Community Development

Sustainable Locally Led Development(SLLD)

For Heifer, Locally Led Development (LLD) is about empowering local communities to carve out their own paths to progress. We trust in their ability to know what’s best for themselves, and in return, they trust us to help build their confidence in their own judgment, abilities, and collective strength. We consider LLD becomes SLLD when communities are enabled to strengthen their social, economic and environmental resilience, such that gains made through locally led development are sustainable over the long term. Heifer is relatively early in the learning process about the full dynamics of SLLD and how to fully implement it. As such, we will continue to refine and update our definition as we progress in our learning!

Culture of Belonging

At Heifer, the Culture of Belonging is not just a value; it is the heart and soul of who we are. For us, Culture of Belonging is about more than checking boxes; it’s about celebrating the rich tapestry of our backgrounds, experiences, and identities. It’s about ensuring that everyone feels seen, heard, and respected. 

When we say Culture of Belonging, we mean creating a space where everyone truly belongs, where your unique voice strengthens our collective mission. It’s about making sure that whether you’re working alongside colleagues, collaborating with partners, or standing with smallholder farmers, you feel a deep sense of belonging, a place where you can bring your authentic self to the table every day. 

This is more than just a goal, it’s the spirit that guides every decision, interaction, and step we take. Together, we are building a world where authenticity fuels ambition, where diversity is our greatest strength, and where every person’s uniqueness powers our journey toward ending hunger and poverty. At Heifer, we walk this path hand in hand, committed to ensuring that everyone feels included, valued, and inspired to thrive!