Makindu Children's Program will provide 187 pregnant she-galla goats for the remaining households served by Makindu Children's Program who have not yet received a goat. Each goat costs $65, and provides those living in the household not only with daily nutritious milk, but also the opportunity to sell extra milk and cheese to sustain the family's livelihood. Goats are monitored by MCC, who will provide animal husbandry training, advice on humane treatment, and oversight of all proposed sales.
Malnutrition is an inherent problem throughout much of Africa. A typical diet in Makindu consists of various forms of maize and beans. Rarely do children get milk, eggs, or other forms of protein; vegetables and fruit generally do not grow easily there, which often results in malnutrition and disease.
Dairy goats will provide the much needed nutritious supplement (milk), both to the children as well as to the guardians. Some dairy goats produce more milk, and the guardians are able to sell the surplus. Having a goat would ensure that the family has unaltered supply of milk.
Providing goats to the households supported by Makindu Children's Program will supplement nutritional needs of the children, enabling them to attend school and learn valuable skills for a productive future. Additionally, goats have the potential to provide an income when the excess milk and cheese are sold at market. Additionally, if goats reproduce, the offspring may be sold to provide income for other urgent needs. MCC office will approve all such sales.
This project has provided additional documentation in a Microsoft Word file (projdoc.doc).