Rural farmers are seeing real change as the government’s Presidential Goat Scheme gains momentum, turning small livestock into powerful tools for economic empowerment.
Speaking during a field visit in Wedza, ARDAS Director Leonard Munamati reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving both the quantity and quality of goats in rural communities. “This scheme is about more than numbers — it’s about upgrading breeds, boosting productivity, and lifting livelihoods,” he said.
The programme distributes improved male goats to village heads and headmen for controlled breeding with local female goats. This crossbreeding initiative is already yielding results, producing stronger, healthier goats with higher market value.
“We are strengthening village genetics and giving farmers access to quality livestock they can rely on,” Munamati added.
The scheme also aims to decentralize access, ensuring that households across Zimbabwe can benefit. For many farmers, goats are no longer just animals; they are a pathway to food security, income generation, and entry into commercial markets.
Early adopters report remarkable changes — goats that produce more offspring, fetch higher prices at local markets, and serve as a sustainable source of wealth. “This programme is changing lives,” said one Wedza farmer. “We are not just raising goats; we are building futures.”
With momentum building, the Presidential Goat Scheme is proving that even small livestock can have a big impact on rural communities, transforming livelihoods one goat at a time.
