Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
SMALLHOLDER goat breeders are being encouraged to venture into fodder production as a means of sustaining their herds in the face of climate change and to improve their livestock breeds.
This was highlighted during a recent two-day goat breeding management programme held in Ward 17, Gwanda District. The training was organised by the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust in support of a “goat pass-on scheme” being implemented in the area.
The event equipped farmers with practical knowledge on goat marketing, breeding, doe and kid management, nutrition, fodder production, castration, dipping, dosing and vaccination, among other key aspects of livestock care.
As part of the programme, participants toured a local goat feed production plot, where they were shown how to grow drought-resistant feed crops such as lab lab, sugar beans, sunn hemp, lucerne, and bana grass, which can help sustain livestock during dry spells.
Ms Obey Daga, a research officer from Matopo Research Institute, said it is essential for farmers to recognise the economic value of goats and to invest in their proper upkeep.
“Farmers need to understand that they should not only grow crops for human consumption but also for animal feed. For example, crops like maize and traditional grains serve dual purposes. The grain can be consumed while the stover can be used as stock feed. They can even produce silage from these crops,” she said.
She also recommended cultivating dedicated fodder crops such as lab lab, lucerne, sunn hemp, velvet beans, and bana grass, all of which are particularly beneficial for goats.
Ms Daga stressed the importance of producing feed on-farm, especially during the dry season, and advised farmers to prepare fodder banks, storage areas where dried feed can be preserved. She also encouraged the construction of drying sheds to retain the nutritive value of harvested fodder.
“The cactus plant is another excellent option. It’s rich in nutrients and drought-resistant, making it suitable for arid regions,” she added.
Director of the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust Mr Michael Moyo said that the training initiative is part of a broader effort to sustain the goat pass-on scheme. He noted that many farmers under the project lost goats during droughts due to lack of feed.
“We’ve observed that while farmers are selling their goats, they’re not reinvesting in feed as expected. That’s why we’ve rolled out this training with the help of a goat expert, to raise awareness around fodder production and general livestock care,” said Mr Moyo.
He further mentioned that cactus propagation will be supported to help farmers build resilience against climate change.
“Climate change is here to stay. We want our farmers to adapt and continue being productive. Goat breeding must be seen as a business, every animal counts,” said Mr Moyo.
“Our goal is that by 2028, each farmer in the programme should own at least 50 goats. This will allow them to access larger markets and increase their income.”
Chairperson of the Gwanda District Goat Association Mr Leveness Ndlovu said the training had been an eye-opener.
“This programme has helped us realise how important it is to properly care for our goats to get better returns. Many farmers have previously overlooked this,” he said.
