meetings.

Meeting with city Mayor allow leaders to make important points.

Sheik's large meeting hall where Farm Union Presidents discussed programs and projects.

The tractor deal was a first for the Provincial Reconstruction Team and the farm association. The seed money used to purchase four tractors to be rented to local farmers. The proceeds would go back into the farm association for future project to benefit a 5,000 farmer membership.

The Iraqis like Massey-Ferguson Tractors.

These model local dealer and European design.

My greatest disappointment was not helping this official. He made a direct request to help ten farmers with 16 hectors of date trees. War damage to irrigation gate releasing flood water across the fields. The resulting gully cut off all irrigation water to the date trees. No one either Iraqi or U.S. was willing to even go to the village. While little consolation later intelligence proved the general region to be one of the last insurgency holdout. The resulting winter battles disrupted much of the area which would have made repairs difficult.

Local Farm Leaders

This group could have been found in any state of the USA.

Two engineers, three farmers and local Government Ag Director.

The organization with local farm representatives is much like in the USA. The government support to rural area is similar but different. The support for livestock health is under one large division, and water resources is much like the Army Corps of Engineers combined with our USDA engineers. However no engineering support is given at the individual level. The general Ag division is like all of the USDA agencies are combined under one division for rights to farm land being the main focus. Support such as extension comes from specialists from the provincial capital. A smart group working with limited resources.

Local power broker coming to meeting passes crowd of petitioners.

City Engineer, self, Ag Unit Manager, Water Resource Engineer and Army Interpreter.

Building Public Trust with Government programs request more than one engagement.

Many potential projects were hampered by lack of sufficient engagements. If only one or two contacts were made projects either never developed or were so poorly researched could not be implemented or reach sustainability.

The Greenhouse Project was well supported with adequate engagements with key leaders. Provided "Best Management Practice" that fit the local resource limitations and was easily adapted by local farmers. After 40 greenhouses were distributed the remaining challenge was how to get the Iraqi Government to adopt the project with seed money and build trust in the local government by the public.

Key Leaders Make Greenhouse Project

Local Farmer supported by Ag Unit Manager (Gov) Project Sponsored by Provincial Ministry Official Underwritten by Iraqi - US Funds




A 20 Hector Diverse Operation of Livestock, Poultry, Citrus, Truck Farming Employees 14




Greenhouse Plastic Tubing for Drip Irrigation

Pump and recycle Pit for Greenhouse Project



Greenhouse Construction Worker