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.