Gandari Succeeds in Goat Farming and Becomes Financially Stable

Gandari Sarder was a hardworking housewife living in the remote village of Dacope in Khulna, Bangladesh. With her husband struggling to make ends meet as a day laborer, Gandari knew she needed to find a way to help support her family financially. That's when she came across the Community Empowerment Project (CEP), Dacope, Khulna, run by ADRA Bangladesh.

Prospects of Goat Farming Business in Dacope

In the saline-affected Dacope region, where farming is difficult, goats provide a good way for poor families to make money. This sustainable practice helps people make money and gives women more power. Goats can have lots of babies and give birth twice a year. This makes them good for helping people to make money quickly and cheaply. Nowadays, women in the rural areas of Bangladesh jump into goat rearing as an effective income-generating activity.

Gandari’s Life Before Goat Farming

Gandari worked hard but still struggled financially. Her husband's income was not enough to cover their daily expenses, let alone the loan installment. It's become harder for her to maintain educational expenses for her children.

“Every day, I had to manage complicated financial circumstances while trying to make sure my family had three well-balanced meals. I got up early to find work to support my family, but debt made this difficult,” Gandari unfolded her agonies.

Challenges in Goat Farming Business

Goat farming has potential but faces challenges. Gandari often fails because she doesn't have access to veterinary services, training, or markets. She had encountered a big challenge to arrange grass during the summer. Food scarcity for goats triggers during the dry summer season. PPR is one of the biggest challenges for Gandari that harms goats.

Gandari’s Success in Goat Farming Business

"CEP gave me two goats to start a goat-rearing business. I didn't know how to care for the animals at first, but the project staff helped me learn. I worked hard, waking up early every morning to feed and care for my goats," said Gandari.

Gandari's hard work paid off. Her goats multiplied and she had nine healthy goats. She was happy and thanked ADRA Bangladesh for their help.

Gandari sold some of her goats to make a profit. She sold five of her smallest goats. Gandari sold the goats quickly and made 16,000 taka. She was happy with the result, as she hadn't expected to make so much money from her goat business. She used the money to buy more food for her goats and her family. She also put some of her money towards her children's education.

Influenced the Community

Gandari was an incredible goat farmer who inspired other women in her village to work hard and achieve financial stability. She was a shining example of how dedication and hard work can pay off.

“I shared stories of my successes, from selling goats to participating in local farmers' markets. I also offered practical advice and guidelines to help others get started in the business. I shared the basics of goat rearing, its benefits, opportunities, and sustainability among the community people,” Gandari explained her endeavors in expanding goat farming in her locality.

Expansion of Her Business

Gandari decided to expand her business. She used the money from selling the goats to buy more goats and improve her farm. She built a goat shelter and planted a garden to give them extra food.

“With the help of ADRA Bangladesh, I continued to receive training and support to improve my goat-rearing skills. I learned about proper breeding techniques, disease prevention, and how to market my goats effectively. I was grateful for the constant encouragement and guidance I received from the project staff, who believed in my potential and never stopped pushing me to reach greater heights,” said Gandari enthusiastically.

As the years went by, Gandari's goat-rearing business really took off. She now had a thriving herd of goats, which provided a reliable income for her family. Gandari was no longer just a struggling housewife – she was a successful businesswoman, respected and admired by all who knew her.

A Symbol of Hope

Gandari's story showed her community that they can overcome anything if they try. Women looked up to her as a role model because she showed them that they could build a better life for themselves and their families. Gandari's success showed that they can do anything if they work hard and never give up. ADRA Bangladesh helped her and other women to become agents of change in their communities.

Conclusion

“Now, I can afford the educational expenses of my children. I can arrange three meals for them. Everything has been possible due to the support of CEP of ADRA Bangladesh,” Gandari expressed her gratitude towards ADRA Bangladesh.

Gandari looked at her thriving goat farm and knew she had achieved her dream of financial stability. Gandari Sarder smiled and felt grateful. She knew she could do anything if she tried.