Heifer to empower 8,677 families with livestock

HEIFER International says it will spend US$2.4 million on empowering 8,677 families with livestock under the Copperbelt rural livelihoods enhancement and support project.

Heifer programmes officer Petronella Halwiindi said the project aimed at promoting self-reliance is funded by ELANCO, an international animal health corporation.

Ms Halwiindi said her organisation will remain committed to helping people to become self-reliant.

She was speaking in Mpongwe yesterday when her organisation handed over 140 goats to 20 families of Go-women-go goat meat project in Kanyenda area.

Ms Halwiindi said Heifer is proud to complement Government’s efforts in empowering rural women, especially the vulnerable.

She also said Heifer is working with village water, food and nutrition commission in order to promote hygiene among the rural community.

She said the families that have received the donated livestock have to pass on the livestock and training to other needy families, which is known as ‘passing on the gift’.

And ELANCO representative Dawie Pretorious said his organisation was motivated by the women of Kanyenda community and pledged to support more women’s clubs in the country.

Mr Pretorious said the enthusiasm the women exhibited showed that the donated goats would be looked after properly by the beneficiaries.

“Looking at the atmosphere here, we will not worry even as we leave this place because we know that the animals will be in safe hands with you the beneficiaries,” Mr Pretorious said.

And speaking on behalf of the farmers, Copperbelt permanent secretary Villie Lombanya commended Heifer International for complementing Government’s efforts in sustaining rural development.

Mr Lombanya said the event was an historical one because it marked the beginning of the handovers that the Copperbelt is yet to witness from Heifer.

[Zambia Daily Mail]