Empowering Goat Farmers in Nepal

In Nepal’s Kaski District, we’ve partnered with the Animal Health Training and
Consultancy Service (AHTCS) for over a decade to build resilient, self-reliant farming communities. We do this because we believe that lasting improvements in animal welfare and public health demand the active involvement of local communities and policies informed by a deep understanding distinct local farming culture. We call on stakeholders to support locally led, context-specific solutions that drive real change on the ground.

Together we're currently supporting the Community Goat Strengthening Project in Maadi Rural Municipality. Launched in December 2023, this three-year project aims to improve the livelihoods of 120 goat-farming households by promoting better animal health, sustainable practices, and stronger market access.

• Training: We have delivered training to over 85 farmers in good husbandry, nutrition and shed design, and are on track to deliver training to a further 35 farmers.
• Capacity Building: We have formed active goat farmer groups for collaboration and knowledge-sharing.
• Infrastructure: A Goat Resource Centre and Fodder Nursery are under construction and on track for completion this year.
• Education: We are hosting rabies awareness sessions held for school students.

Key Challenges We're Tackling:

• Goat health issues (e.g., parasitic infections)
• Poor housing and nutrition
• Low awareness of cooperatives and value chains
• Weak stakeholder coordination
• Limited breeding and animal healthcare support
• Risk from wild predators to the goat population and lack of insurance awareness

Looking Ahead:

Our top priorities include:

• Training Village Animal Health Workers
• Improving goat housing and fodder systems
• Expanding our resource centre's and developing a best practice model goat farm.

Hosting veterinary health camps
This project is already driving hugely positive change—and with continued community engagement and local support, we’re supporting Nepalese goat farmers to build a more sustainable and profitable future for themselves and their communities.