The World Food Program rolled out a cash-for-work program in Iraq on May 19.
Under the three-month initiative, participants will be receive the equivalent of USD10 every day for assisting in the clearing and rehabilitation of sewage systems and irrigation canals, planting of trees, and rehabilitation of farm spaces. The program also includes a sanitation campaign.
The program’s pilot phase seeks to help some 1,400 households in Diyala in central Iraq. It will be carried out with the help of Mercy Corps.
Program beneficiaries will be initially paid with cash on a weekly basis, but WFP said it is exploring the possibility of using smart cards and other electronic technology to facilitate future payment.