Plan International Canada Inc

Published purpose

The goal of this project is to provide women livestock farmers with greater access to and control of economic resources. It aims to increase the productivity of the dairy sector in three districts of southern Punjab in a way that creates opportunities for women to contribute more equitably to the sector. The project supports activities in three main areas: i) The project aims to strengthen 100 existing dairy cooperatives (Farmers' Milk Cooperatives) and establish up to 250 new cooperatives. Activities in this area include: providing the cooperatives with modern milk processing equipment; training farmers in modern techniques for breeding and raising livestock; and establishing local support services such as veterinary workers, artificial insemination technicians, and milk marketing specialists. ii) The project aims to increase the contribution of women livestock farmers to the dairy sector. Activities in this area include: providing the poorest women with assets such as buffalos, barns, feed mixers, and water troughs; providing training on how to use and manage these new assets; and providing training for female executives of the cooperatives to help them become more widely involved across the dairy sector. iii) The project aims to facilitate the creation of connections between farmers, cooperatives, the private sector, and the government. Activities in this area include: poster campaigns to increase the visibility of the cooperatives; media and communications campaigns to engage potential private sector partners for farmers and the cooperatives; and expanding the ability of the cooperatives and the government to provide local educational and advisory services that meet the needs of the dairy sector. The project is expected to benefit up to 12,250 dairy farmers and their families.