May 26, 2025 News

I’m farming the land my grandfather and great-grandfather once worked on, says Peter, a farmer from Iraq

Peter is a farmer from the town of Karamles in northern Iraq. His farm is well known across the region – he’s called the Onion King, as his harvest is sought after not only by locals, but by people from far and wide. Farming runs deep in his family’s history. “For more than 150 years, my family has been connected to farming. My grandfather, great-grandfather, father – and now me,” Peter says. Caritas Czech Republic helped him adapt his farming to the challenges of climate change.

Without water, nothing grows

Even though Peter is an experienced farmer, he too faces new challenges – especially drought and the impact of climate change. “For three years, we’ve barely had any rain. Climate change is destroying us,” he says during our visit to one of his fields near Karamles. It’s a hot spring day, and once again, it doesn’t look like rain is coming anytime soon.

That is why Caritas Czech Republic supported local farmers to help them adapt to the changing climate. Peter received an irrigation system and drought-resistant seeds. “The irrigation system I’m using now is a big help during this period,” he explains.

Peter also took part in technical training. Even with years of hands-on experience, he is open to learning more. “I’m an experienced farmer, but it was still useful to learn something new. In agriculture, new techniques are always emerging,” he says.

Peter is not working alone – his sons, nephews, and other relatives help out. And when there is more work than they can handle, he hires additional labourers. “I do all the calculations and planning myself. But I couldn’t manage it without my family,” he explains.

For Peter, farming is more than just a way to earn a living. “There’s something special about it – creating something from nothing. You’re giving life to the land,” he says.