The impact of CD4D2 becomes more and more visible after three years in the project. Diaspora experts stay connected to organizations in their countries of origin in various ways. Among them is Farzan Najmeddin. The CD4D team asked him about his long-term relations with professionals and farmers in Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). Farzan supports a pilot project to prepare the agricultural sector for the drastic consequences of climate change. The project is a result of the exchange visit in June, during which Farzan was involved in the preparations. In the meantime, the pilot project itself has also resulted in new collaborations and initiatives.
Could you please introduce yourself?
Farzan: “My name is Farzan Najmeddin. For as long as I remember, I have been passionate about entrepreneurship and leadership development. I was raised in the Netherlands and have roots in the KRI, so I wanted to bridge knowledge gaps between these regions since I was a child. I founded an organization to do so together with a group of Dutch people with Kurdish roots: Kurdistan in Business (KIB). Since two years, the organization is called The Middle-green. We initiate projects in the field of sustainability and innovation in the agricultural sector in the KRI. We always try to foster collaboration between different parties, from local ministries and embassies, to universities, municipalities, the private sector, NGOs and entrepreneurs. We want to create a sustainable and measurable impact, so we work together with as many people as possible”.
Why did you decide to apply for a CD4D assignment? And do you think that your roots in the KRI are of added value during the assignment?
Farzan: “The CD4D project of IOM the Netherlands suits my vision perfectly. IOM offers unique opportunities by involving the diaspora in development projects and knowledge transfer. Highly skilled diaspora with the right expertise are the connecting factor in these types of project. They have the knowledge and experience to deal with cultural differences and map potential challenges. They can also support professionals to create realistic expectations. These advantages often result in trust among all parties involved, which is crucial for successful and long-term partnerships”.
Thus, the diaspora can deal well with cultural differences, local challenges and setting realistic expectations to build trust. This sounds very valuable, especially in the context of CD4D. What did you do during your CD4D assignment?
Farzan: “Together with the Governor of Sulaymaniyah, we decided to prepare the agricultural sector for the drastic consequences of climate change in the next 5-10 years. After a period of research it became clear that we wanted to connect this aim to a concrete project, so that we can measure the positive impact.
The five Kurdish agriculture specialists who visited Wageningen University in July would implement a practical pilot project in collaboration with a local farmer upon their return from the Netherlands. During this phase of the project, I went to the KRI to visit the farmer, Shekh Jamal, who serves as a role model in the region. The group of experts now works together with him to translate their knowledge to practice”.
Your CD4D assignment, the exchange visit and the pilot project are different components to contribute one goal: to prepare the agricultural sector in Sulaymaniyah for the consequences of climate change. Although the operations are still ongoing, would you be able to share a success story with us?
Farzan: “Upon return in the Netherlands, I introduced Shekh Jamal to the Lighthouse Farm Network, which is connected to Wageningen University. They were very enthusiastic about his expertise in vegetable breeding; he has bred 13 types of tomatoes. He is also actively involved in the breeding of a new type of organic chicken together with a local knowledge institute. Besides, he breeds all kinds of vegetables, works circularly and values innovation.
After our online meeting in December 2022, both parties were excited about a long-term partnership. Someone from the Lighthouse Network will visit Shekh Jamal to see his farm. Afterwards, researchers from Wageningen University and 11 other farms across the world will be connected to each other. The goal is for these farms to find innovative solutions through a practical and academic collaboration in order to prepare for the consequences of climate change. Shekh Jamal can serve as a real example for all farmers in the region. His farm is currently visited by university students and daily by local farmers who want to learn about his methods”.
It is good to hear that the international network is expanding. When different stakeholders share their knowledge and work together, great things can come about. Can you say anything about the impact of the project already?
Farzan: “This project has in turn led to another project. The Minister of Agriculture in the KRI was very positive about the measurable impact of the project, and proposed to work together with Wageningen University & Research and ISRIC. This long-term project aims to develop a ‘Soil Information System’ on a national level to boost the agricultural sector in the KRI. The local government, knowledge institutions, farmers and foreign investors will all benefit from this information system”.
It looks like your CD4D assignment and the exchange visit have already resulted in a measurable positive impact in the agricultural sector in Sulaymaniyah. Relations between organisations have been established, which in turn lead to new initiatives.
Thank you for sharing your story, Farzan!
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