Why Goats

(especially dairy goats)

Erosion control using goat fodder (calliandra)

• Arable farming do not let goats roam freely, so they do not damage the environment. more...

• Planting trees is more attractive when the leaves feed goats. more...

• The manure from the goats can prevent soils from becoming depleted in nutrients. more...

Ugandan money

• Milk sold to neighbours. more...

• Kids from good blood lines sold for breeding.

• Kids sold for meat, to raise lump-sum cash for school fees, medical bills etc. more...

• Commercialisation is feasible if many keepers cooperate. more...

Milking a goat for household consumption

• Fat and protein which are deficient in the diet in rural Uganda. more...

• Particularly suitable for infant feeding. more...

• Helps HIV+ mothers to wean babies early to prevent mother-to-child transmission. more...

• Many Ugandans react to cows milk but can take goats milk. more...

• Goats can be kept by people with little or no land. more...

• Can increase the productivity of an arable a smallholding. more...

• Time needed to care for a goat does not prevent school attendance.

• Construction of a goat house is within the means of a poor family.

• 50% cross-breeds are easy keep, and have high potential for breed improvement.