Yes, I earned my first million from goats

While other farmers are all setting up dairy cow projects because it is seen as more lucrative, one man has seen gold in dairy goats. Edwin Palapala has been rearing dairy goats in his farm in Makhokho village in Kakamega County for three years.

The 38-year-old farmer has always loved agriculture and so when he cleared college, his first choice was farming.

“I loved agriculture so much, I was always a member of 4KClub when I was in primary school,” he says.

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Diversification

From little capital, he bought his first flock and started the venture at the family’s Ikolomani farm.

“These goats have become my main source of livelihood together with my family. I have invested my time and energy in this business,” says Palapala.

His financial records seen by Smart Harvest show he has made Sh1.5 million from the goats business in the last three years.

Currently, he has 45 goats among them 20 does (female goats) that are lactating and four bucks (male) and several kids (juvenile goats) of both sexes.

To make more cash, he sells a variety of goat products.

“I sell female breeds at between Sh15,000 to Sh30,000 each depending on the size.  The male ones are relatively expensive and are sold at between Sh20,000 to Sh50,000 each.”

The male ones are reared for their meat, which is said to be more tender and healthier than beef.

Nutritionists say the meat is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high in Vitamin B12 so it helps beat stress and depression. Packed with potassium and low in sodium, goat meat helps control blood pressure and prevent kidney disease and stroke. Other than milk and meat, Palapala also sells fur and the goat skin.

“A goat’s meat is more expensive compared to beef. The difference ranges between Sh100 and Sh150 per one kilo.”

Why goats

Though most farmers struggle with market issues, for him it has been easy because locals are aware of the health benefits of goat meat and milk.

The farmer keeps Saanen goat, a breed originally from Switzerland.

Saanen breed is one of the best goats for milk.

Other breeds reared on the farm are Toggenburg from South Africa, Alpine from France and Boer also from South Africa. Palapala sourced the dairy goats from farmers in Vihiga county.

Milk production varies with the breed, age, quality, and diet of the doe according to Palapala.

“The 20 lactating goats gives me at least 40 litres of milk per day which is sold at Sh200 each translating to average Sh8,000.”

The market

Huge demand for goat milk in Kakamega and neighbouring counties has guaranteed Palapala a ready market.

“My farm has become a small demo plot where farmers visit to learn a few things and in the process, they either buy milk or the goats.”

To widen his market, he uses Facebook. Like any other enterprise, dairy goats farming has hurdles.

“Though goats are resistant to most diseases and even harsh weather, there are some common diseases that affect them. They include  respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, foot rot, internal parasites, pregnancy toxosis and feed toxicity.

They are also susceptible to viral and bacterial diseases including foot-and-mouth, caprine arthritis encephalitis, caseous lymphadenitis, pinkeye, mastitis and pseudorabies. To sharpen his disease management skills, he often visits Bukura Agricultural Training College.

From the venture, he has bought a three-acre piece. There’s more.

“Besides, I have been able to pay my school fees at the university and graduated with a bachelors degree in Business Administration from Management University of Africa.”

Palala has also managed to pursue a civil engineering course at Sigalagala technical college.

Even though he is learned, Palapala says he cannot take up a white collar job. 

“The money I earn seated under this tree is tempting, I cannot waste my time looking for a white-collar job.”