The evaluation assessed programme impact, coherence, effectiveness, and sustainability across multiple governorates, including Anbar, Dohuk, Ninewa, Kirkuk, and Basra. Using a mixed-methods approach, it drew on document reviews, surveys with 225 former participants, focus group discussions, and interviews with NRC staff and government stakeholders.
Overall, the evaluation found that NRC’s livelihoods programming made a meaningful contribution to economic recovery and self-reliance, particularly through support to small and micro enterprises (SMEs/MSMEs) and agriculture-based livelihoods. Over 60 percent of supported businesses reported increased profits, and agribusiness and infrastructure interventions contributed to job creation and improved productivity. Agriculture – especially livestock and smallholder farming – emerged as one of the most sustainable livelihood pathways, particularly for returnees.
However, the evaluation highlighted challenges. Urban job placement schemes were largely ineffective, with many participants failing to secure employment, due to weak private sector engagement, skills mismatches, and structural labour market barriers. Women, youth, and people with disabilities faced persistent obstacles to participation, including cultural constraints, limited access to training, and lack of legal documentation. Climate change, water scarcity, and limited financial inclusion further constrained livelihood outcomes.
The evaluation concluded that NRC’s livelihoods approach is broadly fit for purpose but requires stronger alignment with Iraq’s economic priorities, expanded climate-smart agriculture, improved market and value-chain integration, and more gender-responsive and inclusive programming.
