Goat farming in Kenya is becoming viable and it is a profitable venture anyone looking for a less-demanding investment can tap into.

Goats are versatile and generate income from meat, milk, manure, and hides. Agriculture expert iMaDe FARMs shared reasons why goat farming is increasingly becoming popular among farmers. They include:

Feeding needs are less

Goats are less demanding when it comes to food compared to other livestock. They are natural foragers, capable of thriving on leaves, shrubs, and grasses that would be challenging to grow for other animals.

This reduced feed cost is highly advantageous, particularly for small-scale farmers who may not have extensive land or financial resources to dedicate to specialized feeding.

Minimal space is required

One of the standout features of goat farming is its minimal space requirement. Unlike cattle or other larger animals, goats require far less room and can be raised in confined spaces without stress.

This adaptability makes them an ideal choice for rural and urban farmers alike, as even a small plot of land can comfortably support a few goats.

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Multipurpose; both milk & meat

Goats provide milk, meat, and even fiber, depending on the breed. Goat milk is a nutritious, easily digestible alternative to cow milk, especially popular among people with lactose sensitivities.

Goat meat, known as chevon, is leaner than beef or pork and is widely consumed in many cultures. This multipurpose value maximizes the utility of each goat, enhancing their profitability.

Low maintenance

Goats are hardy animals that require minimal maintenance. They have fewer grooming needs, are generally easy to handle, and need less intensive care compared to more sensitive livestock.

For farmers who may not have extensive experience with animal husbandry, goats are a manageable choice, allowing for successful farming without intensive labor or expertise.

Numerous breeds are available

With over 300 distinct breeds, goat farming offers flexibility in selecting animals that best fit the farmer’s climate, purpose, and market.

Whether for milk, meat, or fiber, different breeds are adapted for diverse functions. For instance, Boer goats are prized for their meat, while Alpine goats are exceptional milk producers, allowing farmers to diversify or specialize according to their preferences.

Ready market demand

The demand for goat products, including milk, meat, and cheese, is consistently high worldwide. In many regions, goat meat and milk are staples, and the popularity of goat-based products is increasing as people look for sustainable and alternative food sources.

This ready market means farmers are often able to sell their products quickly, ensuring a stable source of income.

Resilience to climate change

Compared to other livestock, goats exhibit remarkable resilience to climate change. They adapt well to various climates, from arid regions to cold highlands.

Their ability to graze on otherwise unusable land makes them particularly valuable as agriculture faces increasing challenges from changing weather patterns.

Faster growth

Goats are fast-growing animals with a high reproductive rate, allowing farmers to quickly expand their herd. In optimal conditions, a goat can produce multiple offspring annually, resulting in rapid herd growth.

This reproductive efficiency enables farmers to scale their operations swiftly, increasing the revenue potential.

Resistance to diseases

Goats are generally resistant to many of the diseases that commonly affect livestock.

While they still require routine vaccinations and deworming, their natural resistance reduces the need for costly medical interventions. This lower disease susceptibility translates to fewer losses, lower veterinary costs, and ultimately higher profits!

The high demand for goat and its products with potential of good economic returns is attracting many progressive farmers, businessmen, professionals, ex-servicemen and youths with the right knowledge to take up the goat enterprise on a commercial scale.