Building in Unity
Farmers Join hands
Written by: Lucy Aber
In Atyak Town Council, Gulu District, Goat rearing has long been an essential source of livelihood for communities and income generation.
The 2021 animal census projected 3.3 million households in Uganda were keeping goats, with a total population of goats in the country standing at 17.4 million, presenting an increase of 39.4% from 12.4% in 2008, dominated by indigenous goats with 97.2% while crossbreeds stood at just 2.8%.
The Western Region had the highest number of goats, standing at 4.6 million, representing 26.3%. Northern followed with 4.1 million, accounting for 23.4% but the sub-regional analysis presents Karamoja with the highest number of goats at 2.6 million, representing 15.2%
Banaab Business Solutions is a local group engaged in ensuring food security and it is based in Lukulya Village, Amoyocol, Atiak Town Council. The group, consisting of nine members, contributed 11 million shillings to start their goat-rearing project.
Their goal was to improve knowledge and practices in goat farming while expanding their business. Despite careful planning and dedication, the group has faced significant challenges due to climate change which has affected the health, productivity, and sustainability of their goats.
The most immediate impact of climate change on the group’s project has been heat stress. Rising temperatures in the region have exposed goats to prolonged periods of intense sunlight, causing fatigue, decreased feed intake, and slower growth.
Adek Susan, treasurer at Banaab Business Solution said, “We have to keep our goats indoors during the hottest hours, otherwise they become weak and refuse to eat.”
In response, the group has limited grazing time to protect the animals which has reduced animal access to fresh pasture hence affecting nutrition. The delicate balance between animal welfare and natural feeding practices has become a constant concern for the members.
Climate variability in Atyak has resulted in prolonged dry spells, causing pasture scarcity and forcing the group to travel long distances to collect sufficient fodder.
“Sometimes we have to walk for hours to find enough grass for our goats, “said Alal Getrude the secretary general of Banaaba Business Solutions. This increases labor and operational costs and limits the number of goats that can be adequately fed.
Reduced availability of natural forage weakens the goats, making them more susceptible to diseases and lowering their overall productivity. Seasonal changes further complicate grazing schedules. During dry periods, pastures become insufficient, while the rainy season can result in waterlogged fields and higher parasite infestations, both of which disrupt normal grazing routines.
Banaaba Business Solution has also reported cases of swelling neck disease and other heat-related illnesses, which have resulted in the loss of three goats from their original herd of 52. While the group maintains regular vaccination every 90 days and weekly spraying for parasites, climate variability has increased the risk of disease, necessitating closer veterinary attention and prompt medical intervention.
A group leader at Banaaba Business Solution Limited, Okot Fredrick said, “Even though three goats died this year, we have learned to vaccinate and manage diseases more effectively.”
The economic consequences of these challenges are significant. Each loss reduces potential income from meat, milk, and manure sales, limiting the group’s ability to reinvest in the project or support household needs.
Even small-scale mortality among goats can translate into notable financial setbacks for the members.
Despite these challenges, Banaab Business Solutions has recorded several successes that reflect resilience and innovation.
The group has significantly improved members’ knowledge of goat management, including maintaining proper records, tracking breeding cycles, and monitoring growth.
They have embraced sustainable practices, particularly the productive use of goat waste. Manure is converted into biogas with guidance from bio-digester personnel, providing a source of energy for cooking and lighting.
A member in Banaaba Business Solution Limited, Feni Esther, “Using manure for biogas has saved us money on firewood and improved our gardens.”
The manure is also used as fertilizer in crop gardens, enhancing soil fertility and contributing to food security.
Additionally, the group has implemented cross-breeding between Savannah and local goat breeds, improving disease resistance, adaptability to local conditions, and meat quality. These measures demonstrate that, with proper planning, small-scale goat farming can be both productive and environmentally sustainable, even in a changing climate.
The effects of climate change on goat rearing also have broader implications for community livelihoods. Goats serve as both an economic and nutritional resource for households in Atiak.
Losses due to heat, drought, or disease not only reduce income but also affect food availability for families. For small-scale farmers, goats represent a form of financial security; fewer healthy animals mean less meat for consumption, fewer milk products, and reduced manure for farming.
The experience of Banaab Business Solutions underscores the importance of proactive measures, knowledge sharing, and community collaboration. Other local farmers can learn from their strategies, such as cross-breeding, timely veterinary care, and sustainable waste management, to improve resilience against climate-related shocks.
Adaptation strategies are central to maintaining productivity in the face of climate change. Banaab Business Solutions has developed practical measures to mitigate the impacts they face.
Timely veterinary intervention is a priority, with members ensuring that sick animals receive prompt treatment. Feed supplementation and storage are also emphasized, with fodder preserved during the rainy season to provide goats with adequate nutrition during dry spells.
Cross- breeding with heat-tolerant and disease-resistant goat breeds has further enhanced herd resilience.
