Heifer’s work in Nepal began in 1957, providing improved livestock breeds at the government’s request. Since signing an agreement with Nepal’s Social Welfare Council in 1997, Heifer has reached more than 400,000 families, transforming livelihoods through agriculture and livestock programs. These families are organized into Self-help Groups, Social Entrepreneur Women’s Cooperatives (SEWCs), and district unions, with 99% of members being rural women.

Heifer Nepal promotes resilience through the Social Entrepreneur Women Alliance (SEWA), a network of women-led cooperatives that boosts livelihoods by enhancing technical, governance, and financial skills. By collaborating with local governments and NGOs, Heifer connects self-help groups and cooperatives to strengthen community development and economic empowerment.

With a focus on sustainable and inclusive goat, dairy, and vegetable value chains, Heifer Nepal uses the Values-Based Holistic Community Development (VBHCD) approach to help families rise from poverty to sustainability. Heifer has worked in 53 districts till date, with 34 partners including the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, provincial governments, and local NGOs to create lasting change.Heifer’s approach also includes market system development, helping farmers access markets and create economic opportunities. By providing livestock, seeds, training, and gender equity initiatives, Heifer enhances agricultural productivity and market access. The organization also works on disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure to protect communities from climate challenges. Through its programs, Heifer helps farmers build sustainable businesses, access markets, and train the next generation of agricultural leaders.To date, Heifer has supported over 17,000 self-help groups, 293 cooperatives, and 3 district unions, providing farmers with critical resources like savings, credit, insurance, marketing, and enterprise support. Around 900 local entrepreneurs have been trained as Community Agro-Vet Entrepreneurs, improving animal welfare and creating income opportunities.Heifer’s primary objective is to help families achieve a sustainable living income, ensuring access to safe shelter, nutritious food, education, and healthcare while also building resilience to economic and climate challenges.