Grants :: Small Grant Facilities :: Goat farming as an alternative income generating activity for fisher families
Goat farming and community , Sri Lanka © RMahindapala , 2009
This project aimed to build capacity and promote self-reliance among poor farmers and widows through improved income and social status.
This small grant project set out to improve the socio-economic conditions of the war-affected and tsunami-affected population in Pottuvil, including families headed by widows, by supporting goat rearing and the development of a profitable and sustainable goat-farming business.
Goat farming is an increasingly important livelihood activity in the Sarvadayapuram area of Pottuvil, providing an environmentally friendly and sustainable source of income for poor farmers. The resources available in the area for goat production and livestock rearing projects are gradually expanding.
Tsunami-affected residents of Pottuvil, in particular 75 families, some headed by widows.
Apart from some difficulties encountered during construction of the well (limited groundwater and a rocky substrate), the small grant project performed well. The community participated in operating a well-managed and profitable goat farm. Eight widows were given access to a part-time occupation, allowing each women to earn an average monthly income of LKR 2,000 (US$17). The government contributed financial support to continue the project, and the local social development society organises monthly meetings to monitor the farm’s progress.
Contributions to cross-cutting themes
Gender equality
This project targeted both men and women to develop capacity and increasing income.
This project targeted both men and women to develop capacity and increasing income.
Goat farming turned out to be a profitable alternative livelihood for the community.
Pottuvil, Sri Lanka
1st Jan 2009 to 31st Dec 2009
US$4,386
Al-Ameen Sammothy Society
Arugambay, Sarvodayapuram,
Pottuvil – 05,
Sri Lanka
Tel: +94 77 4061011