Goats pay fast if well managed

If a goat, pig and cow were put on sale at the same time, a goat will be bought first, mainly because of its multipurpose usage. Goat meat is eaten across religions and regions, which explains why they are easy to sell.

Traditionally, local goats used to take long to grow, however, recent improvements in breeding has shortened the growth period. For example, a cross between a Mubende female and any improved male can grow to over 100kg in just eight months.

What you need to start

• Land, which should be enough to provide grass for the goats. On free range grazing, 20 goats are good for an acre.

However, if it is zero-grazing, an acre can provide grass for 50 goats.

• Money to stock up. Year-old good crosses cost between sh150,000-sh220,000. Total amount depends on numbers.

So, if you are starting with 10 goats, set aside at least sh2.2m for the actual purchases. However, you can start with smaller numbers as they breed and multiply.

• You need knowledge, and this can be acquired through visiting other farmers and attending goat farming clinics.

You can hire a visiting veterinary officer too

• You need a market. For goats, markets are not a big challenge, but you need to know where you are selling your goats. Advertise your goats if you have the numbers.

• Passion drives everything, love your goats passionately.

• Get security to keep off thieves. You can fence off using poles and non-sharp wires. Tagging the goats' ears is also one way of dealing with thieves.

• You need workers on the farm, depending on the number of goats. One worker, paid an average sh200,000 a month, is good for 100 goats.

• A typical yearly timetable for goat farmers includes making sure they are dewormed between March and May, as well as September and November during the rainy seasons, because they eat up a lot of dirt.

• Ensure you have grass during the dry season. This can be done by planting it during the rainy season. aspects to consider When selecting rearing goats

• Goat skin with no wounds

• It has to be standing upright and active, this shows it is free of diseases

• Droppings must be firm and not watery. Watery droppings are a sign of sickness

• The udder must be clearly visible and well-shaped with visible teats

• It should be actively feeding, unless it is clearly satisfied

Compiled by Joshua Kato (editor, Harvest Money) and Grace Bwogi goat farmer with Bwogi farms in Kyotera.