Orange Knowledge Programme (Nuffic) to Improve Horticulture in Iraq

Enhancing Sustainable Horticulture Through Capacity Building & Innovation

The University of Duhok (UoD) is proud to be a partner in the Institutional Collaboration Projects – Orange Knowledge Programme (OKP), funded by Nuffic, a Dutch organization dedicated to international education. This initiative is designed to strengthen the horticulture sector in Iraq and Jordan by enhancing technical skills, vocational education, and institutional structures.

Through this project, UoD collaborates with leading Netherlands, Iraqi, and Jordanian institutions to implement innovative approaches to sustainable horticulture, ensuring that national agricultural systems are equipped with modern knowledge, practices, and resources to increase productivity and efficiency.

Project Overview

• Project Title: Institutional Collaboration Projects – Orange Knowledge Programme (Nuffic) to Improve Horticulture in Iraq and Jordan

• Budget: EUR 2,371,950

• Duration: April 2021 – March 2022

• Partners: A consortium of institutions from the Netherlands, Iraq, and Jordan

• Funding Agency: Nuffic, The Netherlands

Objectives of the Project

This project aims to improve horticultural practices through:

• Strengthening National Capacities – Developing institutional structures for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

• Enhancing Applied Skills Development – Equipping farmers, trainers, and students with modern agricultural techniques.

• Promoting Sustainable & Efficient Farming – Implementing resource-efficient horticulture practices tailored to the region’s environmental conditions.

• Building a Knowledge Network – Establishing strong local and international partnerships to facilitate long-term development.

Key Activities & Initiatives

To achieve its goals, the project focuses on:

• Training of Trainers (ToT): Building competency-based teaching to develop a new generation of skilled professionals in horticulture.

• Strengthening Universities & TVET Institutions: Enhancing curricula, research capabilities, and institutional frameworks to support agricultural education.

• Scholarship Facility: Offering scholarship opportunities for students and professionals to gain advanced knowledge in horticultural sciences and sustainable agriculture.

• Creating Vital Networks: Establishing collaborative platforms between universities, vocational schools, and agricultural organizations for knowledge exchange and sector-wide improvements.

The Role of the University of Duhok

As a key partner, UoD contributes to the development of modern horticulture education and sustainable farming techniques in Iraq. The university’s expertise in agricultural research, training, and community engagement ensures that the project’s impact extends beyond the classroom into real-world agricultural development.

Through this collaboration, UoD continues to align with global education and research standards, supporting its Strategic Plan 2023–2038, which prioritizes international partnerships, academic excellence, and sustainability.

Shaping the Future of Horticulture in Iraq & Jordan

This initiative marks a transformative step towards efficient, sustainable, and innovative horticulture in Iraq and Jordan. By integrating modern educational approaches and agricultural technologies, the project empowers farmers, strengthens institutions, and fosters a new generation of skilled professionals in the region’s agricultural sector.

For more details on the Orange Knowledge Programme and its impact, visit Nuffic’s Official Website.

Growing a sustainable future – together!