Business Insight Evaluates Impact of World Vision’s Safe Return Project in Ninewa
Erbil – April 2025 — Business Insight is leading the final evaluation of World Vision’s Safe Return Project, a five-year initiative aimed at rebuilding livelihoods and strengthening market systems in Iraq’s Ninewa Governorate. Implemented by World Vision Iraq and World Vision Australia, and funded by the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) through the Australian NGO Cooperation Program (ANCP), the project has targeted internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, and host communities.
Since its launch in October 2020, the Safe Return Project has worked to empower 2,580 households, including farmers, micro-entrepreneurs, students, teachers, and faith leaders. The project aimed to build resilient and inclusive local economies by enhancing household economic participation, supporting small businesses, promoting sustainable agriculture, and encouraging climate-smart practices.
As the project nears completion in mid-2025, Business Insight’s evaluation captures its impact on market linkages, income generation, and the overall resilience of beneficiaries. It also highlights the progress made in financial inclusion, agriculture productivity, and climate adaptation, offering actionable recommendations for a potential second phase.
The findings reaffirm the project’s role in creating sustainable, community-driven change in areas recovering from conflict, helping Iraq’s vulnerable populations move closer to long-term stability and self-reliance.