Over 2018-19, the Farmers' Integrated Development Association (FIDA) distributed 167 goats to 158 women-headed households in southern Punjab, Pakistan. Today, six years later, the results are remarkable. From 167 goat given to 158 families, the initial herd has multiplied to 4,676 goats. Despite challenges, the mortality rate remains a manageable 7.93%, with 371 goats lost, showing that the knowledge and skills received through the FFS continued to be applied effectively in the communities. Six families have achieved the remarkable feat of owning six cows each, purchased through the sale of male goats while maintaining their original goat herds. The sale of male goats by the beneficiaries has generated PKR 851,000 (USD 3,050) in income for these families and each family now possesses an average of 20-25 goats.

How did we achieve these remarkable results?

In 2018, FIDA launched the "Goat - A Life-Changing Gift" project, funded by Penny Appeal under the Village Food Facility Model. This project aimed to provide sustainable livelihoods to the most vulnerable members of society, particularly women-headed households, by distributing goats to 158 rural women, many of whom were widows. The project's implementation followed a meticulous and well-defined plan. First of all, local community-based organizations (CBOs) played a pivotal role. Goat distribution committees, formed through active community participation, ensured a fair and transparent selection process.Secondly, a poverty scorecard was employed to identify the most marginalized individuals from a pool of 260 nominees. This guaranteed that assistance reached those in direst need. From the FFS, several new approaches were adapted, keeping Farmer Field Schools for men farmers, while setting up Women Open Schools (WOS) for women farmers due to the social norms and societal settings that prevented training women alongside men, and Children Ecological Clubs (CEC) for children with illiterate parents, enabling them to assist and guide their elders in agricultural practices learned in FFS and WOS. These schools adapt the core aspects of FFS, such as practical, hands-on learning, peer-to-peer education, and participatory approaches, tailored to suit women’s and children unique needs and social circumstances. To finish beneficiaries received comprehensive training on goat rearing through women's open schools. In-building access to improved knowledge and skills for women, the WOS were instrumental in ensuring the project's sustainability and long-term impact.

The "Goat - A Life-Changing Gift" project by FIDA exemplifies how well-planned and executed development interventions can spark profound and lasting change. To ensure the project's sustainability FIDA support through linkages with the livestock department for day-to-day medication and veterinary support. The FIDA has also established committees comprising three selected women beneficiaries and two community-based organization (CBO) members to monitor the project's progress. These committees ensure ongoing support and address any issues faced by beneficiaries.

This holistic approach underscores the transformative power of initiatives that address the multifaceted challenges faced by rural communities, paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future.

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