Food security, Climate Change and Indigenous existence in the Lower Barwar
Improve Assyrian existence in their indigenous lands today with a donation towards this irrigation project.
Drawing from the Great Zab River, the indigenous Assyrian people of the Lower Barwar have tilled these ancient lands for thousands of years. People of this mountainous region on the Iraq-Türkiye border maintain strong connections and care for the land they remain on, despite the dispossession they have faced throughout the centuries.
One village in particular, Bet Shmiyaye, stands on a picturesque hillside and maintains a population of two dozen or so remaining Assyrians. Their local Church, Mart Shmouni, has stood on these hills for over a thousand years, a testament to the strength of connection with their land and way of life.
However, water is becoming scarce. With erratic river flows and competing claims for what's left in the Great Zab, the farmers of Bet Shmiyaye – too proud to seek help – offered their story to the Assyrian Aid Society team in Iraq. As a result of their consultations with the farmers and guided by the UN Development Goals, 450 metres of irrigation pipes are proposed to extend water infrastructure in the village of Bet Shmiyaye, ensuring a less precarious existence for locals and bolstering economic empowerment of the indigenous Assyrians in their native lands.
The AAS team in Iraq recently asked for support in completing the project. Considering the global impacts of climate change on food and water security, and just how disproportionate the impact is on indigenous communities around the world, we believe this project is worthwhile and took the responsibility of raising funds to help its completion.
If you wish to help these people in their quest to sustainably remain in their homeland, please click the link below. For bespoke donations, please contact our Head of Fundraising, Ninus Kanna.