In Mphampha Village, Traditional Authority Chulu, Kasungu District, Malawi, the goat pass-on program has brought new hope to families like that of Musandivute Tembo. A 53-year-old father of five, Tembo was worried about how he would pay his son’s school fees.
“I was worried about how l would pay my son’s school fees,” he admits. “But now, l’m confident that l’ll be able to sell some of the goats and use the money to support his education,” Tembonsaid
For Davison Kanthungulu, a father of seven, the program has been a dream come true.
“The goats will help me provide for my family and improve our livelihood,” he exclaimed.
Improving Nutrition
The program’s impact on nutrition and education is multifaceted.
The goat pass-on program is designed to improve nutrition among children and their families.
By providing households with goats, the program enables them to generate a steady supply of milk and meat.
This, in turn, helps to address malnutrition and related health issues among children.
The goat pass-on program has had a profound impact on the lives of many families in Kasungu. For example, Mary Chikondi, a mother of four, was struggling to provide for her family before receiving goats through the program.
“The goats have been a blessing to my family,” Chikondi said. “We now have a steady supply of milk and meat, and I’m able to sell some of the offspring to generate income.”
Another beneficiary, John Banda, a father of six, was also struggling to provide for his family before receiving goats through the program.
“The goats have helped me to provide for my family’s basic needs,” Banda said. “I’m now able to send my children to school and provide them with the necessary resources to succeed.”
Chairperson of the livestock committee Rose Chipanira and oversees 15 Area Development Committees- ADCs has been instrumental in implementing the program.
“The goat pass-on program is a game changer. Its not just about providing goats to families in need, its about empowering them to take control of their livelihoods and build a better future for themselves and their children,” She said.
According to Arnold Tsalayekha, District Program Manager for Kasungu and Dowa, ” Through the access to nutritious food throughout the year, children are able to go to school with full stomach thereby enhance school attendance.”
Income Generating Opportunities
The goat pass-on program also provides income-generating opportunities for households. By selling offspring, households can generate a steady income, which can be used to support their children’s education and other basic needs.
Tsalayekha notes, “The program has helped households to generate income through the sale of goats. This income has enabled households to support their children’s education and improve their overall well-being, reduction in malnutrition among under five children through access to goat milk and chickeneggs which provide protein and nutrients. ”
Enhancing Education
The goat pass-on program has also had a positive impact on education among children. By providing households with a steady income, the program enables parents to support their children’s education.
According to Charles Chimombo, World Vision’s Director of Operations, “The program has helped to improve education among children. By providing households with a steady income, we are enabling parents to support their children’s education and improve their overall well-being.”
Since its launch, the program has directly benefited 9,841 children, with 1,640 households receiving goats. A staggering 61.7% of the population has benefited from the program’s interventions, including improved nutrition and education
Sustainability and Scalability
The goat pass-on program is designed to be sustainable and scalable. By providing households with goats and training them on sustainable livestock management practices, the program enables households to generate a steady income and improve their overall well-being.
According to Tsalayekha, “The program is designed to be sustainable and scalable. We’re working with households to ensure that they have the necessary skills and resources to manage their goats effectively and generate a steady income.”
In his remarks, District Animal Health and Livestock Development Officer for Kasungu Philip Mambeya said “The impact of the goat pass-on program goes beyond just economic benefits. We’re seeing improvements in education, healthcare and overall well-being. Its a testament to the power of community-led development and the importance of investing in sustainable livestock management.”
The goat pass-on program is a shining example of how sustainable livestock management can transform the lives of vulnerable families. By providing a reliable source of income, improving nutrition, and enhancing education standards, the program is empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty.
As World Vision continues to support vulnerable communities in Kasungu, the goat pass-on program remains a beacon of hope for a brighter future. With its focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and community empowerment, the program is paving the way for a more prosperous and resilient community.
As the program continues to grow and expand, it’s clear that the impact will be felt for generations to come. For families like the Tembos and Kanthungulus, the goat pass-on program has been a game-changer. And with the support of World Vision and other partners, communities are being empowered to take charge of their own development and build a brighter future for themselves and their children.
The goat pass-on program is a testament to the power of community-led development. By working together with local communities, World Vision is helping to create a more just and equitable world, where all children can thrive.
