Jane Goodall and other scientists have warned against giving a goat or heifer to a developing country because of the risk of disease.
Charity gifts, where the recipient is told their present is an animal to help feed a family in an impoverished area, have been popular for decades.
The scientist Jane Goodall warned that the presents can do more harm than good, as the large amount of animals given can place a great strain on local water supplies.
She said that in the lead-up to Christmas, many people are feeling generous and want to help those less fortunate than themselves. One way to help those suffering poverty and hunger is to give them an animal, such as a heifer, according to a number of campaigns.
Many farm animals are bought by generous donors. Unintended consequences can result from this. Climate change is making it more and more difficult for the animals to get enough water, and so many places are getting less and less water. The veterinary care is often lacking.
She recommends people invest in community seed hubs and water irrigation systems.
It will be better to help by supporting plant-based projects and sustainable irrigation methods. This means that charities have to come up with a gift package that will appeal to the generosity of those who want to help the less fortunate. Thank you.
The animal present initiative is one of the most popular charities to use, and it costs around $12.50 to buy a goat.
The chance to support the charity in digging wells and installing water pumps, taps and innovative water meters for families facing the effects of a dry spell or living in areas far from the nearest water supply is offered by another gift card.
The charity says it has changed the lives of thousands of families. The goat distribution programme started in 2005. Over 3000 families have received a goat and their lives have begun to change for the better.
It is a simple initiative that aims to ensure that people have enough food all year round, particularly during the dry season or hungry months, when personal maize harvests have run out and the earth is dry so nothing can grow without irrigation.
A vulnerable household can benefit from a goat, which can produce up to six kids a year. Offspring can be sold to help families cope with the stresses of farming. Within a year, each family will be able to choose to either sell goats to improve their homes or pay school fees, and use the money from the sale to increase their maize and vegetable harvests.
