Why many well-funded livestock programmes struggle to create sustainable income Goats, sheep and other small livestock are often described as the “poor man’s first asset” because they require relatively modest initial investment, can be managed by women and smallholders, reproduce relatively quickly and provide a source of food, manure and emergency cash. Yet, owning livestock does not automatically create a sustainable livelihood or a profitable enterprise. This is where man

In recent years, livestock-based entrepreneurship has emerged as a promising pathway for improving rural livelihoods, generating employment, and strengthening local economies. Across India, thousands of development programs, CSR initiatives, NGOs, and government schemes have promoted goat farming, sheep rearing, backyard poultry, dairy, and allied livestock enterprises among rural households. However, despite significant investments and widespread enthusiasm, a large number o

Across India and many developing countries, rural livestock development projects have become one of the most widely adopted approaches for strengthening livelihoods among smallholder and landless families. Governments, CSR agencies, NGOs, donor organizations and development institutions regularly invest in goat farming, backyard poultry, dairy, sheep rearing and piggery-based interventions with the objective of increasing household income, improving nutrition, empowering wome