Heifer China Program

Project Title: Heifer China Program

Project Initiator: Heifer International

Introduction of the Project:

Heifer International, a United States based Non-government organization, works with the mission to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth. Since 1944, Heifer International has helped more than 18.5 million families by providing livestock and environmentally sound agricultural training to improve the lives of those who struggle daily for reliable sources of food and income. Heifer is currently working in more than 40 countries, including the United States, to help families and communities become more self-reliant.

With gifts of livestock and training, Heifer projects help families improve their nutrition and generate income in sustainable ways. Their animal donations are referred as "living loans" because in exchange for their livestock and training, families agree to give one of its animal's offspring to another family in need. It's called Passing on the Gift – a cornerstone of Heifer’s mission that creates an ever-expanding network of hope and peace.

Heifer Project International sent its first shipment of dairy cattle to China through the United Nations Relief Service in 1946. Heifer returned to China in 1985, after a delegation from the Sichuan Provincial Bureau of Animal Husbandry visited Heifer Headquarters in 1984. In 1989, Heifer International built China Office in Chengdu, Sichuan Province. The Heifer China Program started with its first three projects in Dayi, Ya'an and Jianyang County of Sichuan Province.

Since its beginning of projects in 1984, till the end of December 2011, Heifer China Program has covered 17 provinces (municipalities and autonomous regions), including Sichuan, Beijing, Chongqing, Yunnan, Guizhou, Anhui, Jiangsu, Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang and Guangdong, Hebei and Inner Mongolia. Over 86,809 families of 21 ethnic groups (Han, Yi, Miao, Tibetan, Hui, Qiang, Wa, Lahu, Hani, Uygur, Naxi, Buyi, Yao, Lisu and Pumi, Tu, Man, Mongolian, Achang and Dong) have been assisted.

Most of the project animals, purchased locally or from other provinces, are superior breeds which are suitable for local climate, raising conditions and market demand. Only a few scarce breeds are imported from abroad. To enable the beneficiary farmers to grasp advanced practical skills, Heifer China and its project partners have held more than 17,172 technical training sessions, over 578,189 farmers and field technicians have been trained. Most recipients are reported to have increased income by 40%, some doubled or even tripled their income within five years. Their living conditions were improved noticeably.

Contact Information:

Add:C-5, Shanghuanjing,Wuhou Science &Technology Park,No.8, Wuxing 2 Road, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, 610045

Tel: +86 28 85373997　

Fax: +86 28 85373667　

Email: info@hpichina.org