Halabja Agricultural Weekly Market
A Golden Opportunity for Local Farmers and Community Development
The Halabja Agricultural Weekly Market is a success story that shows how collaboration between Islamic Relief Worldwide–Iraq and the Halabja General Directorate of Agriculture can bring real change. Launched in August 2025 under the “Enhancing Agricultural Productivity and Sustainability in Halabja” project, the market has quickly connected nearly 100 farmers with over 6,000 consumers. In just two weeks, sales reached 24,000,000 IQD with profits of 7,705,000 IQD, proving the initiative’s strong economic and social value. For many years, Halabja’s farmers, despite having some of Iraq’s most fertile land, depended on middlemen who reduced their profits while families paid higher prices. This market breaks that cycle by linking farmers directly with consumers, allowing both fair earnings and affordable, fresh produce.
The initiative also reflects the region’s agricultural strengths, especially the Sharazoor Plain, while addressing the challenges of poor infrastructure and limited trade routes. Preparation was extensive, with 80 farmers trained in good practices, smart agriculture, climate adaptation, and small business skills.
Government support, including the Governor’s personal visit, gave the project legitimacy and boosted public trust. Importantly, the market also promotes inclusion, with 65 men and 35 women participating as vendors. Beyond economics, the market has become a community space, building stronger farmer–consumer relationships and creating social value. With positive media coverage and growing participation, the Halabja Agricultural Weekly Market is more than a project – it is a model for rural economic revitalization, farmer empowerment, and sustainable community development across Iraq.
