A significant portion of an entire generation has been lost to the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Uganda. The country is now populated with thousands of orphans and many grandmother or child – headed households. Often these households are entrenched in severe poverty due to loss of livestock and ownership rights resulting from inheritance laws that have traditionally favoured men. With limited access to cattle, livestock support services, financial credits and inputs, many women and children are turning to goat production as a means to improve their lives.

Considered the poor person’s livestock, goats are hardy, fertile, and easy to transport. However, a lack of local knowledge and education about goat production has contributed to an increase in disease and higher than acceptable goat losses. In partnership with the University of Saskatchewan and the Foundation for Aids Orphaned Children in Mbarara, Uganda, VWB/VSF is supporting efforts to empower women and children from HIV/AIDS-affected households by helping them develop sustainable goat production practices.