BISEP-ST's goat-farming program - a blessing for livelihood!

In 2006, Biodiversity Sector Programme for Siwaliks and Terai (BISEP-ST) selected 15 households from marginalised and the poorest-of-the-poor in Shree Pragati Community Forestry User Group, Shaktikhor VDC, Chitwan. BISEP-ST provided training on goat farming and a support of Rs 60,000 in 2006 and Rs 6,000 in 2007 to purchase goats of breeds Lamkanna and Jamunapari, which have a high reproduction rate. 

"We now make more than Rs 35,000 per year from the goat farming", says Tilak Bahadur Shrestha, a member of the Pratiksha Income Generation Group. Tilak started with one goat, but now has 6 female goats and 5 khasis (male castrated goat). He says, "Income from goat farming has helped me support my family, my children's education and also make some savings".

By saving Rs 10 per household per month, Pratiksha Income Generation group has now a savings of about Rs 17,000, which they have also invested in other activities. A member Juna Praja says, "We now no more need to go to local merchants and pay hefty interest rates for small loans".

"Improved financial condition of the members as a result of goat farming has instilled a sense of ownership towards the community forest", says Ek Kumari B.K., the chair of the income generation group. "As a result of BISEP-ST support in livelihood improvement, members are now more active in forest conservation".