Iraqi agriculture will soon get a boost from Aggie scientists.
A new program developed through the Norman Borlaug Institute for International Agriculture at Texas A&M, the Ministry of Agriculture in Iraq and USDA officials aims to train Iraqi agriculture specialists in accordance with the latest agricultural technologies and advancements.
The Iraq Agricultural Extension Revitalization Project (IEAR) allows Iraqi agriculture specialists to receive extension training facilitated through hands-on experience and specialized education programs.
"This project is a 'train the trainer' type program in which these Iraqis interact with faculty and extension specialists through tailor made programs," said Kate Whitney, program coordinator for the project.
This group will take the knowledge they accumulate in extension methodologies ranging from dairy training to small remnant training and develop curriculum and work plans that will be utilized upon their return to Iraq.
The current standard of living in Iraq is poor, with few agricultural advancements, Whitney said.
"Being that they are 20 years behind in technology, it is important that we pass on methodologies and techniques that can improve the current standard of life in Iraq," Whitney said.
The 13 Iraqis, 10 from the Ministry of Agriculture and three from agricultural colleges in Iraq, are completing their six-week training of the second phase of the project, which began Oct. 1 and will cease Saturday.
Although it is essential to understand the logistics of the program, it is far more important to take a look at the beneficial rewards gained by this group as well as the University, Whitney said.
"Projects like this help bridge gap between Iraqis and our scientists because they are able to see what we do and apply it to their farms and communities," said chief of staff for the Bourlaug Institute Joey King.
Jeff Ripley, assistant professor and extension specialist at A&M, said his involvement with the project helped him on a personal level.
Although there are cultural differences between those here at A&M and Iraqis, "this enthusiastic group has helped us to realize that we are all similar in our commitment to work to serve the people of the community, regardless of our locations," Ripley said.
Ripley said he had a great interaction with this group, who he said were "a group of engaged and sharp individuals, and in return for their dedication, our goal is to help them go home and be better equipped to revitalize their agricultural situation."
Whitney said she appreciated A&M for her beneficial international experiences through the program.
As for the Iraqi specialists, they are "thrilled to take back home with them the new information that they received during this process," Whitney said.
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