IMPROVING LIVES WITH LIVESTOCK
Uganda is the biggest host of refugees in Africa, providing refuge to 1.5 million people. Refugees living in Uganda mostly come from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Burundi, where conflicts have uprooted so many lives.
80% of the refugees in Uganda are women and children. 91% of Uganda’s refugee population are considered economically vulnerable. A gift of a goat or a chicken can make a significant difference in the financial stability of refugees. LHI piloted a livestock program in Uganda in February 2024, distributing 3,400 egg-laying chickens, 1,000 broiler chickens, and 450 goats. The women recipients danced and sang out of joy and gratitude.
The egg-laying chickens we distributed are Saso chickens, originally from India. They yield 100% profits if they are cared for properly, versus the local breed, which might only generate 20-30% profit. Our team even got to help build the chicken coops. Each coop houses 34 chickens for 10 families. The broiler chickens will be sold for their meat, and the profits used to purchase more chicks.
We distributed goats local to Uganda, specifically bred to thrive to the climate and survive in difficult conditions. Each goat was between 12 and 18 months old and vaccinated; 80 percent were already pregnant. These goats can breed two times per year. All recipients received at least two days of training from a goat or chicken expert.
“Refugees are mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, children, with the same hopes and ambitions as us—except that a twist of fate has bound their lives to a global refugee crisis on an unprecedented scale.”