In order to boost agricultural production in the region, the ASB supported farmers with field schools. In each of these schools, 30 to 32 farmers with similar knowledge and common interests joined together to form cooperative groups. A total of 34 field schools for farmers have been initiated, developed and supported over the entire project period with resources for beekeeping, poultry or sheep farming and fruit tree plantations. A total of 852 farmers (Yazidis, Arabs, Kurds, Turkmens) from 33 villages in the Sinjar region benefited from this. Beekeeping and honey production have a long tradition in this region, and organic honey from Iraq is known for its taste and purity. In addition, fruit tree plantations act as a preventive measure to reduce drought, desertification and soil erosion and are part of the regional culture.

Before it began, the farmers received intensive training courses on organic farming and environmental protection or climatic conditions.

The ASB has taken various measures in order to promote agricultural production in the Sinjar region. The focus was not only on strengthening the farms themselves, but also on supporting the state advisory services of the Ministry of Agriculture. These services support and advise farmers in their work. The ASB supported the Ministry of Agriculture in Ninawa in equipping the offices of its advisory services in Mosul and Sinjar. This has enabled them to work more effectively and respond flexibly to the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 17 agricultural advisers were trained as trainers in order to teach specific topics such as beekeeping, poultry and sheep breeding and fruit tree plantations. These trainers, with the support of the ASB, carried out training courses for the farms. In addition to technical training, the topic of risk management was also addressed. The aim was to impart additional knowledge and risk-sensitive practices to farmers in order to strengthen their resilience beyond the end of the project. The focus was on awareness of extreme weather conditions or pest infestations as well as on dependence on electricity or water.

A traineeship and apprentice initiative was carried out in cooperation with private companies. A total of 19 people took part, eleven of them were women. During their training, participants received practical training in different establishments for four hours a day, five days a week, for six months. The training took place in the areas of tailoring, bakery, carpentry, car repair shop, plumbing, PVC production, IT maintenance, electrical work, construction, design, photography and bookselling.

At the end of the training, twelve participants were able to find employment, while six participants set up their own small business.

The ASB supported in particular returnees, unemployed people and women in setting up small businesses to generate income and boost the economy in the region. With the increasing number of returnees, these new small businesses have been able to meet the increased demand in certain sectors. Shops for clothing, shoes, cosmetics, household goods, photography, car parts and food were opened. Carpentry, plumbing, tailoring, electrical installation businesses and a printing company were established.

In the agricultural sector, support was provided to sheep and cow farms for the production of yoghurt and cheese. The ASB promoted beekeeping, the growing of vegetables in greenhouses for sale on the market, raising chickens and turkeys for eggs and meat, a dairy shop for selling dairy products, and a store of agricultural equipment and accessories. All business start-ups were based on market analyses and business plans. Beneficiaries received training in areas such as resource management and business planning. Within the first year of business, some of the entrepreneurs had already created additional jobs for 62 people.