Iraqi farmers like Ismail Ibrahim are turning to sidr trees as a drought-resistant alternative to date palms, grappling with a water crisis threatening their livelihoods.
Ismail Ibrahim, a farmer in Iraq, is adapting to a dwindling water supply by planting sidr trees, also known as jujube trees. Unlike thirsty date palms, sidr trees thrive on minimal water and can even withstand salty groundwater.
With Iraq’s fertile lands drying up due to upstream damming and lower rainfall, Ibrahim sees sidr trees as a more sustainable option. These resilient trees yield fruit within two years, compared to the five years it takes for date palms. Ibrahim highlights the superior financial returns and durability of sidr trees, especially in sandy soil conditions.
The shift reflects Iraq’s struggle to recover from decades of conflict and environmental degradation, making adaptation crucial for farmers like Ibrahim.
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