Small livestock farmer Elizabeth Eigowas (60) was on the verge of giving up farming after her livestock died due to drought, but a donation of 21 goats by the Environment Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) and partners recently, made her change her mind.
The excited farmer based in Uitsig post in the Kunene region, is one of 88 inhabitants of the region who received this generous donation that aims to not only uplift the livelihoods of the communities but to robustly promote agriculture in the circuit.
“You have no idea how excited I am that I got these goes. I had more goats, remained with 10 after losing many to drought. I was discouraged and wanted to give up on everything and walk away, but when I saw the goats, my passion for small livestock-rearing was reignited,” said the overjoyed grandmother, who has been farming for five years. She equally encouraged fellow farmers to be patient with their animals and always be by their side, especially during tough and unpredictable times.
“You need to be patient. Make sure the animals are vaccinated, and all the details are recorded. I like small livestock because they are not high on maintenance, and don’t require much. I now have 31 goats and can handle them,” she told New Era.
The new goats, specifically boer goats, have proven to withstand the harsh environment. This project was orchestrated by the EIF, the agriculture ministry and the office of the Kunene governor. The event hosted last week saw a successful handover of 750 goats and 300 energy-efficient stoves under the IREMA Kunene Project, funded by the Green Climate Fund.
EIF programme manager Bernadette Shivute-Shalumbu said during the handover that the IREMA project was developed as a response to the persistent and recurrent droughts that the Kunene region experiences.
“During periods of drought, cattle are less resilient, and we have through the years observed huge numbers of cattle mortalities that have been documented. Thus, goats, specifically Boer goats, have proven to withstand the harsh environment. This is why the project has invested into the small stock revolving scheme,” she noted, adding that 600 goats are still to be procured before the project is finalised.
The reason behind the handover of stoves stems from the use of trees leading to their decline, causing deforestation.
Shivute-Shalumbu said: “The project has introduced these energy-efficient stoves which require less wood, but also still achieve the requirements of cooking, boiling water, and braaiing Namibian cuisine we all love.” Kunene governor Marius Sheya said the importance of this intervention cannot be understated, observing that the implementation of appropriate climate adaptation measures to ensure food and nutrition security is critical for the improved livelihoods of rural communities.
“The government is vested with the responsibility of ensuring that there is a consistent balance between environmental protection and food production, despite the challenges we are facing,” he added.
Sheya indicated that the distribution of goats and energy-efficient stoves to vulnerable farmers couldn’t have come at a better time. Additionally, the beneficiaries who received goats for breeding purposes and stoves were selected by constituency committees, in collaboration with traditional authorities.
“These interventions are very relevant and much-needed by our resource farmers who are hard-hit by the devastating and prolonged drought,” he said.
Meanwhile, finance minister Ipumbu Shiimi while tabling the 2024/2025 national budget earmarked about N$700 million to address drought-related challenges.
This year marks the third round in terms of the goat revolving scheme, benefiting 88 inhabitants of Kunene. The project is yet to procure 600 goats and 550 energy efficient stoves before the project comes to completion next year.
The IREMA Project has been assisting farmers for close to eight years. Last week a total of 17 beneficiaries from Khorixas constituency, seven from Sesfontein, five Gootbug areas and three from Otjokavare areas received donations of goats, medicine and vaccine estimated at N$1.5 million.
Nicanor Ortner, a 2020 beneficiary, said he has grown his herd from 20 goats he had received to 80. Ortner urged beneficiaries to work hard because sweat yield good results.
Those who have benefitted will enter into an agreement with the government to ensure that the goats received are used for the intended purpose. A farmer receives 20 does and one buck and as per revolving agreement, the beneficiary is expected to revolve 20 goats within five years.
– Additional information: Cecilia Xavier