How are projects with animals selected and how is it determined that this is the best answer to alleviate hunger in a community? When World Hunger funds are disbursed to purchase goats,
chickens and other animals, the recipients have requested them. “We listen to what our companions say they need,” Marete said. “We only give [grants for animals] where they are needed and requested.” To ensure sustainability, she said staff discuss with partners such
details as “How will you manage the environment? How can you use animal products such as manure to improve soil fertility or make biogas for cooking?” Marete and other staff then review the proposal and make recommendations to improve the plan.
Do the recipients of livestock know how to take care of them? Yes. The ELCA’s accompaniment approach to global mission also
includes on-site visits to companion projects. “Most communities have technical people who can teach them,” Marete said. “The ELCA team occasionally organizes capacity building sessions to help companions plan, monitor and evaluate their projects.”
How do hungry farmers feed the animals when they can’t feed themselves? The most popular animals—goats and chickens, for example—
often don’t need special food, but graze on a little grass, sunflowers or corn, Marete said. In some instances farmers may sell their animals to make important purchases. Rafael Malpica Padilla, executive director for Global Mission,
said, “In my recent travels to remote and marginalized communities in Malawi, I saw how goats are used as families’ ‘savings accounts.’ When there’s a need, a goat is sold to buy school supplies, medications and to make improvements to the family home.”
Are the animals ever mistreated? Cruelty to animals is extremely rare, Marete said, adding, “People
take good care of the animals; it’s their livelihood. They understand how to take care of them and they treat their animals well.”
Do these animals ever foster jealousy within a community? Often the animals are raised by microfinance groups or cooper-
atives. ELCA companions in Malawi raise goats, whose milk is very nutritious, as part of a cooperative, Marete said. It’s a community effort where members receive training before the animals arrive and then they raise them together or at their own homes.
Many organizations now have similar programs. Why support this work through the ELCA? The main difference, staff say, is that the church is already
present and trusted: the ELCA has strong relationships and long- standing partnerships in nearly 90 countries. These partners identify local needs and solutions to support people in need and donors help make those dreams a reality. “Supporting this work through ELCA World Hunger means
yes to livestock and animal husbandry, as well as complementary agricultural efforts for food security, irrigation and advocacy, for example,” said Mikka McCracken, director for World Hunger planning and engagement. “[Our] approach addresses the root causes of poverty in collaboration with our global partners.”
Laurel Hensel is a freelance writer and a member of St. Luke Lutheran Church, Park Ridge, Ill.
Photo: AMEXTRA
See an example of ELCA Good Gifts in action. Search for “A better cow for a better life,” by Laurel Hensel, at
LivingLutheran.org.
Download a study guide by clicking on the “Spiritual practices & resources” tab at
LivingLutheran.org.
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