This archive report was first published on 17 July 2020.
Youth Group Thrives on Dairy Goat Farming in Nakuru ¶
Published on July 17, 2020
A group of 12 young women in Sachangwan Location, Molo Sub-County, are reaping the benefits of a dairy goat rearing programme initiated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries' National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP).
The Saki Youth Group, with over 500 members, has received funding and training on dairy goat rearing, home-based manufacture of value-added goat products, and construction of pens that shield the animals from harsh weather conditions.
According to Ms. Ruth Namale, the Chairperson of the youth group, the programme has equipped them with knowledge on different goat breeds, feeding, pests, prevention, and cure of diseases, and housing.
Ms. Namale explained that the group has opted for zero-grazing systems to minimize the dairy goats' exposure to parasites and infectious diseases. However, she noted that poor ventilation in zero-grazing units may cause respiratory diseases, the leading cause of death in goats.
The group has five pedigree dairy goats, each producing a maximum of three litres, which constitute breeding stock. They also feed their goats on Napier grass, Rhodes grass, Kikuyu grass, maize, and hay, as well as Lucerne, calliandra, leucena, desmodium, mulberry, sweet potato vines, cotton seed cake, sunflower cake, and soy bean cake for proteins.
Ms. Namale stated that the demand for goat milk is growing due to its ease of digestion and higher quantities of amino acids such as tryptophan and calcium, which are crucial for healthy teeth and bones. She also noted that goat milk has lower levels of cholesterol, making it a safer option for those seeking healthier lifestyles.
Mr. Samuel Kinyua, the Molo Sub-County Dairy Production Extension Officer, said that the project opted for Alpine goats as they are the best milk producers and can be milked for up to eight months after calving. He also emphasized the importance of proper breeding, good nutrition, appropriate housing, and management of diseases and pests for optimal milk production.
The National Agricultural and Rural Inclusive Growth Project (NARIGP) has allocated Sh. 22.6 billion to 21 counties, including Nakuru, to increase agricultural productivity and improve food security in 420 selected wards. The project targets 360,000 people countrywide and aims to have dairy cooperatives in the county come together to form a union and facilitate the installation of a dairy processing plant and a feed manufacturing unit.
