Turning Skills Into Stability: Zerak’s Journey in Kirkuk
In the village of Jaworka, in Daqoq district of Kirkuk, Zerak has always believed that hard work could build a better future for his family. At 50 years old, he dreamed of earning a stable income through cattle rearing and dairy production. But like many farmers in the area, rising costs and limited local opportunities made it difficult to turn that dream into reality.
That changed when Zerak was selected to join the “Sustainable Employment Opportunities Through Support to Agriculture and Agri-Businesses” project, implemented by World Vision Iraq in partnership with UNDP, with funding from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and KfW Development Bank.
From Learning to Earning
Through the project, Zerak took part in a 10-day intensive training that combined classroom learning with hands-on field practice. Delivered locally at the Daqoq Youth Center, the training focused on cattle health and care, proper herd management, and safe, hygienic milk handling and basic dairy processing. Using practical tools such as demonstrations, photos, role plays, and field visits, the programme enabled participants to apply what they learned directly on their own farms.
Beyond technical skills, Zerak also received entrepreneurship training covering business planning, budgeting, and pricing. This was followed by post-grant mentoring, which helped him make informed investment decisions and address early operational challenges. Together, the training and ongoing support strengthened Zerak’s confidence and ability to manage his small business sustainably.
With a cash grant from the project, Zerak purchased dairy cows and began milk production. The impact was immediate. His milk supply became more reliable, hygiene practices improved, and he was better able to plan for animal feed, veterinary care, and sales throughout the year. Clear routines for milking, storage, and quality control helped him generate a steadier income and build a stronger foundation for the future.
The programme also encouraged peer learning, and Zerak now shares his knowledge with other farmers in the community, helping spread good dairy practices beyond his own farm.
“The training gave me the know-how, and the grant gave me the start,” Zerak says. “With better herd care and cleaner milk handling, I can plan confidently and provide more steadily for my family.”
Today, Zerak’s journey reflects how the right mix of skills, support, and opportunity can turn a small livelihood activity into a pathway toward resilience and hope—for one family and an entire community.