Abstract
Economic sanction imposed on Iraq since the last eight years
has led to hyper inflation which has caused devastating effects on
living standards for all people, especially those with fixed
incomes. Thus, most people in Basra had no choice but to move
away from fixed income activities towards trade, vocational and
agricultural activities in an attempt to cope with such ever
increasing inflation rate.
Despite the heavy damages incurred on them due to long
years of war, palm tree orchards have become the most important
economic activity and source of income for most people of Basra.
However, such activity in facing serious challenges due to low
water levels and increase in salinity in both water and soil which
have led to a fall in the level of palm trees’ productivity.