GOATS OF A CHANCE IN AFRICA…
GOATS OF A CHANCE IN AFRICA…
Goats provide dowries as well as milk and meat, says
FARM-Africa project support officer Karen Tibbo just back from
a month in Meru, Kenya where she has been assessing the
impact of the charitys dairy goat and animal healthcare project
"I HOPE to send my children as far up the education system as possible," explained Derefina Tirindi as we sheltered from a sudden downpour in a banana grove under a leaf so large it kept both of us dry.
Kenya has two growing periods a year when the rains can turn the roads to brick red streams. But at other times foods can be scarce – the hungry period – and farmers have to be resourceful to keep going. As a widow, Derefina has to provide for her children by herself. Although she grows crops such as maize and beans on her shamba, Derefina is also a teacher at the local nursery school.
In sub-Saharan Africa two thirds of the population live in rural areas (compared with 11% in the UK). For the majority, their agricultural labour provides food for the family and income from sales at the local market. Traditionally, women are responsible for the production of subsistence crops as well as fetching water, firewood, preparing grain for cooking and looking after the children. It is estimated that up to 85% of Africas food is produced by women.
Women often farm their own plots in addition to working on the plots of their husbands who traditionally cultivate cash crops, but are often absent, migrating far from home in search of work. However, womens access to land ownership, technology and credit are restricted. Most banks are reluctant to invest in womens enterprises which have little or no collateral. Women cannot purchase the inputs which would decrease the demands on their labour and increase their incomes such as mills for grinding maize and pipes to bring water closer to their homes.
FARM-Africa is one of many organisations working to address these problems in rural Africa. By building on the knowledge and skills which farmers already have, projects are designed to help poor people improve their livelihoods.
In Meru district of Kenya where Derefina lives, goats are important culturally for traditional practices such as the provision of dowries. Goat meat and milk is also highly favoured. Recently, Derefina was loaned two Galla goats as part of a breeding programme introduced by FARM-Africa to upgrade local breeds with the dairy Toggenburg breed. Now one of the Gallas has kidded she and her two children are enjoying fresh goat milk.
Derefina has introduced Napier grass and sweet potato vines to her shamba for the goats and organises her time so that she prepares the fodder a day in advance, to fit around her teaching. As a result she does not find the extra work a problem. Her children were also helping out as their school was shut due to strikes affecting the whole country.
After repaying her loan Derefina can build up her goat herd which acts as a kind of bank account. In times of need, a goat can be sold and will fetch around 5,000KSh (£50) compared with beans which are only sold a few kilograms at a time.
In credit schemes designed to improve farmers access to agricultural inputs, women have a much better track record than men for repaying their loans. They also ensure that the profits earned are channelled back into the family for everyones benefit.
Women farmers who already spend their day carrying out gruelling physical tasks are prepared to work even harder to secure the futures of their families in the long term. The goats have made a big difference to Derefina. With guidance and support her hopes and dreams may become reality – the day one of her children attends university.
Inquiries FARM-Africa, FREEPOSTLON14108, London WC1A 2BR.