99 -- Agricultural Development for Iraq

USAID announces its intention to solicit for an 18 month activity named INMA. (In the Arabic language, INMA means "growth".) INMA is intended to improve agricultural productivity and provide agricultural business development services to USAID beneficiaries in the 18 governorates in Iraq. Opportunities for agribusiness development and growth exist throughout Iraq. However, security levels, specific geographic and technical needs, and opportunities for enduring impact vary. The activity will begin operations in locations of strategic importance, as directed by USAID, and expand as the security environment in Iraq permits. This USAID assistance to Iraq will be coordinated with other U.S. Government organizations, including the US Embassy, the US Department of Agriculture, and the US Military. This project will be flexible and responsive. It will improve agriculture and agribusiness across the spectrum of security conditions, needs, and opportunities in Iraq and allow for adjustments as the situation fluctuates. The objective of the INMA activity is to increase economic opportunities for Iraqis by expanding the competitiveness of the private sector with a focus on agricultural enterprises. The agricultural sector faces a number of constraints including outdated technology, a highly distorted system of incentives that includes subsidized agricultural inputs and a pervasive command economy mentality. Agility and creativity are necessary to address these constraints and to take advantage of opportunities created in the dynamic atmosphere of Iraq. The activityji will achieve this by taking a systemic approach in addressing all of the elements in a value chain -- from field to fork. The technical areas are: a) agricultural productivity at the farm-level; b) appropriate technology to disseminate market information to buyers and sellers; c) soil reclamation and water resource management; d) competitiveness of agribusiness enterprises; and e) alliances to promote domestic and foreign partnerships for new and existing Iraqi agribusinesses. This activity may be extended based on availability of funds and extension of Mission strategy. Posting of the solicitation is expected o/a late November 2006. Please do not contact the Mission with queries before this time.