A Strategic Initiative for Vocational Training & Capacity Building

The University of Duhok (UoD), through its College of Agriculture, in collaboration with the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ), has launched a transformative project aimed at capacity development and vocational training in vegetable gardening and orchards. This initiative is dedicated to empowering Syrian refugees at Domiz 1 camp and host communities in the Duhok governorate, contributing to both food security and economic resilience.

This project aligns with UoD’s Strategic Plan for 2023–2038, focusing on community engagement, international partnerships, and sustainable development, fostering global education standards and vocational excellence.

Project Overview

1. Project Title:

“Capacity Development and Vocational Training in Vegetable Gardening and Orchards for Syrian Refugees at Domiz 1 and Persons from Host Communities around Duhok, in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq”

2. Key Details:

• Institute: College of Agriculture, University of Duhok

• Category: Governmental Scientific Non-Profit Institute

• Financial Source: GIZ (Germany)

• Funding Amount: €190,773

• Project Duration: 20 months

• Contract Number: 81211773

• Processing Number: 16.1845.3-006.00

3. Beneficiaries:

• 820 Syrian refugees from Domiz 1 camp

• 170 local farmers from communities around Duhok

Objectives & Impact

1. Enhancing Agricultural Skills & Knowledge

• Provide vocational training in vegetable gardening and orchard management.

• Equip participants with modern agricultural techniques for improved productivity.

• Support hands-on learning through practical workshops and field training.

2. Strengthening Economic & Food Security

• Improve livelihoods by boosting employment opportunities in agriculture.

• Foster self-sufficiency among refugees and host communities.

• Introduce sustainable farming techniques for long-term productivity.

3. Community Integration & Social Cohesion

• Facilitate collaborative learning between Syrian refugees and local farmers.

• Promote knowledge exchange and networking for agricultural entrepreneurship.

• Strengthen local agricultural value chains through shared expertise.

Project Activities & Milestones

Phase 1: Training & Capacity Building

• Develop training materials tailored to local agricultural conditions.

• Conduct theoretical and practical training in vegetable and orchard cultivation.

• Implement demonstration plots for hands-on learning experiences.

Phase 2: Implementation & Skill Development

• Train farmers and refugees in efficient irrigation techniques, soil management, and pest control.

• Provide technical workshops on climate-smart agriculture and sustainable practices.

• Distribute essential farming tools and resources to participants.

Phase 3: Sustainability & Follow-Up

• Evaluate program outcomes and assess skill acquisition among trainees.

• Develop long-term strategies for participants to establish independent farming businesses.

• Strengthen local partnerships for ongoing agricultural development support.

Strategic Significance of the Partnership

This project highlights UoD’s commitment to:

• Advancing international collaborations to address regional socio-economic challenges.

• Aligning with global education standards to foster excellence in vocational training.

• Enhancing community resilience through education-driven economic development.

Through this partnership with GIZ, the University of Duhok is shaping the future of sustainable agriculture and vocational training, reinforcing its position as a regional hub for knowledge transfer and capacity development.

Get Involved & Learn More

We invite academic institutions, NGOs, and development agencies to collaborate in expanding vocational training initiatives that empower communities. Join us in making a lasting impact in sustainable agriculture and community resilience.

Explore more about this initiative at DOIR’s partnership webpage.