Dairy farming has been one of the lucrative ventures that many have pursued, especially those in rural areas.
Such is the story of Mary Wachuka Gachuni from Mukurwe-ini, Nyeri County, who started dairy farming in 2000.
In a recent interview, Wachuka claimed that she ventured into dairy farming with two goats, and today her farm is home to 22 goats, with 11 being dairy goats. They yield five litres of milk, earning her Sh400 per day.
“I started dairy goat farming when my firstborn son was diagnosed with pneumonia, and as part of the treatment, he needed goat milk,” recounted Wachuka.
Wachuka claims that dairy goat farming stands out for its cost-efficiency compared to traditional cattle farming.
Goats are versatile grazers, consuming various vegetation, including leaves from fences and footpaths, which helps keep feeding costs low.
“With a gestation period of five months, goats require a short recovery period before conceiving again, and a single goat can give birth three times in two years, each time to a pair of young ones,” Wachuka insisted.
This consistent breeding cycle ensures a steady stream of income for farmers like Wachuka.
Wachuka says that the current market price for a young dairy goat is Sh15,000.
Wachuka’s success in dairy goat farming is to the knowledge gained through training provided by Caritas, a non-governmental organization (NGO), and the County Government.
These training sessions equipped farmers with essential skills in hybrid dairy goat farming and highlighted the importance of maintaining hygiene in the process.
