There are a number of opportunities for Heifer to work in Ukraine with its historically-rooted traditions of agriculture, natural resources and interesting cultural background. Agriculture is one of the most important industries in Ukraine, and rural communities have always been the key players in the development of the modern Ukrainian society.

Opportunities for Heifer-Ukraine:

•         High percentage of rural population, their high role in agricultural production;

•         Geographical, ethnical diversity;

•         Development of the state programs on rural developments, service cooperatives support;

•         Agricultural Service Cooperatives – potential agents of change;

•         Historic traditions of land ownership;

•         Historic traditions of community work, democratic decision-making;

•         Grant opportunities for rural development, local democratic transformations.

At the same time there are challenges for Heifer-Ukraine’s work related to the current economic and social problems faced by rural areas:

•         Low living standards, poverty expansion;

•         Insufficient social services;

•         Lack of educational opportunities in entrepreneurship for rural residents;

•         Gender inequality: strategic needs of most women are not met; they have limited access to resources.

Specific barriers faced in 2010 include:

•         Delays faced by 5 out of 16 AS coops – project holders of Heifer-Ukraine – in receiving state funding for purchasing equipment after they have won in the competition organized in the framework of The State Special Economic Program of Supporting Agricultural Service Cooperatives Development till 2015.

•         Presidential elections and personnel turnover in state bodies and self-governments

•         Low interest of funding institutions in protecting the rights of small holders

•         Problems with coordinating project management issues with UNDP

It is important for Heifer-Ukraine to consider the political, economic, social, and cultural transformations in villages. Besides, it also considers the impact its projects have on the development of democracy, sustainable communities and private households, high social security and gender equity.

Mission, Vision and Strategy of Heifer-Ukraine

Heifer-Ukraine is a well-known successful charitable organization with wide experience and effective professional team. In 2008, the first Strategic Plan 2004-2008 was successfully completed and a new Strategic Plan 2009-2013 was developed and approved.

Heifer Ukraine Statement of Purpose

Heifer-Ukraine works with rural communities to improve the well-being of families while caring for the environment.

Values of Heifer-Ukraine

• Honesty
• Professionalism
• Responsibility
• Efficiency
• Dedication
• Sustainable development

Priority Issues

Strategic Objectives for Heifer-Ukraine according to the Strategic Plan for 2009-2013 include:

• Priority I: Institutional strengthening and capacity building. Institutional capacity, which includes skills and technical resources of staff, Board and project holders, is needed to ensure effective management of the Heifer-Ukraine Program, efficient implementation of Heifer-Ukraine projects, and development of new initiatives in support of Heifer-Ukraine’s mission.

• Priority II: Resource development and partnership. This priority includes attracting all necessary resources (including grants, human resources, co-funding etc.), developing effective partnerships with other organizations, and promoting organizational achievements and values through PR. It serves the effective management of Heifer projects to promote fulfillment of the mission and the building of a positive organizational image.

• Priority III: Influencing local policies, systems and practices for sustainable development of rural livelihoods. A fully integrated advocacy component is necessary for the organization’s work at local, oblast, state, and international levels.  It is used to support active communities in their work to impact policies, systems and practices. Advocacy is also used in building partnerships, resource development, and improving the institutional environment for Heifer Ukraine’s work at multiple levels.

• Priority IV: Integrated and sustainable development of rural communities. To reach its mission, Heifer-Ukraine will focus on strengthening rural communities through the design and implementation of comprehensive and diversified projects.

In support of the Mission of Heifer International, Heifer-Ukraine in partnership with other organizations focuses on assisting disadvantaged rural communities, small holders and farmers to improve their living standards and help them achieve sustainability.