Why does Iraq depend on irrigation for much of its agriculture?

Iraq relies heavily on irrigation for its agriculture primarily due to the country's arid climate and the seasonal nature of its water supply.12

Most of Iraq consists of hot, arid lowlands where precipitation is insufficient to support cultivation. While the northeast receives enough rainfall to sustain seasonal pasture and rain-fed crops, the remainder of the country—particularly the valleys of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers—requires irrigation throughout the year.12

Furthermore, the rivers themselves are often high at the wrong time of year for most crops, making direct inundation impractical for general cultivation. Consequently, Iraq has developed extensive canal systems, dams, and pumping infrastructure to manage and store water. This dependence on irrigation is a long-standing practice, though it has historically led to significant environmental challenges, most notably the salinization of the soil, which can reduce agricultural yields and force the abandonment of farmland.3425