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Asia Council Meeting: Understanding New Program Model- Learnings and Way Forward

-By Prabin Gurung

The Heifer International Asia Council Meeting in Pokhara, held from February 6-9, emphasized Heifer’s transition to a sustainable locally-led organization. The new program model aims to empower Small Holder Farmer (SHF) households by promoting collective agency, sustainable food systems, inclusive markets, and resilient policies. Key learnings and the way forward were discussed, stressing the importance of strategic decisions, supportive processes, and well-trained staff.

From February 6-9, the Asia Council Meeting was hosted in the picturesque city of Pokhara, Nepal, a significant gathering that brought together the leadership team, steering committee, board members, and representatives from across Asia, Africa, and the Americas. This convergence of minds focused on understanding Heifer’s New Program Model, sharing key learnings, and charting the way forward. The event was a blend of diverse perspectives and innovative ideas, all aimed at driving sustainable development and empowering communities. 

DAY 1 HIGHLIGHTS

Day 1 kicked off with a deep dive into the new program model, setting the stage for transformative change. 

Personal Transformation Study

The session on Personal Transformation Study highlighted our commitment to people and addressing community vulnerabilities, with the population we serve as the key stakeholders in this journey. We learned that a crucial factor for generating desired change is a shift in mindset, which helps communities become empowered through the effective use of tools, technologies, and resources. In this session, we discussed how personal transformation plays a vital role in initiating and amplifying this change. By fostering personal growth and encouraging individuals to embrace new perspectives and skills, we can drive collective progress and resilience within our communities. Through this journey, we aim to inspire and support transformative change, paving the way for a brighter future for all.

Organizational Transformation

During the Organizational Transformation session, we delved into Heifer’s shared vision to empower communities and farmers to lead their own transformation. The steering committee shared valuable updates and insights into this journey, shedding light on the progress made and the road ahead. The session addressed essential topics, including Program, Operating, and Business Models, alongside the foundational principles of Cornerstones and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB). These discussions reinforced our commitment to fostering a sustainable and inclusive future for all stakeholders.

As we are embarking on a significant organizational transformation to become a sustainable locally led organization, this shift is grounded in our core culture, values, and the 12 Cornerstones for Sustainable Development. These elements guide our holistic and inclusive approach, focusing on community empowerment, resilience, and self-reliance. By reinforcing our foundational values and supporting local leadership, we strive to create lasting change and a brighter future for all. This journey emphasizes the importance of sustainable practices and local communities taking the lead in their development efforts.

Heifer aims to evolve into a network of semi-autonomous country nodes, supported by non-country nodes. The goal is to empower those closest to the impact to operate efficiently and deliver significant outcomes for SHF communities. Key elements include fostering cross-learning and collaboration within the network. For success, country teams must make strategic and operational decisions, processes and systems should support country teams, staff should be capacitated accordingly, and non-country nodes should operate in support of country teams.

Program Model: Opportunities and Challenges

The Program Model was developed by surfacing learnings and experiences from colleagues who work closest to communities and from the dreams and expectations of farmers, communities, and local stakeholders. In this session, we discussed both the opportunities and challenges presented by the new program model. By integrating the valuable insights and aspirations of those directly involved, we aim to create a more effective and responsive program that truly meets the needs of the communities we serve. This collaborative approach ensures that our initiatives are grounded in BANI-world experiences and tailored to foster sustainable growth and development.

Heifer’s new program model is designed to support thriving and resilient Small Holder Farmer (SHF) households by focusing on four key objectives. Firstly, it promotes the collective agency, power, and resilience of farmer groups. Secondly, it supports the implementation of sustainable food system principles and practices. Thirdly, it facilitates more inclusive markets, including private sector engagement and access to finance. Lastly, it strengthens policy and creates an enabling environment for resilience and equitable access across diverse farmer groups. These objectives aim to shift the food system towards sustainability, ensuring that it can provide nutritious food, economic opportunities, and environmental benefits for SHF communities. By transforming the food system, Heifer strives to build a more equitable and resilient future for all.

Catalyzing Change through Strategic Communication in Asia

We understand that strategic communication is a catalyst for change, especially in Asia’s diverse and dynamic landscape. By harnessing the power of tailored messaging and impactful storytelling, we aim to amplify the voices of farmers and communities, fostering stronger connections and deeper engagement. In this session, we explored innovative approaches and tools to enhance our outreach efforts. By aligning our strategies with the unique cultural contexts and aspirations of the populations we serve, we can drive sustainable development and create lasting positive change across the region. 

Day 1 showcased our unwavering dedication to making a meaningful impact. We look forward to building on these discussions and driving impactful change together.

DAY 2 HIGHLIGHTS (FIELD VISITS)

The participants were split into three groups for field visits to various sites.

Group A- Field Visit to Li-Bird’s Project Sites (Non-Heifer) in Annapurna Rural Municipality- 3, Maramche

The field visit to Li-Bird’s project sites in Annapurna Rural Municipality-3, Maramche was an enriching experience that offered invaluable insights into sustainable agricultural practices. Participants had the opportunity to meet with farmers and members of the Pragatisheel Agricultural Producers Cooperative. 

The visit included tours of several key sites, such as improved latrines (including urine collection), local chicken conservation programs, Jholmal Fertilizer Production units, Vermicompost Production facilities, and Organic Vegetable Farming plots. Additionally, participants had the chance to observe a farmer’s field school and visit the seed bank, gaining a deeper understanding of the innovative practices and resources being utilized to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability in the region.

This field visit not only provided practical knowledge and skills but also highlighted the importance of community collaboration and resource-sharing in achieving sustainable agricultural development. The insights gained from this experience will undoubtedly contribute to the ongoing efforts to support and empower local farmers and communities.

Group B- Field Visit to Prativa SEWC, Sujal Dairy, and NLBO

Prativa SEWC- The first stop for Group B was Prativa SEWC, Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality, Kaski where the group witnessed the incredible strides this women-led cooperative has made since its founding on August 10, 2012. Established with the vision of fostering holistic societal development, Prativa SEWC aims to drive economic, social, and cultural growth within the community.

During the visit, the group learned about the cooperative’s main objectives, which include transitioning smallholder farmers to modernized, business-oriented practices and supporting seed production for both agriculture and livestock. 

The visit was inspiring, showcasing the power of collaboration and the impact of women-led initiatives in transforming communities. We look forward to seeing the continued growth and success of Prativa SEWC in empowering farmers and fostering sustainable development.

Sujal Dairy- During the visit to Sujal Dairy in Pokhara, Heifer staff toured the factory and gained insights into its mission and vision. Sujal Dairy is dedicated to providing high-quality dairy products while promoting sustainable practices. Their primary goal of substituting imported dairy products within the next two years is a significant step towards self-sufficiency and economic growth in the dairy sector.

Sujal Dairy’s ambitious plans include expanding production capacity, enhancing product quality, and exploring new markets. They aim to introduce innovative dairy products to cater to diverse consumer needs while maintaining a strong focus on sustainability and community development, which is truly impressive.

Heifer International’s partnership with Sujal Dairy aligns perfectly with the Milky Way project, aiming to revolutionize Nepal’s dairy industry. Together, we can drive impactful change, support local farmers, and promote sustainable dairy farming practices. This collaboration will not only enhance the dairy sector but also contribute to the overall economic and social development of the region. 

National Livestock Breeding Office, Pokhara– The visit to the National Livestock Breeding Office (NLBO) in Pokhara, was an opportunity for the group to explore the facility and see the bulls gifted by the Korean Government under the Milky Way project. This visit provided valuable insights into the advancements and potential of the dairy industry in Nepal.

The NLBO facility in Pokhara is equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure designed to support livestock breeding and development. The highlight of the visit was observing the bulls gifted by the Korean Government, aimed at transforming the dairy sector of Nepal through genetic improvement and advanced breeding techniques.

This collaboration is crucial for the dairy transformation of Nepal, bringing together expertise, resources, and innovative approaches. By sharing knowledge and technology, both governments benefit smallholder farmers and enhance milk production, quality, and sustainability.

The visit reinforced our optimism about the future of Nepal’s dairy industry. With continued support and collaboration from the Korean Government and initiatives like the Milky Way project, we are confident that Nepal’s dairy sector will witness significant growth and development. This partnership and today’s investments will pave the way for a prosperous and sustainable dairy industry in the years to come.

Group C- Field Visit to Atipriya Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative, Tanahun

During the trip to Atipriya Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperative (SEWC), located in Bhimad-9, Bhanumati, Tanahun, the group observed the remarkable progress and achievements of the cooperative. Established on January 14, 2016, under Heifer’s SLVC I (BASIS) project, the cooperative has achieved remarkable progress in promoting holistic societal development.

Following its formation, Atipriya SEWC received extensive support in various areas, including Membership Growth, Social Capital Development, Policy Formulation, Financial Management, and System Development. During the SLVC II project, the cooperative received further support in terms of organizational strengthening, value chain and marketing enhancement, and business development services.

The group also visited members from the Didibahini SHG, formed during the BASIS project. During the preliminary phase, the project provided CST and IAM Training, SHG Management Training, and Fodder Forage Seeds/Saplings.

The group was impressed by the cooperative’s commitment to empowering women and smallholder farmers, noting tangible improvements in their livelihoods. The visit reinforced the importance of community-driven initiatives and collective action.

Overall, the trip to Atipriya SEWC was inspiring and informative, showcasing their dedication to women empowerment and sustainable development.

DAY 3 HIGHLIGHTS

Day 3 was marked by insightful discussions and collaborative efforts to address some of the most pressing challenges and opportunities in our mission to support farmers and communities. 

Caring for the Earth: Our Focus on New Program Model

The session on Caring for the Earth (C4E) addressed the pressing environmental challenges faced by smallholder farmers and examined existing C4E initiatives in Asia. We identified key focus areas and potential collaborators and partners locally, regionally, and globally to enhance our impact. Through these discussions, we delved into the critical question: “What does success look like?” By aligning our efforts with sustainable practices and fostering collaboration, we aim to create a resilient and thriving environment for farmers and communities, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.

C4E practices in Asia encompass seven key areas: Climate Smart Livestock Management, Climate Smart Vegetables, Soil Improvement, Water Management, Agro-forestry and Wetlands, Efficient Energy and Technology, and Efficient Agrovet Services. We have established evidence and standard practices, some of which are already being scaled up. Our methods, strategy, and project design integrate C4E principles. We are adopting a Farmer Centric Approach to tackle environmental challenges and engaging experts in CSA, CRA, and Sustainable Agriculture. Our program strategies and project designs emphasize C4E principles.

Partnership, Convergence, and Scale: Leveraging Success for Future Opportunities

During the session on Partnership, Convergence, and Scale, we explored the impactful themes of partnership, convergence, and scaling up. By discussing current opportunities and achievements from all the country offices, we highlighted the transformative power of collaboration. We examined successful models and proof of concept, identifying key strategies to amplify our efforts. The session reinforced our commitment to leveraging collective success for future opportunities, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience for the communities we serve. 

In India, Heifer is mainstreaming Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA) through a state-level PMU for CRA integration, active participation in decision-making bodies, policy advocacy, and multi-stakeholder dialogues. This approach builds national traction and scales sustainable solutions by leveraging partnerships.

Similarly, in Nepal, Heifer’s “Accelerate” objectives focus on identifying and recommending wealth-creating value chains, supporting and strengthening agri-enterprises, deploying blended capital and appropriate technologies, and forming strategic partnerships with values-driven companies. These objectives aim to foster competitive agri-businesses, cooperatives, and social enterprises while ensuring social, environmental, and financial returns. By leveraging expertise, mobilizing capital, and fostering partnerships, Heifer Nepal seeks to drive impactful change and create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers and their communities.

Day 3 was a testament to our dedication to innovative solutions and strategic partnerships. These sessions have laid the groundwork for meaningful progress, and we are excited to continue our journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future for all.

DAY 4 HIGHLIGHTS

Day 4 was filled with inspiring discussions and collaborative efforts aimed at enhancing our mission. 

Enhancing Fundraising Culture

During the session on Enhancing Fundraising Culture, we focused on improving fundraisers’ understanding of Heifer programs. By fostering authentic donor communication, encouraging collaboration for funding opportunities, and guiding donors towards transformational (unrestricted) gifts, we aim to support Heifer’s mission more effectively. The session highlighted the importance of a cross-functional approach to strengthen our fundraising efforts and create a sustainable impact for the communities we serve.

A fundraising culture is an organizational mindset where all members, not just the fundraising team, recognize their role in securing resources to sustain and grow the mission. It involves embedding fundraising into the organization’s core, fostering collaboration, shared responsibility, and commitment to building relationships with donors, partners, and supporters. This culture encourages viewing fundraising as an integral part of every department’s role, from program staff to leadership.

Heifer’s business model serves as a strategic framework to maximize impact for smallholder farmers by creating, capturing, and delivering essential means. It emphasizes maximizing partnerships, optimizing resource mobilization, and strengthening resilience for sustainability and adaptability. The model builds credibility and readiness to anticipate and adapt to trends, including new directions in philanthropy, innovative funding mechanisms, evolving funding sources, and increased private-sector involvement. This comprehensive approach ensures Heifer’s future-state business model remains effective and impactful.

The Participants engaged in dynamic small group breakout sessions aimed at developing a new business model aligned with Heifer’s mission and guiding principles. The focus was on enhancing financial resilience, fostering partnerships, and leveraging innovative funding mechanisms to accelerate the organization’s impact. This collaborative format allowed the participants to capture key learnings and aspirations, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and insights. These discussions helped identify valuable strategies and opportunities for driving impactful change across the region. The diverse perspectives shared during the sessions reinforced our commitment to empowering communities and achieving our goals.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

The key takeaways from the Asia Council Meeting highlighted several critical areas:

Organizational Transformation: Heifer is transforming into a sustainable locally led organization, based on its core culture, values, and the 12 Cornerstones for Sustainable Development. This shift focuses on community empowerment, resilience, and self-reliance. Heifer aims to establish a network of semi-autonomous country nodes, supported by non-country nodes, fostering cross-learning and collaboration. Success requires strategic decisions, supportive processes, capacitated staff, and non-country nodes operating in support roles.

Program Model- Opportunities and Challenges: Heifer’s new program model supports thriving and resilient Small Holder Farmer (SHF) households through four key objectives: promoting the collective agency and resilience of farmer groups, implementing sustainable food system principles, facilitating inclusive markets with private sector engagement, and strengthening policies for resilience and equitable access. These objectives aim to shift the food system towards sustainability, providing nutritious food, economic opportunities, and environmental benefits.

Caring for the Earth (C4E): In Asia, C4E practices include Climate Smart Livestock Management, Climate Smart Vegetables, Soil Improvement, Water Management, Agro-forestry and Wetlands, Efficient Energy and Technology, and Efficient Agrovet Services. Heifer integrates these principles into its methods, strategies, and project designs by adopting a Farmer Centric Approach to environmental challenges. This involves engaging experts in Climate Smart Agriculture (CSA), Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA), and Sustainable Agriculture, ensuring a comprehensive approach to tackling environmental issues.

Partnership, Convergence, and Scale: We will enhance collaboration within our network, empower local leadership, advocate for policy improvements, and scale sustainable solutions through proven models. By optimizing resource mobilization, forming strategic partnerships with values-driven companies, and maintaining readiness to adapt to trends, we aim to drive impactful change. These strategies will create economic opportunities for smallholder farmers, ensuring sustainable growth and resilience for the communities we serve.

Enhancing Fundraising Culture: We are committed to improving fundraisers’ understanding of Heifer programs, fostering authentic donor communication, encouraging collaboration for funding opportunities, and guiding donors towards transformational gifts. A fundraising culture involves all members recognizing their role in securing resources and fostering collaboration, shared responsibility, and relationship-building with donors, partners, and supporters.

Business Model: Heifer’s business model is a strategic framework to maximize impact for smallholder farmers by creating, capturing, and delivering essential means. It emphasizes maximizing partnerships, optimizing resource mobilization, and strengthening resilience for sustainability and adaptability. The model builds credibility and readiness to adapt to trends, including new directions in philanthropy, innovative funding mechanisms, evolving funding sources, and increased private-sector involvement. This comprehensive approach ensures Heifer’s business model remains effective and impactful.

THE ROAD AHEAD

The Asia Council Meeting was a testament to our collective dedication to fostering meaningful change. The sessions underscored the importance of collaboration, strategic communication, and a deep understanding of our new program model to drive sustainable impact. As we reflect on the rich discussions and insights gained, we are inspired by the collective commitment to Heifer’s mission and the promise of a brighter future for those we serve. We look forward to building on these insights and continuing our journey towards ending hunger and poverty while caring for the earth.