How vulnerable families found food security
Across the globe, people find joy in the presence of animals. From domestic friends to farm animals, they can provide joy in everyday activities.
In Laos, a 6-year-old boy named Sisavang finds great joy in his family’s goats.
“I love my goats so much! I feed them every day and look forward to spending all my time with them after school and on the weekends,” he says.
The goats came as an alternative income generator for his big family in Xaybouathong, a district where many people make a living from rice farming and more recently, animal raising.
Sisavang’s 49-year-old father Vongkhem vocalizes the constant struggle of raising five kids, saying basic needs could not always be met because of their situation.
"All these struggles lead me to worry about my children’s education… I questioned my ability to support them."
“When selling rice was our only source of income, we faced countless challenges. The harvests were not reliable; we would often have just enough to feed ourselves and none to sell in markets. We lacked varied foods and would spend many hours foraging for bamboo shoots and wild vegetables. All these struggles lead me to worry about my children’s education… I questioned my ability to support them,” Vongkhem confesses.
“In 2014, World Vision Xaybouathong’s programme area partnered with the government to begin agriculture activities to help communities overcome food shortages and low family incomes. A goat raising project offered 75 goats to 25 families, an initiative that would develop into a future source of income,” said Khamsavang Phon-asa, a World Vision Transformation Development Facilitator about food security.
Vongkhem is among those who benefited from the training, and excited to get started.
“I participated in both the animal raising and crop plantation trainings that were offered. I chose animal raising because I believe it is the best fit for my family and because I think a consistent income would ensue. I have learned a lot about goats in the training, from building their shelter, to vaccinations, care, proper nutrition and health risks. This new project gives me confidence. It allows me to support my family well and fund my children’s education,” Vongkhem expresses.
“Our communities used to just grow rice. Now, growing home gardens and raising livestock helps families in our village generate more income,” shared the village chief.
Xaybouathong ADP has focused on the value and increased diversity of livelihood sources. To ensure ownership and productivity of livestock, World Vision united with the District Agriculture and Forest Office (DAFO) to support veterinarians with animal vaccinations. Through this program, 1,513 animals, including buffalo, cows and goats received vaccinations. Additionally, 25 models households were trained on animal raising and revolving fund management.
World Vision Laos’ dedication to alleviate poverty of vulnerable people is proven through this livelihood project.
“34 out of the 47 poorest families in Xaybouathong’s target villages now have at least one buffalo, cow or goat. The revolving animal banks are functioning well in 20 target villages,” states Khamsavang Phon-asa, a World Vision Transformation Development Facilitator about food security.
“Between 2014 and 2015, I had 3 goats; today I have 6. I plan on raising as many as I can so money will be available when my children attend secondary school and beyond. My family and I are saving money in case of emergencies and for future projects,” Vongkhem says.
Programme work in this family’s village also included the construction of a clean water pump and latrines and the provision of education materials and uniforms.