The majority of the people of rural Uganda suffer from malnourishment, for families must subsist largely on sweet potatoes, maize flour and plantain for food. Milk and meat are too expensive or simply unavailable.

The situation has worsened with the establishment of dairy industries in the larger towns, which has created more demand for milk to turn into cheese, yoghurt and butter. As a result, milk has become even more rare and costly in the rural local markets.

Traditional agriculture is not feasible because the land is so fragmented. Most families are very poor and can manage only subsistence farming. Furthermore, the land has lost its fertility from over-cultivation, and the use of fertilizers is too costly.

In response to these forces, AFINNET has worked with Heifer International to implement a livestock zero-grazing program.

This program gives heifers and other livestock to families, who can then obtain milk and other income-producing benefits to feed, clothe and educate their children, breaking the cycle of poverty. Recipients families also promise to pass on one or more of their animal's offspring, as well as their training and skills, to another family in need. The new recipients in turn agree to pass on the gift as well, creating a chain of giving that can touch thousands of lives.

Zero grazing helps avoid overgrazing by cattle and the destruction of valuable crops, because the cow caregivers cut and carry the cow’s feed to it, rather than allow it to graze unsupervised.