A mobile phone near the bedside rings at 6 in the morning. Mr. Yam Bahadur Thapa, a resident of Birendranagar-10, answers promptly, “… Oh, okay! I am on my way.” As a Community Agro-Vet Entrepreneur (CAVE) with Heifer Project Nepal for the past year, Mr. Thapa's mornings are often shaped by calls from farmers seeking assistance with livestock health issues. Usually, he does not need to set an alarm for the morning as he often wakes up after receiving calls from farmers regarding livestock health issues. 

Mr. Thapa's journey with Heifer began in 2013 AD through the SLVC (Strengthening Smallholder Enterprises of Livestock Value Chain for Poverty Reduction and Economic Growth in Nepal) program, which was implemented in his area. Enrolled in a 35-day Village Animal Health Worker (VAHW) training at AHTCS (Animal Health Training and Consultancy Service), Pokhara, he received a starter kit (including a microscope, castrator, and cool box for medicine, and NRS 15,000 ($110). This training launched his career as a CAVE, where he initially provided primary health care and consultation to five goat farming groups in Ward No. 10. 

After the SLVC program phased out, Mr. Thapa continued his work as an animal technician, opening his own agro-vet shop. Last year, he rejoined Heifer as a CAVE to offer his expertise in climate-smart livestock practices to five farmer groups (four goat-rearing groups and one dairy group) within the GRAPE Project. His capacity was further enhanced through a 3-day Training of Trainers (ToT) on Climate Resilient Livestock Management. He has trained over 100 farmers and regularly participates in group meetings to guide farmers on these practices. His monthly earnings have increased to NRS 60,000 ($440) due to his expanded responsibilities, and he now serves 800 households across Birendranagar Ward 9, 10, and 11.  

Kashi Ram Sharma, lead farmer of Janachetana Krishi Tatha Pasupalan Samuha, praises Mr. Thapa’s commitment: “He responds to our calls promptly and has facilitated training on climate-smart livestock practices. He shares valuable knowledge on preventive measures for buffalo farming during our monthly meetings.” 

Mr. Thapa attributes his success to Heifer and the GRAPE project: “My life changed significantly after receiving the VAHW training from Heifer. The GRAPE project introduced me to Climate Resilient Livestock Management, a concept I had not encountered before. I am now eager to share my knowledge with other farmers and advocate for these practices in every forum.” Looking ahead, Mr. Thapa plans to establish a fodder/forage nursery, “Milk or meat production in livestock heavily depends on diet. I aim to create a nursery to provide nutritious grasses to local farmers, addressing the shortage of green fodder during droughts and helping my community thrive.”