A water buffalo can lead a poor family out of poverty and give them a chance for a brighter future filled with hope and free from hunger. The animal provides draft power for planting rice and potatoes, milk for protein, and manure for fertilizer and fuel. A family can plant four times more rice with a water buffalo than by hand. The animal can haul heavy loads to market, where the sale of extra produce brings needed income for clothing, medicine, and school. TDH is proud to be associated with this project, administered by the provincial authorities and local People’s Committees of Hoa Binh province. The family initially receives the water buffalo as a loan. The family must show that it is caring for the animal and not sell it or kill it for meat. Once the water buffalo is two years old it belongs to the family, but the first calf borne to the water buffalo must be given to another family in need (under the same conditions). Then any future calves may be kept by the family or sold.
This is an excellent program because it self-perpetuates (A previous pilot project in Quang Ning province 10 years ago has resulted in 27 water buffalos sired by this first buffalo and her offspring – a stupendous feat of multiplying effect for any project.). It is also well supervised locally. The cost of a water buffalo is approximately $500, depending on its age and sex. The experience with this project shows that every buffalo may engender 25 others, an amazing long term benefit.
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