Investing everything he had, he found a lifeline in livestock
The story of a farmer who gambled his livelihood, and was able to thrive thanks to the work of Tearfund.
Their family had literally hit rock bottom.
In the rugged hills of Badabasko village, Jaiprakash Paharia, a determined 60-year-old farmer, and his wife, Rami Paharin, have battled against nature’s odds. Their land, stubbornly stony and dependent on increasingly unpredictable rains, yielded meagre crops of maize, cowpea, pigeon pea, and sorghum each year. Faced with declining harvests, they turned to goat rearing in search of a more sustainable livelihood.
Abandoning all of one’s means in search of a more reliable living is a grievous decision. Left with no other choice, Jaiprakash invested all he had in what seemed to be an auspicious venture. However, these promising efforts were marred by heartbreaking losses. Year after year, diseases claimed up to 20 of their precious goats, threatening once again their hope for a steady future. It was as if they were back to the foot of the hill; they were desperate. Then, as they were counting their losses, Tearfund’s partners, EFICOR, brought radical, life-changing support to their village.
The project team shared the love of God through their timely intervention. They provided thorough training on livestock management practices, and taught about essential deworming and vaccination medicine to best sustain livestock.
Initially hesitant, Jaiprakash was skeptical about administering these treatments to his goats. However, as he learned about their potential to safeguard his livestock’s health, he took on these practices graciously.
As a result of ardent application of deworming medicines, liver fluke treatments, and PPR vaccines, Jaiprakash achieved transformative results. Then, for the first time since they had started keeping livestock, their goats remained healthy throughout the season, with zero losses! This newfound stability secured their livelihood and revitalized their hope for the future.
Now, Jaiprakash and his family are endlessly thankful to Tearfund Canada and EFICOR for their radical support. Their training not only improved the health and well-being of their livestock but also equipped them with the tools and understanding to sustain themselves through future adversity.
Tearfund works through local churches to bring sustainable, long-term solutions to those in poverty. By partnering with Tearfund Canada, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of families like the Paharias and shine God’s light in the darkest places. Because of your generosity and prayerful support, communities are empowered to overcome challenges, embrace community, and build faith-based, sustainable livelihoods. Together, we can create lasting impact and equip others to lift themselves out of poverty through the local church.
