Community Livestock Production Strengthening Project (CLPSP)

Community Livestock Production strengthening Project (CLPSP), a holistic intervention integrating the two previous projects namely, Animal Nutrition Management Project (ANMP) and Women Empowerment Project (WEP) was under implementation from 2007-2010. The initiative was co-founded by Volunteers in Irish Veterinary Assistance (VIVA), Ireland, and BOTHAR, Ireland. ANMP was endorsed in Kaski, Okhaldhunga and Morang districts from 2006-2007 and was particularly aimed at generating baseline information on the nutritional status of the livestock raised by non-commercial subsistence farmers. The initial year provided a blueprint and served as a roadmap in designing the interventions that cater to the needs and demands of the respective communities and subsequently paving the foundation for the Community Livestock Production Improvement Project (CLPSP). CLPSP covered six Village Development Committees (VDCs) of Kaski district. Farmers’ (Women) Group strengthening and mobilization, women empowerment and institutional strengthening, enhancing women’s skills and capacity to undertake good husbandry practices, promotion of livelihood resilience, animal healthcare system, strengthening as well as provision of in-kind support were the key components of the project. The project reached 375 farming households and optimized the production potential of the farm animals by enhancing the knowledge and skills on improved animal management practices and consequently improving the socio-economic status of the respective communities.

Key Interventions and Impact

• 9 VAHWs were trained, provided with basic startup medicine kit and mobilized to ensure quality and accessible veterinary treatment and consultancy services in the communities
• 375 farmers directly benefited from the various livestock management training including improved husbandry practices, housing management, nutrition, fodder cultivation, etc.
• 16 women goat-rearing groups were oriented on women’s rights and legal awareness to promote women’s inclusion in the planning and decision-making process
• 16 model goat sheds were established to encourage communities to learn and replicate the practices; 45 farmers adopted and established improved goat sheds
• Supported 16 goat-rearing groups in fodder cultivation and animal nutrition improvement initiatives
• To foster a marketing channel, two cooperatives and one convenience store were established
• 16 improved breeds of bucks and 9 buffalo bulls were distributed in the communities to promote crossbreeding and upgrade the genetic potential of the indigenous breeds