Advocating for the Tanzanian Commercial Goat Farmers Association: A collective action towards the better future.

In recent years, Tanzania has witnessed a remarkable trend in its red meat export industry, with goat meat emerging as a frontrunner, contributing up to 70% of the exported meat in 2023 alone, although this presents a significant opportunity for goat farmers to capitalize on the demand and build wealth, it also means that without strategic planning and organizations we will soon fail to keep up with both herd numbers (quantity) to produce the demanded red meat and quality for export.

And of course, It goes without saying that several challenges hinder the goats farmers ability to meet the growing home and export consumption.

In this article, I will explore the challenges faced by Tanzanian Commercial goat farmers and advocate for the formation of an active association to help us overcome these obstacles and avoid having the rug being pulled from under us.

Challenges Facing Goat Farmers in Tanzania

• Lack of the right information: Goat farmers often lack crucial market (How can a regular goat farmer access the export market?) and animal production information, hindering their ability to make informed decisions about breeding, health Management, and market strategies. Most of them depend on the internet to get information and they don't always get the relevant and updated type of information.
• Shortage of good genetics: The absence of quality breeding stock limits the potential for improvement in local goat herds, resulting in suboptimal meat quality and productivity. For example, Not only is it difficult to get Boer, Kalahari red, Savanna or even Galla goats in Tanzania but the authenticity of the ones you get is still a problem.
• Unfavorable prices: Farmers often face pricing challenges due to market fluctuations, middlemen exploitation, and inadequate market linkages. Who really is to say that the price per Kg of a live animal is say 6000 Tsh or that of the carcass is 8000Tsh? when does the price change and what determines its trend? or why is it Low or High (what is the production cost and profit margin), and is the market competitive?
• High investment costs: The high costs associated with infrastructure development, Land, equipment, and inputs act as barriers to entry for many new farmers.
• Financial ineligibility: Goat farmers struggle to access reasonable loan packages tailored to their needs, preventing them from making necessary investments in herd expansion, quality improvement, and value addition.
• Livestock diseases and vaccinations: The lack of awareness, accessibility, and affordability of vaccinations and disease management services leave farmers vulnerable to livestock diseases that impact the health and productivity of their goats.
• Lack of industry regulation: The absence of robust regulations exposes goat farmers to various investment and capital risks, including unreliable suppliers of goats, drugs, and vaccinations. For example, it's very easy to get scammed when making Goat purchases most suppliers can't guarantee quality, quantity and more importantly breed authenticity.
• Research and data gap: The scarcity of research and data specific to goat farming in Tanzania restricts farmers' ability to make evidence-based decisions and adopt best practices. There's literally not enough data on important areas of the goat industry such as goat feedlot, goat farming operational costs, feeds and rations, performance of various breeds and their crosses. these all put farmers at risk of trial and error with their capitals.
• Poor value chain and value addition: Inefficient value chains limit market growth by hindering the movement of goat products from farmers to consumers, resulting in limited market access and reduced profitability. We have only gotten as far as making nyama Choma and processing Lether from goat hide (mostly).
• Pastures and untapped feed industry: Inadequate access to quality pastures and untapped opportunities in the feed industry further hamper goat farmers' ability to improve the productivity and health of their herds. Goat feedlot for example might require formulated rations and Lucerne (pelleted) which are hardly available in Tanzania.
• Lack of connection between farmers, stakeholders and government: Limited engagement and coordination between goat farmers, stakeholders, and the government hinder the development of effective policies, interventions, and support mechanisms to help them solve their challenges.

How can goat farmers in Tanzania prevail and be able to solve most of their challenges.

One thing is certain, they cannot do it individually. A matter like this requires that actions to mitigate challenges be taken collectively and not by anybody else but the goat farmers of Tanzania. They know their challenges so they should seek the solutions. Just like the poultry farmers did back in 2017 with the #PoultryassociationofTanzania and like I said, there is a lot to learn from the Tanzania's poultry industry latest developments and this is among them.

They need to graduate from using WhatsApp groups and form a real Association or revive Tagofa (An association for goat farmers) where they will advocate for favorable policies, market access, and fair prices, addressing issues such as market information gaps, limited financial resources, and value chain inefficiencies. Through collective action, the association can strengthen the voice of goat farmers, facilitate access to resources and investments, promote disease management, and foster collaboration with stakeholders and government agencies.?

Ultimately, the association empowers goat farmers to overcome obstacles, capitalize on export market opportunities, and achieve sustainable growth and prosperity.

Advantages of creating a Tanzania's commercial goat farmers association.

• Knowledge and Information Sharing: The association can serve as a platform for sharing knowledge, expertise, and information related to goat farming. This can include best practices in breeding, feeding, healthcare, and disease management, as well as information on market trends and prices.
• Training and Capacity Building: The association can organize training programs, workshops, and seminars to enhance the skills and knowledge of goat farmers. This can cover various aspects of goat farming, including animal husbandry, farm management, business planning, and marketing strategies.
• Access to Resources: The association can assist goat farmers in accessing necessary resources such as high-quality breeding stock, veterinary services, and improved feed and nutrition options. By leveraging the collective bargaining power of the association, members may be able to access these resources at more affordable prices.
• Advocacy and Representation: The association can advocate for the interests of goat farmers at the local, regional, and national levels. This can involve lobbying for favorable policies, regulations, and subsidies that support the growth and sustainability of the goat farming sector. The association can also represent the collective interests of goat farmers in discussions with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
• Marketing and Market Linkages: The association can facilitate marketing opportunities for its members by establishing linkages with buyers, processors, and exporters. By pooling the resources and products of multiple farmers, the association can negotiate better prices, find larger markets, and explore value-added opportunities such as sausages and cooked or pre-cooked products.
• Research and Development: The association can collaborate with research institutions Tanzania Livestock Research Institute (TALIRI) , universities Chuo Kikuu Cha Sokoine Cha Kilimo , and agricultural extension services to conduct research on goat farming practices suitable for the Tanzanian context. This can lead to the development of new technologies, techniques, and innovations that can improve productivity and profitability.
• Financial Support and Credit Facilities: The association can work towards securing financial support and credit facilities for goat farmers. This can include accessing loans packages that carter for their specific needs, grants, and subsidies for farm infrastructure development, purchase of equipment, or expansion of their businesses.
• Networking and Collaboration: By bringing goat farmers together, the association can create a platform for networking, collaboration, and peer learning. Farmers can share their experiences, exchange ideas, and support each other in addressing common challenges faced in the goat farming industry.

To be able to able to serve the goat farmers in Tanzania the association should.

• Conduct a needs assessment: Engage with commercial goat farmers to understand their most pressing challenges, needs, and aspirations. Conduct surveys, focus group discussions, and one-on-one interviews to gather comprehensive information about their priorities.
• Prioritize key issues: Analyze the data collected from the needs assessment and identify the most critical issues affecting goat farmers. This could include areas such as access to quality breeding stock, improved animal healthcare services, market access, training and capacity building, or policy advocacy.
• Set clear goals and objectives: Based on the prioritized issues, define clear and measurable goals and objectives for the association. Ensure that these goals are specific, realistic, and achievable within a given timeframe. For example, a goal could be to increase Goat meat export by 20% within two years by improving market linkages and promoting value addition.
• Develop an action plan: Create a detailed action plan that outlines the strategies, activities, and timelines required to achieve the set goals and objectives. Break down the plan into smaller, manageable tasks and assign responsibilities to different committees or working groups within the association.
• Engage stakeholders: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders such as government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and private sector entities. Engaging with these partners can provide access to resources, expertise, and support, and enhance the association's ability to achieve its desired impact.
• Allocate resources effectively: Determine the necessary resources, including financial, human, and technical, to implement the action plan. Develop a budget that aligns with the association's priorities and explore potential funding opportunities, such as grants, sponsorships, or partnerships.
• Monitor and evaluate progress: Regularly monitor the implementation of the action plan and evaluate the impact of the association's activities. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and develop a system to track progress towards the set goals. Collect feedback from members and stakeholders to assess the effectiveness of the association's efforts and make necessary adjustments.
• Communicate and engage with members: Maintain open and transparent communication channels with association members. Regularly update them on progress, seek their feedback and suggestions, and involve them in decision-making processes. This helps ensure that the association remains responsive to their needs and accountable to its members.
• Lastly, Adapt and evolve: Continuously assess the changing needs and priorities of goat farmers and the broader agricultural landscape. Stay updated on new technologies, market trends, and policy developments that may impact goat farming. Be willing to adapt and evolve strategies and activities to address emerging challenges and opportunities.

The formation of an active Commercial Goat Farmers Association in Tanzania is not just an option but a necessity. By addressing the challenges faced by goat farmers collectively, the association can unlock the immense potential of the sector and enable farmers to thrive in the face of growing domestic and international demand. The time is ripe for goat farmers to unite, leverage their collective strength, and secure a prosperous future for themselves and the Tanzanian goat farming industry. Together, they can overcome obstacles, seize opportunities, and build sustainable wealth while contributing to the nation's economic growth.