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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 29560, member: 2262"] More than 1,500 farmers across Mangwe District benefit from a goat breeding program funded by Goal Zimbabwe in partnership with the government. The Irish government backs this five-year project, which combines agriculture, nutrition, water sanitation, and business growth strategies. Officials picked goats because they adapt easily to local conditions in Matabeleland South Province, cost little to maintain and sell well at markets. Ruth Sauramba, Acting District Development Coordinator, explained how the program helps local communities market their goats, learn feeding techniques, and build farming skills through hands-on training. The project includes 1,500 farmers plus 202 young people who received training in both crop and livestock management. The program selected 100 lead farmers who received special F3 generation Boer breeding bucks distributed across five different wards in the district. Each ward received 10 breeding bucks during 2023 and 2024. The results speak for themselves—360 baby goats have already been born from the bucks introduced last year. With support from Goal Zimbabwe, about 30 farmers created demonstration plots for growing goat food. These farmers share what they learn with neighbors, helping spread better practices throughout the community. Moffat Ncube, the District Agricultural Extension Officer, reported excellent outcomes from the breeding program. Farmers experience high pregnancy rates and healthy births among their goats. Thanks to better care practices, disease rates remain low. The goats grow larger and stronger than before, which means farmers earn more money when they sell them. Many participants already trade animals with each other, increasing their income and improving food security throughout the region. [/QUOTE]

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