DANIDA FLEX Project

Details

Donor:

Danida

Donor Partner:

Save the Children

Duration:

8 Months

Start:

May 1, 2024

End:

Dec 30, 2024

Implemented areas:

Al-Kahla' district, Missan Governorate

Sector:

Climate Changes, Livelihood and Livestock

This project was funded by

On 5/9/2024, Al-Aghsan Foundation successfully concluded a training workshop for the Community Action groups (CAG’s), with the objective of identifying the needs of the village. The workshop was attended by 29 men and 28 women, with the participation of representatives from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of Water Resources. The workshop was held in the village of Al-Mahder in Al-Kahlaa district at the house of the village’s Mukhtar. After preparing all the necessary logistical requirements, the workshop was conducted over three days, from 3/9 to 5/9.

The workshop covered the following topics:

Introducing the participants to Al-Aghsan Foundation, its activities, as well as an introduction to Save the Children and its role and operations. The workshop also introduced the Danish International Development Agency (DANIDA) and its role in providing humanitarian aid and development assistance, focusing on developing countries.
Emphasizing the existence of a complaint box, which will be located at the Mukhtar’s house for any suggestions or complaints.
Having all participants sign a consent form agreeing to be photographed.
Conducting a pre-post workshop assessment.
Identifying the needs of the local residents of Al-Mahder village, focusing on the challenges posed by climate change and the resources available to the organization.
Discussing the issues and community needs, identifying the reasons behind them, potential solutions, and whether there are alternative solutions, with a focus on the best possible solutions.
Emphasizing the sustainability of projects once implemented, how sustainability can be ensured, and who will be responsible for maintaining it.
Focusing on public benefit projects that serve the largest possible number of village residents.

The following needs were identified:

A water supply project: from the direction of Qal’at Saleh, extending 10 km near the Al-Jiyazna area (it was noted that such a project is not feasible due to the need for approvals from multiple ministries such as the Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Antiquities, Ministry of Oil, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Communications, and Maysan Governorate, among others).
Drilling two wells on both sides of the village: with a depth of 40 meters, including a water pump and electrical connections (transformer and wires), serving 14 farmers, each with 35 dunams of land.
Renting a laser leveling machine: (tractor with a laser system), which helps in leveling the land, reducing water waste, and improving crop growth (10 to 15 hours rental for each farmer).
Repairing the water pump: requiring the rental of an excavator for two days and pouring a 4m * 4m concrete base for the pump, benefiting 10 farmers.
Individual projects for vulnerable people: in the village, such as sheep farming, calf rearing, or poultry farming.
Bringing improved breeds: (bulls) for breeding purposes.
Animal feed
Vaccines and medicines for animals: from international manufacturers, as the available medicine in the local market is ineffective.
Buffalo ponds
Mobile metal basins: for washing and disinfecting sheep. Since they are mobile, they can benefit all the villagers.
Fuel and maintenance for tractors: to prepare for the upcoming winter season.
High-quality wheat and barley seeds
Herbicides and pesticides: for combating agricultural pests in palm trees.
A wheelchair for patients
Repairing the village’s only grocery store
Sewing workshops and providing sewing machines
Schools for girls: as many girls have left school due to the distance (it was agreed that this project cannot be implemented).
Paving the road leading to the village: with “spiss” material in preparation for the rainy season.
Cleaning and dredging one of the village’s rivers

An agreement was made on the criteria for selecting the beneficiaries of these projects based on the following conditions:

Widowed women with no provider.
People with disabilities.
Projects that benefit the public.
Unemployed individuals without income.
People with chronic illnesses.

Participants were also made aware of the importance of improving water use and methods of adapting to water scarcity, drawing from the experiences of other communities facing similar challenges.

At the end of the workshop, food and transportation allowances were distributed to the beneficiaries by the Baghdad office team.

Lastly, it was agreed to hold further meetings and inform the participants about the enumerators’ visits to their homes, with an introduction to the enumerators’ roles.