Deadline: 14-Sep-24
The U.S. Embassy, Baghdad Bureau of NEA of the U.S. Department of State announces an open competition for organizations to submit applications to carry out a program to integrate solar energy to develop modern irrigation techniques.
Aims
- This project will aim to revolutionize irrigation in Iraq by introducing solar-powered drip irrigation systems. The project will consist of in-person or virtual training sessions and workshops for undergraduates and graduates specializing in agriculture and water resources management, entrepreneurs, and technical staff from the ministries of agriculture and water resources. The goal is to equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to transition from traditional irrigation methods to more efficient, water-saving, and eco-friendly drip irrigation systems powered by solar energy.
- The project will aim to tackle the urgent need for water conservation and energy efficiency within Iraq’s water and agricultural sector, a necessity driven by the critical state of water scarcity and energy dependence. Iraq’s water resources are under severe strain due to climate change, making the implementation of solar-powered drip irrigation systems a vital step in reducing the agricultural sector’s water consumption. Additionally, the prevalent use of fossil fuels for irrigation is not only expensive but also harmful to the environment. The project will focus on training individuals in solar energy usage for irrigation will aid in decreasing reliance on fuel fossil consumption and encourage the shift towards sustainable, renewable energy sources.
Objectives
- The implementing partner is expected to implement a comprehensive communication strategy that encompasses various digital mediums. Also, the grant will encompass A) training modules on solar-powered drip irrigation technology, focusing on installation, operation, and maintenance. B) Establishing a mentorship program pairing experienced practitioners with new adopters to facilitate knowledge transfer and practical guidance. C) Launching a community-led initiative to monitor and report on the health and sustainability of agricultural landscapes. D) Hosting a series of specialized virtual or in-person workshops on the integration of solar technologies in irrigation systems.
- The project will kick off with a preparatory phase during the first two months, encompassing the project launch, stakeholder engagement, and development of training materials. The third virtual training sessions and workshops, imparting essential knowledge on solar-powered drip irrigation systems. In the seventh and eighth months, the focus will shift to the mentorship program and the community-led monitoring initiative, ensuring practical application and sustainability of the practices taught. The project will conclude in the ninth to twelfth months with a thorough evaluation of the project’s impact, alongside planning for sustainability and future expansion to maximize the grant’s reach and long-term benefits within the water and agricultural sector.
- The program seeks to modernize inefficient irrigation methods that currently cause water waste and lead to the deterioration of agricultural lands. It also addresses the knowledge and technical skill gap among students and technical staff regarding contemporary irrigation technologies. Overall, this project will play a key role in Iraq’s environmental, economic, and social prosperity, responding to the pressing need to adapt to resource limitations and bolster a more resilient agricultural sector amidst ongoing climate adversities.
- The project is poised to meet the local needs in Iraq by directly addressing the challenges of water scarcity and energy dependence in the agricultural sector. By introducing solar-powered drip irrigation systems, it will significantly reduce agricultural water usage, a primary consumer of water in the region. This reduction in water consumption will help mitigate the effects of climate change induced water scarcity. Moreover, the shift from fossil fuels to solar energy for irrigation will decrease the carbon footprint of farming practices, contributing to environmental conservation and energy sustainability.
Component
- A key component of this strategy will be the production of high-quality instructional videos, which will be distributed through social media channels to illustrate the installation, operation, and advantages of solar-powered drip irrigation systems.
Funding Information
- Total Program Funding: $ 100,000
- Award Ceiling: $100,000
- Award Floor: $80,000
- Length of performance period: 12 months
Target Audience
- The program should target youth undergraduates and graduates specializing in agricultural and water resources management, technical staff from the ministries of agriculture and water resources, and entrepreneurs.
Eligibility Criteria
- The following organizations are eligible to apply:
- US and foreign Not-for-profit organizations, including think tanks and civil society non-governmental organizations.
- Have demonstrated experience developing and administering similar programs.
- Have the capacity to operate in Iraq and have active partnerships with organizations operating in Iraq needed to support the program.
- All Federal assistance recipients must have a Unique Entity Identifier (UEI) and a CCR (CAGE) number prior to funds disbursement.
For more information, visit Grants.gov.