29 Jul 2014

The outbreak of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) in Zone 7 has always been a challenge for farmers in the area.

However, some farmers were not deterred and they maintained their love for livestock, which has since time immemorial been the back bone of the livelihoods of many.

One such individual was Mr Thato Poloko, a young farmer in Kweneng lands in Bobonong. At 30 years, the farmer chose to forgo a possible cushy corporate job that he could have gotten with his diploma in computer science from Gaborone Institute of Professional Studies (GIPS) and opted to become a goat farmer who plies his trade along the Motloutse River.

In an interview at his farm, he revealed that he was funded to the tune of P100 000 through the Youth Development Fund (YDF) under the Ministry of Youth, Sport and Culture (MYSC).

“I used the money to purchase 78 she goats and two billy goats in 2012. I sourced the stock from farmers in the neighbourhood,” he said.

Mr Poloko has never looked back since and he has grown to become an established farmer who currently owns 120 goats and 80 kids, all of which are under six months old. He is expecting another batch of kids this month.

He explained that he keeps his goats for commercial purposes and not for prestige as most are sold to beneficiaries under the LIMID scheme. Asked what his recipe for success was, Mr Poloko said goats need proper management and care.“You must feed them well, tag them and use shepherd dogs to protect them against predators.

Rearing goats in Bobirwa is cheap and profitable because diseases associated with small stock are not prevalent in the area,” he said. Mr Poloko has readily available water, which he draws from 300 meters away using a water pump which does not use too much fuel.

He also intends to improve his breed by purchasing Kalahari Red and Boer Billy goats for breeding purposes. He also revealed that he draws inspiration and guidance from his parents and uncles, who always motivate him to work harder.

Mr Poloko encouraged other youth to have patience because business has its ups and downs, but will always prosper if it is conducted well. “Farming is one of the best enterprises that the youth can venture into. We must encourage the youth to use government schemes like CEDA, LIMID and YDF to improve their lives.

Beneficiaries must also be committed to repaying their loans so that others may also benefit,” he said. ENDS