Uasin Gishu County is known as a hub for maize farming, with a large number of farmers engaging in it for subsistence as well as on a large-scale basis.

From Maize Farming to Dairy Goat Farming in Eldoret: Success Story of Simon Kinuthia

However, in the outskirts of Eldoret in Langas area, one farmer has decided to go down a path less travelled and take up dairy goats of goats, an undertaking which Simon Kinuthia says is paying off and paying returns good enough to depend on for a livelihood.

Kinuthia said, “I decided to start dairy goat farming seven years ago after looking for possible farming ideas that could be done on my small piece of land where I live. I realized maize farming would not be sustainable due to the size of my land, but goat farming was manageable.”

He said the costs involved in goat farming are also low, adding he milks up to 10 liters a day and sells one liter for more than Ksh. 150.

“Goat farming has been beneficial to my family as I am able to sustain them from the profits I get,” Kinuthia said.

However, not everything is rosy when it comes to goat farming.

Kinuthia cites diseases and infections which affect goats which need to be managed expeditiously, otherwise a farmer will be left counting losses.

Another challenge involved with goat farming is the high cost of animal feed leads and the costs that come with rearing goats. Kinuthia said stakeholders should come together to lobby for the price of animal feeds to be reduced.

On the outlook of the sector, he said the market has been receptive to goat milk, adding that some of his neighbors have been loyal customers.

Kinuthia said some of the advantages of goat milk include the health benefits derived from it, including anti-inflammatory effects which have been shown to be derived from goat milk proteins.

Challenges Involved in Dairy Goat Farming in Kenya

While Raising goats can be a rewarding experience, but it also comes with its own set of challenges most especially when one fails to follow certain steps. Here are some of the common ones and how best to mitigate each of them;

  1. Predators: Goats are vulnerable to predators like dogs, wild animals and sometimes Human Beings 😂😂😂. Ensuring their safety is very crucial. This can be done by providing protection and shelter.
  2. Disease management: Goats are susceptible to diseases just like any other animal. Whats good with goats however is they tend to have a few of them. These include parasites, respiratory issues, hoof problems among others. To mitigate this, Regular veterinary check-ups are essential for the survival of your farm.
  3. Nutrition and feeding: This is a huge challenge most especially if one has limited space and resources. But also some people don’t have the necessary skills to grow pastures. Yet your entire goat business is dependent on how good you are at pasture management. Therefore, Providing adequate nutrition is vital. Goats require a balanced diet, and their feeding needs change with seasons. Among the feeds you shouldn’t miss to plant are Alfalfa, Lablab, Mombasa Grass, Caliandra, and Sugar nappier among others.
  4. Fencing and enclosure: Goats are skilled escape artists, they will find a way to leave the farm and then cause you trouble with neighbors. Or even get stolen from there. Sturdy fencing and enclosures are necessary to prevent them from wandering off.
  5. Breeding and reproduction: Without a proper Record keeping, breeding and reproduction can be a daunting task that could lead to inbreeding. Therefore Managing breeding programs, kidding (goat birthing), and caring for young goats can be of help.
  6. Marketing and sales: Finding markets for goat products (meat, milk, or fiber) can be difficult, especially for small-scale farmers in rural areas.
    It is equally important for you to look for markets before you even start your goat farm business.
  7. Climate and weather: While it’s true goats can adopt to many areas, Goats are sensitive to extreme temperatures, humidity, and weather conditions. Shelter and shade are essential for their survival and well-being.
  8. Parasite : Regular monitoring and control of internal and external parasites is crucial to maintain goat health. You need to equip your workers with all the necessary skills in identifying sick animals. A Vet should be a call away…
  9. Workers: Did you know that a lot of people have made loses in goat farming because of workers? Well this is one of the main reasons for failure of this business. Ensure you employ skilled people and management team to minimize losses.

These challenges can be overcome with proper planning, knowledge, and experience.

By Salome Murugi

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/F9Ine6AXcAAWy3k-1024x614.jpghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/F9Ine6AXcAAWy3k-150x150.jpgFarmersTrend# TrendingSuccess StoriesUasin Gishu County is known as a hub for maize farming, with a large number of farmers engaging in it for subsistence as well as on a large-scale basis.However, in the outskirts of Eldoret in Langas area, one farmer has decided to go down a path less travelled and...New Generation Culture in Agriculture