World Youth International has worked in partnership with the Asembo Goat Breeder's Association, a local organisation in Asembo Bay, Eastern Kenya.
Asembo Bay is located in a very rural area of Eastern Kenya, where many people live in extreme poverty (less than $2 per day).
WYI supported the Asembo Bay Goat Breeder's Association in launching its pilot and expansion projects. This consisted of 10 families forming an association of goat breeders, and focused on the following:
Increased Income Generation and Improved Livelihoods
WYI supported the launch of this project by providing the funds for Asembo Goat Breeder's Association to purchase goats for each member family, as well as bucks for the Association to use for breeding. This meant that each family gradually increased their goat herd size, allowing them to sell goat milk and the goats at local markets, thereby increasing their family's income.
Increasing income for families has meant that more children are able to attend school, families have increased access to healthcare, and family members are less likely to be malnourished. By providing community members with the opportunity to earn their own income, we have provided them with a 'hand up' rather than a 'hand out'.
Increased Gender Equality
By working with husbands and wives as partners, both men and women work together to make decisions and manage their small goat farms. This has created equal opportunities, allowing women to take on decision-making and leadership roles, and be treated as equal partners and family members.
Improved Family Health
Families now have access to goat milk, as well as increased income from selling goats at the local markets, which has improved family health and nutrition.
Improved Farming Methods for Whole Communities
Asembo Goat Breeder's Association is a community led initiative, and brings benefits to the whole community. The Association increases its member numbers every year, and provides training and resources to local farmers so they can improve their livelihoods.
