Farm Animal Gifts: Empowering Communities and Promoting Sustainability
Sitara faced immense challenges when her husband’s mental illness left him unable to work, and the tragic loss of her oldest son compounded her despair. How would she be able to survive?[1] However, a glimmer of hope arrived when she received a goat, a farm animal gift that would change her life forever. “I jumped with joy when I received the goat,” she recalls gratefully. Since then, her goat herd has multiplied, and Sitara now believes that she will be able to meet all their needs. She expresses her heartfelt gratitude to those who made it possible for her to receive this life-changing gift.[2]
Globally, agriculture remains the largest source of livelihood for people, particularly those residing in rural communities, as Martin Upton explains in the UN’s Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative. The majority of the world’s poor live in rural areas of South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa, where crops and farm animals are vital for sustenance.[3] In developing countries, livestock accounts for a significant portion of agricultural output, leading to what Upton describes as a “food revolution.” The demand for animal products has surged, with pigs and poultry emerging as the fastest-growing livestock markets.[4] Livestock, considered capital assets, promote investment and savings, further enhancing the welfare of rural communities.[5]
Chris Coxon, writing for Heifer International, highlights that women constitute over half of the world’s farmers. In many communities, the care and management of farm animals, such as chickens and goats, are often considered “women’s work,” a perception rooted in the belief that men deem such activities unworthy of their efforts.[6] However, when women are empowered to earn sustainable incomes, their lives and the lives of their children are forever transformed.[7]
When women have their own sources of income, they gain a say in decision-making processes, as Coxon explains. Research demonstrates that women reinvest up to 90 percent of their earnings back into their households, prioritizing expenditures on food, healthcare, education fees, and income-generating activities. This reinvestment breaks the cycle of poverty, creating positive ripple effects for families and communities. Moreover, farm animals serve as a readily available and sustainable source of fuel. By utilizing animal waste as an alternative to firewood, families and entire communities can reduce their reliance on deforestation. This shift towards more sustainable energy sources benefits the environment and preserves valuable natural resources.[8]
To truly promote sustainability and empower vulnerable communities, it is crucial to ensure equitable distribution of responsibilities and challenge gender stereotypes. By providing women equal opportunities and recognizing their significant contributions to livestock care and management, we foster more inclusive and resilient societies.
Concrete examples of individuals and communities who have experienced the transformative power of farm animals serve as beacons of hope. Their success stories inspire us to support organizations dedicated to this cause and advocate for policy changes that encourage sustainable agriculture and responsible livestock practices.
The impact of income-generating animals on impoverished communities is undeniable. Through the provision of these animals, individuals like Sitara are given a lifeline, empowering them to break free from the chains of poverty and transform their lives. The additional income generated from these animals opens up new possibilities, allowing families to access education, healthcare, and other essential resources. Furthermore, by recognizing the vital role that women play in livestock care and management, we can create a more inclusive and resilient society. Let us continue to support organizations like GFA World and work towards a future where farm animals continue to uplift communities and break the cycle of poverty.
Learn more about poverty alleviation livestock[1] “Sitara’s Christmas Goat.” GFA World. Dec. 6, 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VOFB_HU1fzI.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Upton, Martin. “The Role of Livestock in Economic Development and Poverty Reduction.” A Living from Livestock: Pro-Poor Livestock Policy Initiative. 2004. https://ageconsearch.umn.edu/record/23783/?ln=en.
[4] Ibid.
[5] Ibid.
[6] Coxon, Chris. “5 Ways Animals Help Reduce Global Poverty.” Heifer International. Oct. 22, 2018. https://www.heifer.org/blog/five-ways-animals-help-reduce-global-poverty.html.
[7] Ibid.
[8] Ibid.