By Kundai Marunya

FOR generations, women in Zimbabwe have quietly tended goats, a vital asset in both subsistence and cultural traditions. 

However, the narrative is shifting. What was once considered a backyard activity is now emerging as an economically viable commercial venture. 

Women are stepping up, claiming their rightful place in the flourishing goat industry, which is becoming a game-changer in the Zimbabwe’s thriving agricultural sector.

Goats hold deep cultural significance in the Zimbabwean society. They are essential in traditional ceremonies such as lobola (bride price), spiritual rites and funerals, among other functions. 

For one to perform masungiro, a rite performed before a new pregnant bride bears the first child, a goat is slaughtered for meat while another is given to bride’s mother to tend, and grow into a flock.

From this flock, she has the liberty to slaughter the goats for her grandchildren, the same way she deals with mombe yeumai (a cow given to a bride’s mother during the lobola ceremony).

The cow will grow a woman’s herd for her to do as she pleases.

Her herd is well protected by tradition in comparison to that owned by a man, thus in tradition, virtually belonging to the family. It is from the men’s herd that, when need arises, beasts can be sold to meet the family financial obligations.

When there is a death in the family, it is also from this herd that a beast is slaughtered, whereas a woman’s wealth can only be slaughtered to unite the family in celebration, when she feels like it.

The protection of women’s wealth in Shona culture makes it easier for them to grow to become some of the most formidable forces in the rising commercial goat industry. Goats’ resilience in arid regions makes them a lifeline for many rural households, providing milk, meat and a source of income during hard times. 

Women, particularly in rural areas, have historically been the primary caretakers of these animals, yet they were often excluded from commercial farming structures.

Despite their deep-rooted involvement in goat rearing, women have traditionally faced barriers in accessing markets, training and funding. 

Commercial livestock farming, including large-scale goat production, has been dominated by men who have better access to land ownership, capital and decision-making platforms. 

But change is in the air now. 

More women are moving beyond subsistence farming and entering the commercial space, thanks to targeted support from Government programmes and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

Speaking on the sidelines of a goat farming master class hosted by Mash Goats in partnership with MaNdlovu Goats over the weekend, women expressed their enthusiasm to be involved in the growing industry.

“I’m so delighted that I had the opportunity to be empowered through this workshop,” said aspiring goat farmer Dorcas Savanhu.

“From what I learned today, I’m now empowered. I think women empowerment is very critical in capacitating women, not just to know what needs to be done, but to know the correct protocols for everything that we want to do, particularly in farming.

“In the past, we were told to look for a herdboy to look after our goats but when you want to do goat farming as a business, it’s important to actually get the right information and this is what this programme has empowered me to do.”

Savanhu encouraged fellow women to get into the potentially lucrative venture and claim their space.

“It didn’t feel very difficult. It has its challenges, but certainly not for a woman. It can be done,” she said.

Recognising the potential of the goat industry, the Government has unveiled several initiatives to improve the sector. 

Programmes aimed at cross-breeding indigenous goats with high-yield breeds, such as Boer and Kalahari Red, have significantly increased meat production and market value. 

NGOs, including women-focused agricultural groups, have been instrumental in providing training, start-up stock and business management skills.

One notable initiative is the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme, which distributes high-quality breeding goats to farmers, including women, to improve local genetics and productivity. 

Similarly, organisations like Heifer International and the Zimbabwe Agricultural Growth Programme (ZAGP) are empowering women through goat production cooperatives, linking them to markets and financial resources.

Mash Goats, an organisation that supplies foreign goat breeds locally as well as teaching best goat practices, is one of the significant players in this transformative landscape. The organisation has been at the forefront of initiatives aimed at empowering women in the industry.

Understanding that knowledge is a critical barrier to entry for many aspiring female goat farmers, Mash Goats has committed to hosting master classes specifically tailored for women. 

The master classes cover a range of topics, including goat health management, breeding techniques and business skills essential for running a successful goat farming enterprise.

“This month, we are celebrating the women,” said Mash Goats founder Tatenda Mashozhera.

“On the last Saturday of this month, women interested in goat farming can come through, register and we will train them.

“What I’ve seen is, I think a lot of men are coming for the trainings so that they know where their money is going.

“I understand all these men who were here; they are buying these animals to augment the lifestyle of their women.

“It’s unfortunate they are behind the scenes, but trust me, they are into farming.

“So let’s be bold enough, let’s all come forth, and let’s work together.”

The impact of these master classes is already evident.

Women who have participated report increased confidence and competence in managing their herds. 

They are now better equipped to tackle challenges such as disease management and market access, which previously hindered their progress.

“I manage a goat farm with a variety of breeds and these workshops have been helping me improve how I care for my herd and build a sustainable model,” said Iret Mabros, who runs a farm in Mhondoro.

The goat industry is no longer just a small-scale, rural venture — it is evolving into a lucrative business with export potential.  Demand for goat meat is rising both locally and regionally, especially in countries like the Netherlands, where Zimbabwean farmers are finding new markets. 

Women who were previously sidelined are now setting up structured goat farms, forming co-operatives and participating in agricultural expos.

At the helm of Goat Breeders’ Association of Zimbabwe (GBAZ) is Sifiso Agbetorwoka, a woman who has been encouraging professional goat farming and holding workshops in partnership with Mash Goats.

Her success is evident with the upliftment of women, like Sarudzai Moyo from Gokwe, who have become pioneers in this space. 

Once a backyard farmer, she now runs a thriving goat business, selling high-quality breeding stock across the country. 

“I used to have five goats for home consumption, but after receiving training and improved breeds from an NGO, I now have over 150 goats and supplying butcheries in Harare,” she said.

Another success story is of Nomusa Ncube from Matabeleland South, a region known for its dry climate. 

Through improved feeding techniques and veterinary support, she has transformed her herd into a profitable business. 

“Goats are no longer just for ceremonies; they are my source of wealth,” she says.

While progress is evident, women in goat farming still face hurdles. 

Limited access to land and capital, cultural biases, and inadequate veterinary services are ongoing challenges. 

However, with continued Government support, innovative breeding programmes and the formation of women-led cooperatives, the future looks promising.

Women in Zimbabwe are no longer just caretakers of goats; they are entrepreneurs transforming the industry. 

As they claim their space in commercial goat farming, they are not only securing economic independence but also reshaping the landscape of livestock farming. 

With the right support, they will be at the forefront of making goat farming one of Zimbabwe’s most profitable agricultural ventures.