The Impact of The Goat Foundation
Witnessing unprecedented socio-economic changes across villages and rural communities, creating what community leaders describe as a social revolution.
Societal Revival and Renewed Hope
In a trading outpost, three kilometers from the village of Majajani, in Kilifi County, South Eastern Kenya, the story of transformation unfolds. The socio-economic changes sweeping across villages and rural communities once visited by The Goat Foundation have been unprecedented.
According to Dominic, a community leader from Kisii town in Western Kenya, these changes are akin to a social revolution. The donation of a pair of goats to widows and orphans in far-flung areas across the country opened societies to the potential of women, and widows in particular.
Communities bore witness to the improved livelihoods and general well-being of widows, who once empowered by the initial investment of two goats, chose to apply the bargaining power that came with their newfound economic independence.
Transformative Impact Areas
Our goat donation program has created ripple effects across multiple dimensions of community life.
Health, Nutrition & Education
Families acquired food security and balanced nutrition. Children became healthier, attended school regularly, and gained legal protection.
Key Achievements:
Economic Revival
New capital infusion revived local industries. Basket making, weaving, fishing, and other trades flourished with healthy competition.
Key Achievements:
Children's Rights
Protection from exploitation, child labor elimination, and safeguarding against gender-based violence and early marriages.
Key Achievements:
Equity & Equality
Elimination of gender power imbalances. Widows gained voice in community decisions and access to land ownership.
Key Achievements:
Economic Empowerment Led to Sustainable Living Standards
The Goat Foundation has noted the uptick in commerce and vocational activities in villages. Before these donations were made, traditional players in the market were familiar with each other's needs and trading became routine and even unprofitable.
The sudden infusion of new capital and market for goods and services revived industries that had sat idle for years. Basket making, weaving mats, fishing and a host of local industries sprung up to compete with one another.
Climate Smart Agriculture: These donations help widows and their families mitigate the socio-economic impact of climate change. Goats are hardy and can survive drought conditions, providing security during both bountiful rains and drought periods.
Breaking Barriers: From Exclusion to Leadership
Perhaps the most cited achievement was the elimination of inequitable gender power relations.
Economically empowered widows acquired a voice and were included in decision-making discussions that affected the community. By elevating widows from a whispered and shunned demographic to a celebrated group of achievers, The Goat Foundation allowed women and widows to access land ownership and resources.
Historic Achievement: During a peace and reconciliation process in Kisii County, Western Kenya, the welfare of widows was discussed in a traditional ceremony long reserved for male community elders - a game-changing event that resonated throughout the Abagusi community.
Widows no longer face ostracization and exclusion. They have become key decision makers in the community, with increased legal literacy to confront long-standing exclusionary ideals born out of patriarchal customary and religious norms.
To Africa & Beyond
The Goat Foundation envisions partnerships with donors, cause champions, corporates, and businesses in endeavors across the African continent and the world.
Peace-Building Initiatives
Engaging wives and widows of frontline soldiers in war-torn regions with humanitarian and legal aid.
Urban Slum Communities
Targeting impoverished urban areas in Africa, South America, India, and Western Europe.
Alternative Livelihoods
Mitigating gang membership, crime, addiction, and street violence through sustainable income opportunities.
Be Part of This Transformation
As the winds of change blow across the sunbaked landscapes of rural Kenya and beyond, join us in creating lasting impact for vulnerable widows and their communities.