The Goat Farm Project, initiated in June 2018, is a social and economic development initiative designed to provide support to marginalized families, particularly focusing on women by providing them with a sustainable income source. The project’s main objectives were to reduce unemployment, enhance productivity, and empower women by promoting financial independence. The project focused on goat farming ,also enabled women to process and sell various goat products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and jameed (a type of dried yogurt), in addition to the sale of goat meat. By distributing goats to poor families, the initiative sought to create a sustainable source of income, alleviate poverty, and create long-term economic stability for the targeted communities.

In 2018, many marginalized families, especially women, faced severe financial instability and limited economic opportunities. With few reliable income sources, these families were often trapped in a cycle of poverty. The Goat Farm Project was created in response to this challenge. The first phase of the project involved setting up the necessary infrastructure to host goats, including the purchase of essential tools such as water tanks, iron pens for greasy, and water-based fattening pens. The second phase, which began in February 2019, introduced the goats to the farm. Alongside purchasing the goats to raise them for milk and meat production, the project provided them with proper feeding and housing arrangements, ensuring the goats' health and productivity. The project aimed to distribute goats to families who could raise them as an income-generating resource.

The core solution proposed by the project was simple yet highly impactful: by providing goats to impoverished families, they were given an actual asset that could help them generate income. The sale of fresh goat milk, meat, and process into products such as cheese, yogurt, and jameed, offered these families a stable income stream. These dairy products, alongside the sale of goat meat, offered families a diverse range of income opportunities. Additionally, the project placed a strong emphasis on empowering women, encouraging them to participate actively in managing the goats and thereby increasing their financial independence. This initiative was critical in improving the immediate financial situation of families and also in building long-term sustainability for future generations.

The activities within the Goat Farm Project were carefully planned and executed across multiple stages, ensuring that each step contributed to the project's overall success. Below is a more detailed breakdown of the key activities:

1. Preparation and Procurement (June 2018 - February 2019): During the early stages of the project, considerable effort was focused on preparing the farm for the introduction of the goats. This included the purchase of necessary equipment such as:

   1. Water Tanks: Essential for storing water to keep the goats hydrated, particularly in dry periods.
   2. Iron Fattening Pens: These pens were used to house and fatten the goats in a controlled environment to ensure proper growth and development.
   3. Water-Based Fattening Pens: These special pens were designed to maintain the animals’ hygiene and comfort, improving overall health and productivity.
2. Goat Acquisition and Placement (February 2019): After preparing the infrastructure, the next significant activity involved purchasing and bringing goats to the farm. Each family was provided with a goat or a few goats depending on their circumstances, and the goats were placed in the designated pens for care and fattening. Special care was given to ensure that the goats were of good health and had been fed adequately, as these factors were crucial for the animals' productivity in terms of milk and meat.
3. Ongoing Goat Management: The project team appointed several individuals responsible for managing and monitoring the goats' health, feeding, and growth. This included routine checks, feeding schedules, and veterinary care to ensure that the goats remained healthy and could continue to be a viable source of income for the families. The team also provided the families with training on proper goat care and management to enable them to continue the practices long after the initial project stages.
4. Processing and Selling Goat Products: Women were actively involved in the processing of goat milk into a variety of dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and jameed. This added significant value to the raw milk, allowing them to sell these processed products at higher prices in local markets. The sale of goat meat was another critical income stream, as goats were fattened and sold for their high-quality meat. Through these activities, women improved their household incomes, also gained valuable skills in food production and marketing, further empowering them economically.
5. Distribution to Families: One of the critical activities was the actual distribution of goats to the most vulnerable families. This distribution was done equitably, focusing on the poorest families in the community, with a particular focus on households headed by women. Each family received a goat, which became an immediate source of income through the production of milk, meat, and potential breeding.

The Goat Farm Project successfully achieved its intended outcomes, offering substantial benefits to the targeted families. These outcomes included:

1. Financial Empowerment: The families, especially women, who received the goats experienced a steady income flow from selling goat milk, high-value dairy products such as cheese, yogurt, and jameed, in addition to the sale of goat meat.
2. Increased Productivity: The project encouraged greater productivity within the participating families, fostering a sense of ownership and economic independence.
3. Sustainable Livelihoods: By offering multiple products for sale, families were able to generate consistent income throughout the year, even during times when goat meat sales alone might not have been sufficient.

The social impact of the project has been insightful. It played a critical role in uplifting marginalized families, improving their financial stability, and promoting social structure within the community. The project particularly empowered women by giving them the opportunity to manage a valuable asset, thereby increasing their status and decision-making power within their households. The initiative also contributed to a reduction in social disparities by offering a viable solution to poverty in the region.

From an economic standpoint, the Goat Farm Project provided a direct boost to the local economy as families benefited from the sale of raw goat milk and meat and also from processed dairy products, which could fetch higher prices in the market. By introducing new sources of income through goat farming, it stimulated local markets, where families could sell their products, such as milk and meat. This increased economic activity, benefiting the families involved and also creating secondary economic effects within the community, such as demand for related services like veterinary care, feed supplies, and transport.

The Goat Farm Project, executed in collaboration with the Bridge of Peace Organization, stands as a successful model of social and economic intervention. Through the provision of goats, essential tools, and training, the project empowered poor families and women, giving them the means to achieve financial independence. By focusing on goat farming, the processing and sale of high-value products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, and jameed, the project created sustainable income opportunities that significantly improved the lives of participants. The project's positive social and economic impacts demonstrate the importance of such initiatives in promoting long-term community development and sustainability.