20th ‘Pass on’ in Oyugis, Kenya

Oyugis, Kenya – from the OIP Newsletter no. 278 (2018)

In 2018, for the 20th time, young animals were passed on as part of the Pass on Exercise. This project was initiated by FUFAO (Future for Aids Orphans), a programme carried out by the agriculture department of OIP in collaboration with Heifer International in Kenya.

In 2006, Heifer selected a number of families who were prepared to receive livestock and equipment. The families in question were also educated in the field of sustainable agriculture, cooperation, animal health and the use of animals as a pull factor. Exchange visits take place on a regular basis, which also makes it possible to learn from each other and to exchange experiences. The calves that are born can be passed on by these families to other families, so that more and more people can provide for their livelihoods and income.

People can also use their gift to make money directly: for a fee, ploughing and sowing can be done for third parties, donkey carts can be used to transport goods from third parties to and from the market, and the goats and bulls can fertilise goats of other people for a fee. The proceeds of their farm enable them to set up a business, pay school fees for their children, improve the land and combat erosion.  In other words, it helps them to meet their own basic needs.