“I used to exchange five kilos of maize for a cup of milk. This was too little compared to the investment made in the farming,” he explains.

Faud was lucky to participate in a meeting to build the skills of livestock farmers, which was organized by UNDP’s Area-based Early Recovery Project under the Recovery and Sustainable Livelihoods Programme. After the training, he was rewarded with goats – 7 females and 1 male.

Three months later, Mohammed is elated about his status. His basic needs are assured.

“I consider myself rich. I now have 12 goats. I milk four cups daily from each. My family consumes some but I also exchange some of the milk for sugar, oil, and soap, among others things,” he says.

The goat project has brought a lot of hope into Faud’s life. He desires to bring hope to others who do not have a source of livelihood.  

“I will donate some goats in the coming years to other needy people. By doing this I will show my appreciation to UNDP for helping to turn my life around,” concludes Faud.

The Recovery and Sustainable Livelihoods Programme supports vulnerable communities by providing pro-poor social services towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals . Centred on community support, it strives to increase their income, improve their ability to manage natural resources, and mitigate the impact of disasters.  

*name has been changed