Goat production gains traction in drought-hit Zimbabwe

As Zimbabwe continues to battle the effects of an El Niño-induced drought, goat farming is emerging as a resilient and economically viable solution for farmers facing increasingly harsh climatic conditions. Agricultural experts and farmers alike are turning to goats for their adaptability in drought-prone environments, with reports showing minimal fatalities among the species, unlike the significant losses experienced in larger livestock such as cattle.

In a recent statement, Wisdom Gunzvenzve, the Chief Livestock Officer in the Livestock Production and Development Department under the Ministry of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, highlighted the many advantages of goat farming, particularly in the face of worsening drought conditions.

The ongoing drought, which has severely affected grazing areas across the country, has posed major challenges for cattle farmers. However, goats have proven to be far more resilient, with reports indicating a negligible death toll among goats in the current drought, unlike the significant losses among cattle.

"We have seen a limited number of goats dying during the previous drought, with recent reports indicating that no goats have perished," Gunzvenzve said. "This is because goats are approximately 70% browsers and only 30% grazers, making them better suited to survive in drought conditions," he explained.

The drought, which has depleted grazing areas across Zimbabwe, has had a disproportionate effect on cattle—larger livestock that rely heavily on grazing. In contrast, goats are primarily browsers, meaning they forage on shrubs, leaves, and twigs, which remain available even during dry spells.

In addition to their adaptability to adverse environmental conditions, goats offer other advantages, including a shorter reproductive cycle. With a gestation period of around five months, goats can be bred and sold for meat within a year, providing farmers with a quick turnaround in terms of income. This makes goat farming particularly attractive for smallholder farmers who are seeking a sustainable and profitable farming option.

Gunzvenzve emphasized the economic benefits of goat farming, noting that goats are easier to manage and sell compared to larger livestock species. "Goats can be a significant advantage compared to larger livestock species, especially in challenging climates," he said.

The Ministry of Agriculture is actively promoting the conservation of indigenous goat breeds, such as the East African goats (commonly known as Mashona), and Matebele goats, which are well-adapted to Zimbabwe's climatic conditions and are known for their high resistance to diseases. These breeds thrive even under adverse conditions, making them particularly valuable to farmers looking for resilient livestock.

Additionally, non-indigenous locally-adapted breeds like the Boer and Kalahari goats are gaining popularity among farmers. These breeds have proven to be well-suited to Zimbabwe's varying climatic conditions and are increasingly seen as a viable option for both meat and milk production.

"As a ministry department, we are emphasising that we need to conserve and utilise the advantages found in these indigenous species. In the first place, they are highly resistant to diseases," Gunzvenzve said.

Despite the growing interest in goat farming, challenges remain, particularly in market access for smallholder farmers. Gunzvenzve stressed the importance of aggregated production to ensure a consistent supply to the market, particularly during peak periods, to meet growing demand.

"Aggregated production can ensure a consistent supply to the market, which is vital for meeting demand during peak periods," he said.

As Zimbabwe faces continued climate challenges, the focus on goat farming as a sustainable and adaptable solution appears to be gaining traction, with the potential to provide both economic benefits and food security for farmers across the country.