Addressing Climate Vulnerability in Rural KRI – A Policy Perspective to Prevent Displacement and Strengthen Community Resilience
This publication examines how climate change and water scarcity are affecting rural communities in Erbil Governorate, Iraqi Kurdistan. Drought, declining groundwater, poor infrastructure, and unreliable electricity are reducing agricultural productivity, household incomes, and access to water. These challenges also increase women’s unpaid workload and contribute to young people migrating from rural areas.
The study also shows that communities 
are already using local solutions such as rainwater collection, wastewater reuse, tree planting, solar-powered water pumps, and efficient irrigation. The paper concludes that improving water infrastructure, renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, and women’s participation in water management can help strengthen rural resilience and reduce climate-related displacement.