Food Security in Iraq: Impact of COVID-19

Over the six-month period analyzed in this report, Iraq experienced significant turmoil. In addition to the effects of the pandemic, with cases overall on the rise in Iraq – now in its third wave of infections – the devaluation of the Iraqi dinar in December 2020, and lower than usual seasonal rainfall, have all impacted upon the food security of households. The rainfall and water availability this year are the second lowest on record in 40 years.

Although oil prices have recovered compared to last year, the situation remains unstable. Demand and supply from major markets across the globe are affected, as countries battle deadly second and third pandemic waves. The challenge remains reconciling the government’s considerable deficit and delivering the promises in its White Paper, while providing sufficient support to families and farmers in need, to preserve long-term food security and ensure no one is left behind in this triple threat phase: pandemic, prices and poor rainfall. Substantial social protection reform is still needed