The community-based initiatives programme was implemented in Iraq in 2005. The programme was initially implemented in eight districts of Baghdad: Sulaymanyah, Babel, Al-Najaf, Thi-Qar, Missan and Al-Muthanna governorates but has since been expanded to cover a population of 1 022 385 in 21 districts.

The programme supports a range of activities, including women's empowerment, vocational training, environmental health, income-generation and literacy classes.

The main challenges of the programme in Iraq include difficulties in monitoring and supervision due to insecurity and lack of incentives for community leaders and lack of resources.

The community-based initiatives programme has, however, increased awareness of environmental health, improved literacy rates and increased vocational skills among the population in programme-implementing areas.

Key partners of the programme in Iraq include the United Nations Development Programme through local area development programme income-generating activities, relevant line ministries and civil society.