Rabbits and a Road to Self-Reliance

When Armenian Christian families were forcibly displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh) in September 2023, they lost far more than their homes. Many left behind businesses, agricultural assets, equipment, employment, and the community networks that had sustained their livelihoods for years. 

Through its livelihood program, Shai Fund is helping families rebuild not only their income, but their independence. For seven displaced Christian families in Armenia, that rebuilding has begun with something as simple and practical as a rabbit farm. 

Each household received a complete rabbit-breeding techno-farm, including specialized cages, ten starter rabbits, feed, medication, and practical training. Families are also receiving a year of technical mentorship to help them manage breeding, animal health, and eventually enter the market. 

For several families, the first production cycle has already begun. New litters have been born, marking an important step from receiving assistance to producing something of their own. 

Starting Again 

Mariam and her husband lived and raised three children in Artsakh. Her husband even served in the Artsakh Defense Army, participated in the Four-Day War, and was severely wounded during the 2020 war. After a long period of medical treatment, he continues to require periodic care. 

Following their forced displacement in September 2023, the family had to start again in Armenia.  

Mariam had already taken steps toward a new future, successfully completing the three-month “0 to Farmer” rabbit-breeding course to strengthen her knowledge and skills. Through this project, her family received a technological rabbit farm, giving her the tools to turn that training into a working livelihood. 

The farm offers more than an opportunity to raise rabbits. It gives Mariam and her family a productive asset they can build on, creating the possibility of a stable source of income while allowing her to put new skills to work. 

From Assistance to Independence 

The goal of livelihood support is not to provide families with something they need today. It is to help them regain the ability to provide for themselves tomorrow. 

The seven rabbit-breeding families are already beginning to build their productive assets. As breeding stock grows, so does the potential of each household enterprise. Beneficiaries are learning to manage animal health, breeding cycles, feed, temperature, and other challenges that will determine the long-term success of their farms. 

The project is also drawing on knowledge within the displaced community. Some beneficiaries are returning to agricultural livelihoods they practiced in Artsakh, while others are learning new trades suited to their circumstances in Armenia.  

These early successes point toward something larger: displaced families are beginning to put their skills, knowledge, and productive assets back to work. 

Shai Fund is committed to standing with displaced Armenian Christian families as they rebuild what was lost and create new opportunities for the future.