In the hills and villages of Nepal, goats are more than just animals—they’re a source of livelihood, security, and hope. At Dikshya Foundation, we believe that empowering women with the right tools and opportunities can transform entire communities. That’s why, in collaboration with our partner World Wide Goat Project Nepal (WWGPN), we launched the Goat Bank—a unique initiative designed to help women in rural areas start small, sustainable goat-farming businesses.
🐐 What is a Goat Bank?
The concept is simple but powerful: women farmers in remote districts like Kavrepalanchok and Dhading are given a local female goat (doe). After caring for the goat and benefiting from its offspring for about 18 to 24 months, each woman returns one female goat to the foundation. That goat is then passed on to another woman waiting to join the program.
This creates a cycle of giving and growth—what starts with one goat continues to multiply, reaching more women year after year without the need for continuous financial investment.
🌱 Why Goats?
Goats are ideal for rural families in Nepal. They’re hardy, easy to care for, and a valuable source of income through milk, manure, and baby goats. For many women, owning a goat is the first step toward financial independence and dignity.
The Goat Bank program isn’t just about animals—it’s about providing a pathway to self-reliance.
🔁 Improving the Breed, Breaking the Cycle of Inbreeding
To improve the quality of goats and avoid inbreeding—common in isolated villages—we’ve partnered with the National Goat Research Program (NGRP) in Bandipur, Tanahun to bring in crossbred bucks (male goats). These high-quality bucks are shared in rotation among participating farmers, ensuring healthier offspring and better productivity.
And it doesn’t stop there. The baby bucks born from these crossbreeds are later donated to new women’s groups in other villages, expanding both the reach and quality of the program.
💬 Real Stories, Real Impact
Already, more than 100 women have joined the Goat Bank. Many of them are first-time goat owners and are now managing small herds, selling milk, and raising kids (both goat and human!).
“I never imagined that one goat could change my life. Now I have three, and I earn enough to support my children’s school fees,”
Dhana Kumari Dhamala Jyamrung, Dhading.
These are the stories that drive us. One goat, one woman, one family at a time.
🚀 Looking Forward
The success of the Goat Bank has inspired us to scale up this initiative and bring it to more villages across Nepal. We’re actively collaborating with local leaders, partner organizations, and community groups to ensure that no woman is left behind in this journey toward empowerment.
💞 How You Can Help
If you believe in the power of grassroots change, there are many ways to get involved:
- Partner with us to bring the Goat Bank to your community
- Sponsor a goat for a woman farmer
- Support our training and follow-up programs
- Spread the word about sustainable development models that work
Together, we can continue building a stronger, more self-reliant Nepal—one goat at a time.
📧 To learn more or get involved, contact us at:
admin@ dikshya.org.np
🌐 Visit: www.dikshya.org.np
