On Tuesday, 15 September 2026, the Center for Arid Farming and Conservation Agriculture Research at the University of Mosul received a delegation comprising His Excellency Mr. Niccolò Fontana, Ambassador of Italy to the Republic of Iraq, and Ms. Sheila Mathews, Representative and Country Director of the World Food Programme (WFP) in Iraq, in the presence of the Director of Nineveh Agriculture Directorate and a number of officials and specialists from the Directorate.

  The delegation was received by Professor Dr. Mohammed Subhi Mustafa Al-Taweel, Director of the Center. Discussions focused on the current state of the agricultural sector in Nineveh and opportunities to strengthen cooperation in the fields of conservation agriculture, rangeland restoration, combating desertification, and sustainable natural resource management.

  The meeting included a presentation of the activities of the Center for Arid Farming and Conservation Agriculture Research and the Nineveh Agriculture Directorate in conservation agriculture and rangeland restoration through two scientific presentations delivered by specialists from the Center and the Agriculture Directorate. The presentations highlighted key experiences and implemented projects, the major agricultural and environmental challenges facing western Nineveh, and opportunities for developing future projects.

  The meeting also addressed the activation of the rangeland restoration and rehabilitation project in western Nineveh and strengthening technical and financial support for its implementation. The project aims to restore vegetation cover, improve rangeland management, support livestock production, and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities.

  The visit concluded with a field tour to inspect the Vallerani system and the technologies used for water harvesting and soil conservation, as well as discussions on opportunities for implementing joint projects between the Center, government institutions, and international organizations.

  These efforts are aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 2: Zero Hunger and Sustainable Agriculture; SDG 13: Climate Action; SDG 15: Life on Land; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

#University_of_Mosul.

#Center_for_Arid_Farming_and_Conservation_Agriculture_Research’s.

#sustainable_development

#University_of_Mosul.

#Center_for_Arid_Farming_and_Conservation_Agriculture_Research’s.

#sustainable_development