Modeling community-led goat genetic improvement program into sustainable and profitable business 

• Research Project Location: Nepal
  
• Timeframe: 2024 - 2025
  
• Funding: USAID

Introduction

Genetically superior goats currently do not fetch improved prices in the market in Nepal. Business models which include QR coding of individual goats and data through mobile apps can provide buyers with knowledge about goat quality and result in higher prices for these superior quality goats.

Project Goal & Objectives

The overarching goal is to establish viable and sustainable business models for goat breeding centers where certified superior breeding goats are sold for a premium price and the community can run the business sustainably and profitably. Specific objectives are to:

• Identify major gaps in efficient functioning of current breeding center business models.
• Test the use of a mobile app as a household data recording system.
• Analyze the landscape of the current breeding goat market in Nepal in terms of demand and supply trends, pricing, promotion, branding, and availability.
• Test the use of blockchain technology for ensuring traceability and quality of breeding goats.
• Create, evaluate and establish a sustainable and viable business model that can be replicated in other areas.

Background

With a goat population of over 12 million, Nepal has recently become self-sufficient in fulfilling its national demand for goat meat. The demand has been rising exponentially over the last few years, and goat production and marketing systems need to be efficient to keep pace with it. A major limitation is an inadequate supply of high genetic worth breeding goats.

Heifer Project International Nepal started the Community Initiated Genetic Improvement Program in Goats in 2014. It became successful in producing genetically superior breeding goats with predictable genetic merit; however, it has not yet produced a profitable business model. This project will focus on establishing viable and sustainable business models of breeding goat resource centers, where certified superior breeding goats will be sold at the intended premium price and where the community can run the business sustainably and profitably.

Approach

First, limitations of the existing breeding goat business model will be identified, followed by the development of a mobile app to record goat performance. Next, QR codes will be used by goat traders to trace a goat’s origin and quality. A national-level breeding goat value chain study will help in conducting experimental designs that include the creation of business model prototypes, evaluation and remodeling, and handover of a successful model for adoption. 

Principal Investigator (PI) and lead institution

Co-PI and collaborator institutions

• Binod Krishna Shrestha, Kathmandu University School of Management, Nepal
• Loknath Paudel, Department of Livestock Services, Government of Nepal
• Lila Karki, Rural Economic Development Association, Tansen, Nepal

Resources