Training helps farmers find stability and hope for the future.
In the rugged hills of India’s Badabasko village, Jaiprakash Paharia, a determined 60-year-old farmer, and his wife, Rami Paharin, have battled against nature's odds. Their land, stony and dependent on increasingly unpredictable rains, yielded meagre crops of maize, cowpea, pigeon pea, and sorghum each year. Their family had literally hit rock bottom.
Faced with declining harvests, they turned to goat rearing in search of a more sustainable livelihood. Left with no other choice, Jaiprakash invested all he had in what seemed to be a promising venture. However, these efforts were marred by heartbreaking losses. Year after year, diseases claimed up to 20 of their precious goats, threatening their hope for a steady future once again. It was as if they were back at the foot of the hill; they were desperate.
As they were counting their losses, through Mission and Service partner Canadian Foodgrains Bank, member Tearfund Canada brought life-changing support to their village through The Evangelical Fellowship of India Commission on Relief (EFICOR). The project team provided thorough training on livestock management practices and taught about essential deworming and vaccinations to best sustain livestock.
Jaiprakash was skeptical at first about giving these treatments to his goats. However, as he learned how they could safeguard his livestock's health, he took on these practices graciously and achieved transformative results. For the first time since they had started keeping livestock, their goats remained healthy throughout the season, with zero losses! This newfound stability secured their livelihood and revitalized their hope for the future.
Jaiprakash and his family are endlessly thankful to Tearfund Canada and EFICOR for their radical support. Their training not only improved the health and well-being of their livestock but also equipped them with the tools and understanding to sustain themselves through future adversity.
Thank you for supporting our Mission and Service partners and people around the world, as they walk toward a more sustainable future.