In a village near Dohuk, a young Kurd who has returned from Germany wants to use various pilot projects to make agriculture more efficient, organic and sustainable. Wadi supported him as part of his environmental campaign.
Dominik Metzger, May 10, 2024
(Picture: Greenhouse in Semel)
The coexistence of people, plants and animals has been neglected, leading to agricultural deserts, diseases and an unstable climate. Ultimately, this can mean that people have to abandon their villages for reasons of survival. This situation has serious implications and needs to be improved.
In recent months, a project started in Semel, a village near Dohuk, with the aim to promote better coexistence in the village. It’s about creating an environment that isn’t imposed, but supports residents in building a better livelihood together. A large number of children, young people and adults are involved in this project.
In order to achieve this goal, the village runs a community farm in which animals and plants are grown and bred in a holistic approach so that they complement each other as best as possible. The work is carried out without the use of pesticides and fungicides and the animals are mainly treated with herbal medicines.
Everything is implemented in its natural state and the aim is to work hand in hand with nature and not against it. In Iraq, up to 90% of seeds are genetically modified, forcing people to buy new ones every year. Natural seeds can be collected and re-grown every year, with the yield always being reliable. The goal is to have only natural plants and animals on the farm and then spread them among people.
Additionally, pine and olive trees have been sourced and planted in the village to create a vibrant environment. A more energy-efficient and larger power generator has also been purchased, which will help improve the quality of life of the villagers by allowing refrigerators, heaters and fans, as well as other electronic devices, to operate more reliably.
Now the focus is on expanding the farm to create enough space for animals and plants that can provide the community with natural food.
This is the latest report from Semel by Karzan Abdullah, who oversees the project: On our sustainable farm we have created a living ecosystem where wild bees and our free-range chickens live together in harmony. We have also produced two effective and natural fertilizers.
- Bee Project: The wild bees have settled in our beehives and enrich the natural pollination of our plants. These beneficial insects contribute to biodiversity and boost yields in our garden.
- Compost made from chicken manure: We have made high-quality compost from the manure from our free-range chickens. This organic fertilizer is rich in nutrients and improves soil fertility so that our plants grow healthy and strong.
- Calcium sud from eggshells: We have obtained a rich calcium broth from the eggshells of our free-range chickens. It serves as a valuable source of calcium, which promotes plant growth and helps strengthen cell walls.
- Nettle Fertilizer: We made an organic fertilizer from nettles and other plants from our garden. The brew provides important nutrients such as nitrogen and potassium, promotes soil fertility and strengthens the plants’ defenses.
Through these initiatives we create an organic, sustainable and cost-efficient cycle on our farm. With our homemade fertilizers we care for the garden in a sustainable, natural and effective way.
This pilot project has so far only been financed by private donations, Your support is more important than ever!
Wadi 
