GOAT resilience in drought conditions has become a focal point for farmers and agricultural experts at the El Nino-induced drought continues to impact livestock farming across Zimbabwe, NewsDay has established.
In a statement, chief livestock officer in the Livestock Production and Development department, under the Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development ministry Wisdom Gunzvenzve highlighted the advantages of goat farming in the country.
In recent years, Zimbabwe has faced significant challenges due to climate change, particularly affecting larger livestock.
While most parts of Zimbabwe have experienced severe drought with cattle farmers suffering considerable losses, goats have shown remarkable adaptability, with minimal reported fatalities among the species in recent seasons.
According to Gunzvenzve, the drought has severely depleted grazing areas, impacting cattle more than goats.
“We have seen a limited number of goats dying during the previous drought, with recent reports indicating that no goats have perished.
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“This is because goats are approximately 70% browsers and only 30% grazers, making them better suited to survive in drought conditions,” he said.
The goats’ shorter reproductive cycle, which is about five months’ gestation, allows farmers to quickly capitalise on the market, selling meat within a year of breeding.
Gunzvenzve emphasised the economic benefits of goat farming, stating that smaller livestock is easy to manage and sell.
“Goats can be a significant advantage compared to larger livestock species, especially in challenging climates,” he said.
He said the ministry was promoting conservation of indigenous goat breeds such as the East African type commonly known as Mashona and Matebele types.
These breeds have shown high resistance to diseases and thrive even under adverse conditions.
In addition to indigenous breeds, Gunzvenzve also listed non-indigenous locally-adapted breeds like the Boer and Kalahari goats.
These breeds are becoming increasingly popular as they adapt well to various climatic conditions and are well suited to Zimbabwe’s climatic conditions.
“As a ministry department, we are emphasising that we need to conserve and utilise the advantages being found in these indigenous species. In the first place, they are highly resistant to diseases,” he said.
Despite a growing interest in goat farming, Gunzvenzve pointed out that market access remains a critical challenge for smallholder farmers.
“Aggregated production can ensure a consistent supply to the market, which is vital for meeting demand during peak periods,” he said.