Goats for the poor: Some keys to successful promotion of goat production among the poor

This article describes Heifer International’s experience promoting goats for the poor. Heifer International provides livestock to the poor in 55 countries using a value-based participatory approach. Drawing from recent case studies conducted in China, Peru, Romania and Tanzania, the benefits to the poor and major constraints are outlined. Constraints to livestock raising include the lack of good breeding stock, lack of veterinary and extension services, lack of credit and access to markets. Focusing more assistance on women farmers would improve impact on the poor. Value-based holistic community development with self-help groups creates a foundation for increasing farmer incomes by providing a forum for education, mutual support and developing markets. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.