Launched in 2012, the BARKAT Project is an ethical and sustainable alternative to traditional poverty alleviation programs. Designed to empower rural communities, particularly livestock farmers, the project offers financial support through two main components:

1. Partnership for Livestock Farming: Under a unique profit-and-loss sharing model, BARKAT provides livestock (rabb-ul-maal) to small-scale farmers (mudarib). This enables them to engage in productive livestock activities, improve their economic conditions, and become self-reliant. The profits are shared between the farmers and BARKAT, creating a sustainable income source for all parties involved.
2. Interest-Free Loans: In addition to livestock farming, BARKAT offers financial assistance through interest-free loans. These loans help impoverished individuals establish or grow small-scale businesses, further enhancing their livelihoods without the burden of debt or interest.

Why BARKAT is Needed

Poverty is a persistent challenge in rural areas, where many families rely on agriculture and livestock as their primary means of income. However, access to capital and resources is limited, preventing them from fully utilizing their potential. BARKAT was created to address these challenges by providing an ethical and sustainable approach to poverty alleviation.

By supporting livestock farming and small business development, BARKAT helps families:

• Escape the cycle of poverty
• Gain financial independence
• Strengthen their local economies

Unlike traditional aid programs, BARKAT empowers individuals to become self-sufficient, fostering long-term prosperity within their communities.

Key Features of the BARKAT Project

• Self-Sustainable: Once initiated, the project generates its own resources, creating a cycle of beneficiaries.
• Women Empowerment: The project is equally beneficial for women, offering them economic opportunities within their households.
• Rural Compatibility: Designed with rural communities in mind, BARKAT aligns with their values, nature, and traditions.
• Adopted Profession: Farmers embrace livestock farming as both a noble profession and a profitable hobby.
• Market Access: Farmers benefit from easy access to markets, enabling them to sell their livestock and products efficiently.
• 100% Recovery Rate: The project has an excellent track record of full recovery, ensuring its long-term sustainability.
• Climate Friendly: BARKAT promotes environmentally sustainable practices, contributing to the protection of natural resources.
• Social Enterprise Potential: The project is adaptable and can be expanded or replicated in other regions, making it a scalable social enterprise model.
• Alignment with UN SDGs: BARKAT addresses multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including poverty alleviation, gender equality, and climate action.

The BARKAT Project is more than just a poverty alleviation scheme—it is a transformative initiative that creates lasting change in the lives of rural families, empowering them with prosperity and dignity.