426th Civil Affairs Battalion helps renovate Iraqi agricultural collegeRELEASE NUMBER: 050405-02
DATE POSTED: APRIL 6, 2005
426th Civil Affairs Battalion
DAHUK, Iraq (USASOC News Service, April 6, 2005) — Throughout one’s travels in northern Iraq, it is common to see shepherds tending sheep along the roadside, boys driving their cattle to the nearest waterhole, and men and women of all ages tending fields where chickpeas, olives, grapes or orchards where fruit trees grow.
The 426th Civil Affairs Battalion, an Upland, Calif.-based Army Reserve special operations unit, has been working with local and international nongovernmental organizations to improve farmland, increase quality and quantity of cattle throughout the area and positively influence cutting edge technology to improve upon agricultural practices and procedures.
With the large quantity of arable farmland, animal herds, and conducive environment that supports agricultural production, it is evident why northern Iraq is the largestfood production arena for the region for the entire country.
The most common trades and/or sources of income for the people of northern Iraq are in the field of agriculture. With well over 500,000 donums of land and close to 1,000,000 heads of animals ranging from goats, sheep, and cattle, one can easily understand why agriculture is the lifeblood of the region.
Education influences change. The University of Dahuk is comprised of nine colleges. Of those colleges, the oldest and most popular college is the College of Agriculture.
Currently, 550 undergraduate students and 45 graduate students study at the college. With a sizeable student base and the massive impact that they can provide for the region, the 426th CA Bn. committed to address some of the needs of the college and positively impact the progression of higher education.
Working with Dr. Mosleh Duhoky, dean of agriculture, Dr. Abdulljabar Salman, chief of party for the University of Hawaii Partnership Program, other colleagues and graduate students supporting the university, the 426th CA Bn. completed an assessment to assist the college.
The college provides advanced instruction and education in horticulture, rangeland management, veterinary sciences, animal science and production. Additionally, the College of Veterinary Medicine offers certification of qualified individuals to be the future for animal health throughout the region.
The Animal Research Barn required the greatest amount of attention. Cold winters and hot summers have weathered the wooden doors and fence at the facility. Years of neglect and has left the facility in shambles with unserviceable lighting and power fixtures, unserviceable fans and water troughs, as well as deteriorated and cracking foundations and ceiling structures in many of the classrooms and milking room.
A project supporting the renovation of the facility was devised to address the immediate needs. Under the direction of the dean and animal research supervisors, the barn was repainted with light fixtures and wooden doors replaced. Water and feed troughs, catch pens and sheep dipping pool were also restored.
The milking room was cleaned, retiled, and repainted to include ceiling repairs to prevent leaks and other problems caused by previous water damage. Also, the sterile milk refrigerators were repaired back to their original working condition.
A deep well and pipe distribution system for crop and tree research was completed.
During the tenure of Saddam Hussein people utilized anything they could to produce heat for the winter and for cooking. The aftermath left a virtually stripped region of trees and vegetation that once densely populated the countryside. The well project will aid in tree research to develop hearty, fast growing varieties to once again populate the region.
The entire project, from start to finish, took roughly four months. On the day of the opening ceremony, the words of the dean were captured on local television expressing his appreciation for completion of the project.
“We thank the American’s for their support and what they have done to advance higher education through the College of Agriculture.”
Through continued coordination and efforts through supporting agencies, the 426th CA Bn. will continue to enhance higher education and improve the quality of life for northern Iraq.
-usasoc-
