Al-Ayen Iraqi University (AUIQ) Research Contributions Aligned with SDG 2 (Zero Hunger) - 2023-2024

This report highlights Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 2 (SDG 2): Zero Hunger, showcasing research and community initiatives undertaken in 2023-2024. The university’s research efforts focus on advancing sustainable agriculture, food security, and water management. Additionally, community outreach activities, such as communal iftars, orphanage visits, and charity bazaars, address hunger and support vulnerable groups by ensuring access to nutritious food and financial aid. Together, these contributions emphasize the university’s role in promoting food security and reducing hunger within the community and beyond.

Research Contributions to SDG 2

• Navigating the landscape of precision horticulture: Sustainable agriculture in the digital Age. This research focuses on the integration of digital tools in precision horticulture, enabling efficient and sustainable farming practices, which aligns with SDG 2 by promoting sustainable agriculture and improved food production systems.
• Identifying the most effective climate parameters on crop yield in rain-fed agriculture and irrigated farming in Iran. The study analyzes critical climate factors affecting crop yield, supporting the development of climate-resilient agriculture and helping to ensure food security, aligning with SDG 2.
• Application of bagging and boosting ensemble machine learning techniques for groundwater potential mapping in a drought-prone agriculture region of eastern India. Research that contributes to effective water management in agriculture, crucial for sustaining crop production in water-scarce regions, thus supporting the objectives of SDG 2.
• Classification of tomato leaf images for detection of plant disease using conformable polynomials image features. This study offers solutions for early detection of plant diseases, which helps in reducing crop losses and ensuring a steady food supply, aligning with the goals of SDG 2.
• Analyzing the impact of socio-environmental parameters on wheat and barley cultivation areas using the geographical detector model. A study that evaluates how socio-environmental factors influence crop production, aiding in the development of strategies to improve yield and sustainability.
• Metagenomic profiling of rhizosphere microbiota: Unraveling the plant-soil dynamics. Research that explores the plant-soil interaction, promoting soil health and crop yield, which supports the sustainable agriculture aspect of SDG 2.
• Evaluation of Brassica species for growth, yield and heat use efficiency under nitrogen nutrition and iron sulphide nanoparticles application. Focuses on enhancing crop yield through efficient use of nutrients and nanotechnology, contributing to the goal of sustainable food production.
• Sustainable Water Management for Small Farmers with Center-Pivot Irrigation: A Hydraulic and Structural Design Perspective. This article addresses efficient water management techniques for agriculture, supporting sustainable farming and enhancing food security.
• Empirical curvelet transform based deep DenseNet model to predict NDVI using RGB drone imagery data. Innovative research on monitoring crop health using drone imagery, aiding farmers in sustainable crop management practices.
• Factors Affecting Sustainable Agriculture in Iraq: Evidence from Employment, CPI, Rents, and Policies. Examines the socio-economic factors affecting sustainable agriculture, providing insights for policy development to support agricultural sustainability in Iraq.

During 2023-2024, Al-Ayen Iraqi University has published more than 30 research articles related to Zero Hunger, reflecting its commitment to advancing SDG 2. As shown in Table below.

Overview of Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s Community Initiatives Supporting SDG 2

• University of Al-Ayen Hosts Community Iftar for Staff, Dormitory Students, and Orphans, in a heartfelt gesture of community service, the University of Al-Ayen organized a communal iftar for all dormitory students, staff members, and a group of orphans. This initiative is part of the university's annual program aimed at supporting orphans specifically and aiding students from remote areas during the holy month of Ramadan. This initiative aligns with SDG 2, directly addressing hunger and food insecurity by ensuring access to nutritious meals during Ramadan. LINK: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1253

The College of Engineering Technology Visits the Orphanage in Nasiriyah, 

as part of its ongoing scientific, humanitarian, and community service activities, and in support of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 2: Zero Hunger, and SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), the College of Engineering Technology visited the orphanage in Nasiriyah. A delegation of students from the Department of Computer Engineering (both morning and evening studies) was led by Dr. Modhi Lefteh, the head of the department, along with other teaching staff members, on Monday, April 17, 2023. The visit included a shared Iftar meal with the children at the orphanage, which also functions as a school for the children. The students engaged in various activities and games with the orphans. The delegation also observed the conditions at the institution, discussing the vital role played by the orphanage and the community of Nasiriyah in providing care and ensuring a stable life for the orphans. The institution expressed its gratitude and readiness to welcome further visits and initiatives from universities and other institutions. This activity addresses SDG 2 through the provision of meals. Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1276

Medical Laboratory Technology Holds Second Charity Bazaar

The Department of Medical Laboratory Technology at the College of Health and Medical Technologies organized its second charity bazaar, with proceeds dedicated to supporting underprivileged families and orphans in the province, held in the main courtyard of the university. The event was inaugurated by the Dean of the College of Health and Medical Technologies, Professor Muhammad Abd al-Ridha al-Tahan, along with the administrative assistant Dr. Mustafa Abd al-Sattar, the head of the Medical Laboratory Department, Dr. Saad Haif al-Badri, and several faculty members. The bazaar featured numerous contributions from students, showcasing handmade crafts, painting, culinary arts, and more. This cultural carnival highlighted various student talents that could lead to bright scientific and cultural futures. This initiative aligns with SDG 1, by providing financial support to underprivileged families and orphans, helping them meet their basic needs and improve their living conditions. Additionally, it contributes to SDG 2, as the funds raised can be used to provide food and nutritional assistance to those in need, thereby promoting food security and ensuring that vulnerable populations have access to sufficient and nutritious food. Furthermore, this charitable effort supports SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, by addressing the disparities faced by marginalized groups within the community. By directly aiding these individuals and families, the bazaar fosters inclusivity and helps to bridge the gap between different socio-economic classes, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society. Link: https://alayen.edu.iq/news/details/1769

Conclusion

Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s research endeavors during 2023-2024 clearly reflect a dedication to addressing the challenges outlined in SDG 2. Through interdisciplinary studies that incorporate technological advancements, climate resilience, and sustainable farming practices, the university contributes to global food security efforts. These research projects not only enhance local agricultural practices but also offer scalable solutions that can be adopted globally. Al-Ayen Iraqi University’s community initiatives strongly support SDG 2 by addressing hunger and food insecurity. Through events like community iftars, orphanage visits, and charity bazaars, the university provides nutritious meals and financial support to vulnerable groups, promoting food security and fostering a more inclusive, equitable society.

Rescue those affected by the earthquake in Syria

 Al-Ayen University coordinated with a team of students to distribute relive aid, including foods to those affected by the earthquake that hit Syria and Turkey recently. This is to insure part of their needs, visited them and review their problems, in order to promote the goals of sustainable development and achieve the goal of eliminating poverty and hunger and achieve equality between people  and peace on earth.

Rescue those affected by earthquake

Al-Ayen University extends its readiness to provide the necessary support to special education needs students.

 This is to review the specialized educational programs to be provided to special needs people within the schools of the province

special education 

A delegation from Al-Ayen University visits the nursing home in Dhi Qar

 This is part of the university's communication with the community and practicing its active and influential role.

Nursing Home 

Al-Ayen University, Al-Nasiriyah Reformatory Prison, and the Human Rights Commission Office are looking for a mechanism for joint cooperation

Nasirya reformatory Prison

Free scholarship

 Al-Ayen University interviews applicants for the free scholarship

Visual Report 

Al -Ayen University Articles on the Sustainable Development Goal (2-Zero hunger)