Livestock farmers in Homa Bay are expected to get higher yields following a program by a non-governmental organization in the area to donate high breed goats to three community based groups.
Plan International Kenya donated 20 male Togenhog breeds to boost milk production in three sub counties in Homa Bay.
The goats will interbreed with local ones to produce high breeds that will produce much milk.
The beneficiaries of the donation were Obengle Village Development Centre and Kagutu Self-help group both of Rangwe, Ndhiwa’s Paralegal community based organization and Imbo Komolo community based organization in Homa Bay.
Plan International Project Officer in charge of resilience Onesmus Muiya said the beneficiaries in Rangwe received six goats, while the other two groups got seven goats each.
“We spent a total of Sh500, 000 to purchase the high breed goats. Each goes for about Sh20, 000 plus the transportation cost,” he said.
Speaking at Kaura village in Kochia West location during the handing over of the goats to the beneficiaries, Muiya said each offspring from the breed is able to produce four liters of milk daily, including two in the morning.
The officer further said that their aim as an organization is to help the farmers to become self-reliant instead of relying on donor support.
He reiterated that they are working closely with relevant ministries in the county government of Homa-bay to ensure that the initiative succeeds and also the well-being of the goats is considered greatly with the help from the county veterinary officer.
At the same time, Muiya revealed that they have linked the farmers with the veterinary department and for any challenges; they were free to communicate to the county administration.
He emphasized on the need for community members to reduce the numbers of the local male goats’ breeds and create room for cross-breeding.
On his part, Kennedy Osewe, the chairperson Great Eight Pillars CBO which is an umbrella body to both Kagutu and Obengle said that they have a total of 64 members who will be able to benefit from the goats for cross-breeding free of charge.
Osewe further stressed that non-members will be required to pay a reasonable amount of Sh20 for them to access the services.
He assured the organization that the animals will be maintained for the benefit of the two groups, besides being utilized appropriately.
By Davis Langat and AnjelineAdisa
