Linzhi Dairy Cattle Improvement Project
Location: Linzhi Prefecture of Tibetan Autonomous Region
No. of Recipients households: 100
No. of animals given: 100 Simmental Cows
No. of pass-on families: 100
Linzhi, which means "throne of the sun" in the Tibetan language, is located in southeast Tibet. The region has a total area of 117,000 square kms and a population of more than 140,000, 90% of which is Tibetan. The economy in Linzhi has traditionally been animal husbandry and agriculture. However, Linzhi is restricted in economic development due to its remote location, underdeveloped transportation system, lack of energy resources, primitive communications and low level farming techniques. Due to the climate, which is humid and rainy all year, most counties within the region are more suitable for dairy industry.
Currently, local breeds of dairy animals are dzos and cattle. However, the average dairy production of dzos and cattle is lower than 3 kilograms per day. Accordingly, the output cannot satisfy impoverished families¡¦ nutrition requirements.
This project provides 100 fine quality Simmental cows to 100 impoverished households in two communities of Linzhi. Tree seedlings, grass seeds, veterinary supplies and training will also be provided to improve the dairy productivity and their living standard, and to increase their awareness of environmental conservation. Community leaders, animal health workers and technicians will be trained to build up the capacity of the communities. These families will become self-reliant through sustainable livestock rearing and holistic community development.