UNIDO and the Government of Japan Pioneer Food Safety and Hygiene for SME Development to Tackle Food Insecurity in Bardarash District, Iraq

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) implemented a Safety and Hygiene Training Program for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Bardarash District, Duhuk Governorate, Kurdistan Region of northern Iraq with funding support from the Government of Japan. Spanning from 17 to 23 December 2023, the program was an integral part of a UNIDO-Japan project, “Emergency livelihood support to mitigate the food insecurity crisis among vulnerable people in Iraq,” that built upon previous successful joint efforts to enhance the lives of refugees and vulnerable host communities affected by regional conflicts.

The main goal of the training program was to address the food insecurity crisis in the region. Sixteen business owners in Bardarash selected for the specialized training were those primarily engaging in dairy food processing and other food-related enterprises.

Bardarash, home to approximately 37,000 residents  including many refugees and located roughly 88 kilometers (55 miles) from Erbil, the vibrant capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI), has carved out a niche for itself as a crucial agricultural center. Endowed with a natural landscape conducive to nurturing livestock as well as cultivating vegetables and grains such as wheat, barley, and rice, Bardarash stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of these agricultural pursuits.

In the past, the breeding of sheep and cattle predominantly served the purpose of supplying dairy factories with the essential raw material for producing dairy delights such as yogurt, a culinary staple cherished across the region. Subsequently, these delectable food products found their way to various cities throughout the KRI, maintaining food security and comfortable livelihoods for the Bardarash community.

Nevertheless, recent years have borne witness to a noticeable shift in market dynamics, presenting Bardarash with fierce challenges. Among those most severely affected are factory owners and farmers, whose struggles have cast a ripple effect on the broader local community. The adverse consequences extend beyond economic hardship, translating into a loss of jobs and income, thereby impacting the ability of families to sustain themselves.

The diminishing interest in raising livestock, particularly for milk production, can be traced to dairy imports from neighboring countries. The surge in external competition has resulted in an alarming 80 percent downturn in the demand for milk derived from local sheep and cattle, compounding the difficulties faced by Bardarash and its inhabitants.

The UNIDO – Japan Safety and Hygiene Training Program for SMEs in Bardarash was designed to equip local businesses with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their performance in the local market and compete with imported dairy products. The thorough training provided a platform for sharing technical knowledge and skills in the industry, concentrating on workplace safety, and upholding strict hygiene standards. It also delved into business management techniques to help gain a competitive edge in the market, covering topics such as optimizing staff allocation, implementing rigorous financial management procedures, managing employee relations, and developing strategies for effective promotion and marketing.

Mr. Dindar Fareeq, a trainer and the Manager of the Quality Control Unit at the Ministry of Trade and Industry for the Kurdistan Regional Government, underscored the importance of the training program, particularly in adopting modern and professional hygiene practices. “By blending their traditional skills with the modern methods provided in this program, the SMEs will be better prepared to improve their business operations,” he expressed.

The participating SMEs not only make a substantial contribution to the local economy, but they also play a crucial role in offering essential employment opportunities within the community. Abdulsattar Younus, another trainer with expertise in entrepreneurship development within the KRI, remarked, “SMEs are essential for fostering sustainable growth in the Bardarash economy, playing a significant role in generating new job opportunities. Developing them is crucial for leading many local families and individuals on a path out of poverty.”

Mr. Barzan Mustafa, a dairy factory owner in Bardarash and participant in the training program stated, “With the development of the local dairy business and increased support, like the UNIDO – Japan training, local community members can once again engage in livestock husbandry, earning profits from selling milk to sustain their families.” He added, “We never had access to this kind of training before, and all the information provided is crucial for the advancement of our products and businesses overall.”

Another dairy factory owner and training participant, Mr. Jalil Khalil Mawlud, remarked, "The training contributes to the development of dairy processing projects, fostering the expansion of business operations and providing employment opportunities, particularly for unemployed youth.” Mawlud also shared thoughts on the networking aspect, stating, "Furthermore, the training provided a valuable chance for business owners to connect. It allowed us to discuss shared concerns and tackle issues that had not been explored before."

A significant number of SME owners expressed a need for new and/or supplementary machinery and equipment that would contribute to the expansion and development of their dairy-producing enterprises. UNIDO in conjunction with the Government of Japan intends to supply such vital equipment for further supporting Bardarash businesses in synergy with the training, thereby developing the traditional food industry and improving the livelihoods of the local community.

For more information, please contact:

Izumi Ogawa, International Project Coordinator

Email:  i.ogawa@unido.org