Raising buffalo to enhance the income of widows and their families in Pottuvil (Phase 2)

Objectives

The objective of this project was to raise the living standards of families headed by widows or other women by providing them with buffaloes for milking (dairy) purposes.

Background

This project built on the first Livestock Development Dairy Farmer Association (LDDFA) buffalo farm project in Pottuvil. The Phase 2 grant from MFF allowed LDDFA to purchase eight more buffaloes. The project aimed to improve the living standards of its female beneficiaries by giving them a productive asset they can use to earn extra income.

Target beneficiaries

Families headed by women, in particular eight selected widows, in the Pottuvil area.

Outputs

• Similar outputs to the Phase 1 buffalo farm project.
• The purchase of a further eight buffaloes, together with calving in the existing herd, increased the total number of animals to 23 by the end of the project.

Accomplishments and challenges

The grant for Phase 2 contributed to a well-managed and profitable buffalo farm. Widows continued their active engagement in farming activities. The project generated and monitored regular progress reports and sales records of dairy products.
 
Contributions to cross-cutting themes
Gender equality
This project was targeted at women, giving them an opportunity to earn additional income.

Contributions to cross-cutting themes

Gender equality

This project was targeted at women, giving them an opportunity to earn additional income.

Lessons Learned

The positive experiences and outputs of the project augur well for its sustainability. Using project sales records and reports, LDDFA has been able to leverage funds from other sources to set up a milk processing facility. This will provide employment to local people in Pottuvil.