Online Reporter
Judith Phiri Zimpapers Business Hub
SOUTH African goat breeders have urged Zimbabwean farmers to make goat breeding sustainable and profitable by adopting advanced techniques and responsible farming practices to address challenges such as environmental impact and low productivity.
Speaking at the 5th Annual Goat Indaba held in Bulawayo recently, South African goat breeder Mr Werner Lingenfelder said the goat industry is booming across the region, with strong demand for both commercial and breeding animals in South Africa and Zimbabwe.
“There is a real surge in the goat industry right now. As we’ve seen with the turnout at this event, there’s huge interest in Zimbabwe, and rightly so — not just for meat production, but also for breeding purposes,” said Mr Lingenfelder.
He encouraged local farmers to focus on doing things correctly from the start. “To make goat breeding sustainable and profitable, it’s vital to ensure your feeding, medicine, and overall animal treatment are right. Everyone wants to be a commercial farmer, but success depends on proper management,” he said.
Mr Lingenfelder, who breeds Kalahari Red goats in South Africa’s Limpopo Province, highlighted the importance of veterinary support from both Government and the private sector.
He said farmers must decide early whether they want to operate commercially or as stud breeders, as this determines management style, costs, and profitability.
“If Zimbabwe positions itself as a breeding hub for quality animals, it will benefit greatly. South Africa has excellent genetics, but we’re currently facing challenges with foot and mouth disease, creating a gap in the export market. Zimbabwe can take advantage of that opportunity,” he added.
He urged Zimbabwean goat breeders to establish themselves as a reliable source for exports, saying the demand for quality stock is growing.
“Zimbabwean farmers can capitalise on this industry and build strong profitability while managing stock effectively based on the land and resources they have,” said Mr Lingenfelder.
Another Zimbabwean goat breeder based in South Africa, Mr Khumbu Makhetho — director of Instalife Boergoats and a council member of the Goat Breeders Association of Zimbabwe (GBAZ) — said climate change is driving the surge in goat production.
“Goats are intelligent animals and adapt well to changing weather conditions. With climate change affecting livestock production, goat farming is becoming more viable and sustainable,” he said.
He added that the growing global demand for goat meat, or chevon, which is regarded as one of the healthiest red meats, is encouraging more people to venture into goat farming.
“Goats don’t need a lot of space, and this makes them suitable for small to medium-scale commercial production. More people are seeing the value in that,” said Mr Makhetho.
Bulawayo farmer Ms Jessie Sibanda, who plans to venture into goat farming at her family’s farm in Somabhula, Midlands, said the industry presents great potential for growth.
“Many farmers are moving from small-scale to commercial production. Goats reproduce faster than cattle and offer a good market opportunity, especially for meat. While breeding exotic goats is still developing locally, it’s a promising direction,” she said.
Ms Sibanda added that commercialisation is the key for farmers who want to tap into the export market.
