Not only do natural disasters destroy homes and schools, but they also cause irreparable cropland to be destroyed. The Sichuan flood and the Burmese flooding “512 Quake”This will have an impact on the harvest and leave survivors to face exploding food costs and short food supplies for many years.
Although government and emergency organizations provide food aid, imports of wheat and rice are not able to repair damaged farms or solve the current crisis. Not relying on foreign aid, communities must support their own food requirements.
To help damaged communities heal, many organizations implement sustainable-development programs, which, unlike relief aid, help communities become self-sufficient. One leading sustainable-development program, Heifer International, provides livestock and eco-friendly agricultural training to survivors, helping them regain economic independence.
A cow, goat, or chicken is not only an animal in devastated areas. Farmers can get eggs, milk, fertilizer and wool from livestock, which they can then use to feed their families or sell to them. Families make money from their animals to provide better housing, education, and healthcare. Farmers give away the offspring of their animals to help families in need.
Heifer International promotes sustainable value. It encourages communities to work together in times of disaster. Heifer International assisted over 8,000 Chinese families in achieving economic independence before the earthquake. After the 7.9 earthquake, families who had received assistance from Heifer International immediately reached out and helped their Sichuan neighbors.
Heifer International donated $300 to eastern China for 50 farmers who were helping earthquake victims. The families average $220 per year.
Zhu Yuntao is a member of one family. “All the time we talk about helping each other. Heifer helped us, and now it’s our duty to help those who are suffering from the earthquake.”
Visit Heifer International for more information about its sustainable development programs and Heifer International. www.heifer.orgCall 800-696-1918
