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A local agricultural organisation, Mash Goats, hosted a day-long goat farming training session aimed at empowering communities with agricultural entrepreneurial skills.
Speaking to journalists at the training session in Harare, the initiative’s founder, Tatenda Mashozhera, stated that equipping people with knowledge of goat farming is crucial for bridging the unemployment gap.
“Empowering communities with agricultural entrepreneurial skills is at the heart of what we do at Mash Goats. By sharing knowledge and expertise, we hope to inspire a new generation of farmers and entrepreneurs, especially in goat farming.
“Goat farming is a viable business venture that can provide a steady income for many Zimbabweans. However, a lack of knowledge and skills has hindered many from exploring this opportunity. That’s why we’re committed to providing training and support,” he said.
“Unemployment is a major challenge facing our country, particularly the youths, and we believe that goat farming can play a significant role in addressing this issue. By equipping people with the skills and knowledge to start their own farming businesses, we can help create jobs and stimulate economic growth.”
Mashozhera, who is also a co-author of a book titled “Goat Farming in Africa with Mash Goats”, emphasised the need to empower women in agriculture.
He also encouraged farmers to be patient, emphasising that goat farming is a long-term business, not a get-rich-quick scheme.
“Empowering women in agriculture is crucial for achieving food security and economic growth in Africa. As a goat farming expert and advocate, I’ve seen firsthand the impact that women can have on agricultural development. By empowering women, we can unlock their potential and create a more sustainable and equitable food system,” Mashozhera added.
“Through our work at Mash Goats, we’re committed to promoting gender equality and empowering women in agriculture. “
As Zimbabwe commemorates Women’s Month, initiatives like Mash Goats are paving the way for women’s empowerment in agriculture.
Mashozhera also said that for a farmer to be successful, goat farming should not only be profit oriented but one should have love for the goats. The training session conducted by Mashozhera touched on different areas such as the importance of providing high-quality feed, including hay, grass, and concentrates, ensuring access to clean water and minerals, implementing a regular vaccination program, monitoring health, and providing prompt treatment for diseases and ensuring secure fencing to prevent escape, predation, and disease transmission.
Meanwhile, some female participants encouraged their fellow women to overcome challenges and ignite their entrepreneurial spirit in farming and business, to achieve financial independence.
“As women, we have the power to break free from the shackles of financial dependence. Let us rise, and overcome our fears. I have learned a lot in this goat farming training and I would want to tell another woman out there that together, we can achieve greatness and build a brighter future for ourselves and our families,” Iris Mabrot a goat farmer said.
“We have been told that to venture into successful goat farming one has to acquire knowledge first and I believe you cannot fail in goat farming if you are to put into practice what Mash Goats has taught us.
“I am so happy that I have been empowered in this workshop and I want to encourage my fellow women to take the leap and pursue their passions in farming and business. It won’t be easy, but the rewards are worth it,” Dorcas Savanhu aspiring goat farmer said.
