Agronomic measures for Taming sand and Dust Storms in Kuwait and South of Iraq

Desertification can be effectively mitigated by implementing many measures to reduce the formation of sand and dust storms. This article focuses on agricultural activities for restoration and rehabilitation of areas most prone to wind erosion in Southern Iraq, based on a scientific approach within the “improved resilience to transboundary sand and dust storms in Kuwait and Iraq Project”, financed by Kuwait Fund. Implementing entities of the on-going project are the United Nations Human Settlements Programme of Kuwait and Iraq, with Kuwait institute for scientific research as the main scientific arm. In addition to other partners in Iraq, i.e. ministry of agriculture, ministry of water resources, universities of Thi-Qar and Al-Muthanna. The project emphasizes on infrastructure works and monitoring, consultancy services and capacity building, planning and management. Shelter belts considered as the most effective nature-based technique for mitigating soil stabilization within the project area, provided the availability and supply of required water through construction of suitable engineering designed irrigation systems, for the movement of water from the East Euphrates drainage system to the priority area. The scientific essence of this project enriched the knowledge and understanding of the nature of sand and dust storms that originate in this part of the world, and lead to recommendations and mitigation measures, with subsequent intervention plans by using suitable approaches to reduce sand and dust storms formation.