China - Cuomei Tibetan Community Development Project Update

Project Overview:

Heifer International's project in the Cuomei region of China has helped impoverished households in the Tibetan Autonomous Region improve their economic self-sufficiency and cultural preservation. Heifer has used its values-based community development practices to bring positive change to this area.

Seventy yellow cattle and more than 200 female yaks, along with training and services were provided to 140 families in need to improve their standard of living. Capacity building and Passing on the Gift helped guide the way to long-term sustainable development for families.

Participants were proactively involved in project activities and project partners supported and cooperated as well. This Heifer China project delivered and exceeded its targets, increasing income and community harmony. Heifer also helped build a good foundation for development in the area and, overall, the project provided positive results and delivered on expectations.

Key Updates:

• 100 percent of participants meet their family needs with an average family income increase of 25 percent, thanks to livestock products.
• Milk production for each participant family increased 15 percent, also increasing income.
• Community sanitation and public facilities management significantly improved.
• The community neighborhood became more cohesive, and communications between communities was enhanced.
• The number of Passing on the Gift celebrations exceeded expectations.
• More than 1,500 people received training on animal midwifery.
• Most participants started to focus on profitability instead of simple quantity. In addition, their knowledge of cultivation improved, and they became focused on market efficiency.
• Kazhu village was recognized by the government as an "Excellent Group," and will be given priority for any new government projects.