Kunene farmers gain independence through goat loans

A government-run livestock revolving scheme aimed at strengthening smallholder farmers against climate shocks is beginning to show mixed but telling results in the Kunene region.

This is according to officials who spoke during a week-long Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) oversight visit conducted under the IREMA project.

Speaking in Fransfontein last Tuesday, agriculture cultural technician Anton Joseph explained how the Goat Running Scheme works as a revolving loan rather than a one-off handout. Under the programme, a farmer receives 21 goats – 20 females and one ram – and is expected to return breeding females over time so that the next farmer can benefit.

“This is like a loan. You give back the goats and we move on to the next farmer,” Joseph said. He explained that only female goats are revolved, while male goats may be sold under strict conditions to cover costs such as vaccines or paying herders. The system, he said, is designed to keep the scheme moving while ensuring herd growth.

Valuable lessons

Joseph said one of the strongest lessons from the programme so far is the importance of selecting full-time farmers. “We saw that some were weekend or holiday farmers, and that’s when goats die because the owner is not present,” he said. As a result, eligibility criteria were amended to prioritise farmers who live on their farms, are below 60 years of age and manage livestock within defined limits.

All beneficiaries receive training before livestock are handed over, and contracts can be cancelled if conditions are breached.

Joseph acknowledged that drought and disease outbreaks have disrupted targets, as goats are particularly vulnerable during dry periods. In some cases, farmers were given more time to recover rather than being penalised. “These things were out of the farmers’ control,” Joseph said.

The Goat Running Scheme forms part of the Improving Rangeland and Ecosystem Management Practices (IREMA) project, which aims to reduce vulnerability and build climate resilience among smallholder farmers in Kunene. EIF project portfolio manager Charity Sihope said the project was implemented over six years at a cost of US$10 million (about N$190 million), targeting pastoral communities in Fransfontein, Sesfontein and Warmquelle, with goat revolving as one of its core components.

Much-needed freedom

For some farmers, the programme has delivered lasting change. Ingrid Heigan, a single mother and IREMA beneficiary, said she has now become fully independent. She started with seven goats and grew her herd to 97 goats over five years, meeting all reproduction targets and returning livestock to the programme. Although support reached beneficiaries during the 2024 drought, she said improved practices helped them cope. Heigan now hopes to expand into poultry farming and gardening.

Others are still finding their footing. Beneficiary Seth Murorua said receiving goats during the drought made progress difficult, but the programme has given him a stable base after years of temporary work. He said he remains hopeful that breeding will help him meet his targets.

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