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Conrad Mupesa Mashonaland West Bureau
THE provincial launch of the Presidential Goat Scheme at Chembizi Primary School in Hurungwe district yesterday brought cheers and hope to the marginalised community which sees higher-level livestock rearing as a serious addition to their farming.
While the community, which lost cattle to foot-and-mouth and theileriosis diseases, has commended the monthly disbursement of tick grease, the depleting herd of goats and in-breeding challenges of the existing herd have been giving them nightmares.
Many have for generations used goats as an alternative source of wealth and nutrition.
Speaking after the launch by Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Deputy Minister Davis Marapira, villagers from Hurungwe West constituency thanked President Mnangagwa for the initiative.
The province is expected to receive over 68 000 does and bucks by 2023.
At least 6 000 were handed over yesterday for breeding in all seven districts in Mashonaland West with close to 1 000 given to Hurungwe.
The vulnerable and elderly also benefited under the programme.
Beneficiary Ms Jerinasi Zvikonyauswa got a doe and said it was a dream come true. The gesture increased her herd to three; a buck and two does.
She sold off some of her goats to meet school fees expenses for her grandchildren.
Ms Medis Gwaze (73) from Madudzo in Hurungwe’s Ward 15, said as a widow, the availing of goats was unexpected.
“This is a dream come true as I lost goats to diseases,” she said. “God bless President Mnangagwa for the gesture; we are very grateful.”
Headman Mr Badwell Matau, who has over 120 villagers under his jurisdiction, said President Mnangagwa deserved to be voted into office next year to fulfil his vision of uplifting the lives of the majority.
Village head Gwerena, Mrs Sabina Gwerena, warned villagers against starting fires to destroy ticks, but to embrace President’s Tick Grease Programme instead.
“The goats that we are getting need pastures and if we continue burning fields and bushes, we won’t be able to feed them,” she said.
Chief Dandawa, Mr Trymore Dandawa, was optimistic that the goats will multiply for farmers to acquire and add to herds of cattle or for some even replace them.
In his address, Deputy Minister Marapira said Mashonaland West had 419 319 goats, a population that was expected to be doubled by next year.
“Despite goat production being central to our farmers’ activities, most of the goats are now small with low weight as well as low productivity,” he said.
“In-breeding has led to the poor conception and pregnancy rates, low kid survival rates and low birth and weaning weights.
“The Presidential scheme seeks to increase goat productivity and contribute to improved nutrition and reduced child malnutrition.”
Hurungwe, which has some of its wards in climatic regions 3, 4 and 5, provides the best suitable conditions for a “climate-proofed livestock production system for farmer resilience during climate shocks as given in the Livestock Recovery and Growth Plan”.
Minister of State for Provincial Affairs Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the scheme was going to be an economic changer in the province ahead of achieving Vision 2030.
The launch, which coincided with the handing over of bucks to traditional leaders, also saw four chiefs receive fertilisers and seed under the climate-proofed Pfumvudza Input Scheme.
Online Reporter