25 Kibwe/Kingalu Road, Forest Hill Area, P.O. Box 6053, 67109 Morogoro, Tanzania eamcef@easternarc.or.tz

Goat Farming Sparks Sustainable Change in Lulindi Village

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Goat farming has transformed lives and protected nature in Lulindi village, Ukwega ward, thanks to the support of the Eastern Arc Mountains Conservation Endowment Fund (EAMCEF). In 2017, EAMCEF provided 12 goats (10 females and 2 males) to a group of 10 villagers (4 male, 6 female) to launch a goat farming initiative aimed at reducing destructive human activities in the nearby Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve. This sustainable alternative was designed to provide families with meat, milk, and manure, reducing their dependence on forest resources.

As goat farming progressed, the goats multiplied and the group grew—from 10 to 32 members within five years. The goat population rose to 90, producing an average of 60.8 liters of milk per day. Most of this milk nourished the families of the group members, with surplus quantities sold to fund group activities. The success of the project not only ensured food security but also inspired others to join and benefit from this sustainable initiative.

Beyond milk and meat, goat farming brought an unexpected bonus: manure. For many group members, this was the first time they had reliable access to organic fertilizer. The manure was used in vegetable gardens, bean fields, and banana farms, leading to increased crop yields and better food security in the community.

One standout story is that of Erasto Ibrahim Mlengela, a farmer in the group. After selling a young male goat for TZS 70,000, he started a beekeeping venture—building 10 beehives from the proceeds. His first honey harvest yielded 60 liters, and selling it earned him TZS 600,000. His success sparked enthusiasm among other members, many of whom explored their own ventures, from farming to small businesses—all made possible by the foundational impact of goat farming.

As incomes rose and opportunities grew, fewer villagers needed to exploit the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve. EAMCEF’s vision of conservation through community empowerment was realized. Goat farming became more than just a livelihood—it became a gateway to environmental protection, community development, and personal ambition. The goats thrived, and so did the dreams of those who raised them.

Story Details

  • Location:
    Lulindi village, Ukwega Ward, Kilolo District
  • District Surrounding Forest:
    Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserves

KEY DATA

  • 76 groups established and benefited from the project

  • 24 villages engaged in project implementation

  • 4,190 dairy goats provided to beneficiaries

  • 17,450 community members received goats

  • 3,244,223 litres of milk produced and sold

  • 3,027 kg of goat meat sold

  • 193,000 kg of manure produced

Receiving a goat marked the beginning of my success. The goat gave birth to twins, and I sold the male for TZS 70,000 to start a beekeeping project. Using the income, I crafted ten beehives and began honey production. In my first harvest, I collected three buckets of honey, selling them for TZS 600,000. This venture has greatly improved my livelihood and enabled me to expand both beekeeping and livestock rearing.

Erasto Ibrahim Mlengela

Through the training I received from district experts and the support of EAMCEF, my life has greatly improved. I was given one goat, which later gave birth to 16 kids. Selling some of them in two phases earned me a total of TZS 720,000. From the first sale, I purchased roofing sheets to build a proper goat shelter, built a modern toilet for my family, and paid my child’s secondary school fees. The second sale allowed me to invest in building materials for my new house and continue supporting my child’s education.

Additionally, the manure from thegoats has significantly improved the fertility of my farm, where I grow bananas and avocados. This has reduced my family’s dependency on the Uzungwa Scarp Nature Forest Reserve for vegetables, while goat meat has become a primary source of protein. My husband no longer goes to the forest to hunt, as we now rely on our livestock for nutrition.

Tegemea Patric Mtima

I sold one goat for TZS. 70,000 and used the money to pay casual labourers to work on my farm, I planted beans and sold the harvest for TZS. 450,000. I used my income from beans to build a bigger house for my family. My old house was too small for family members to fit in. When my goat gave birth (now I have 7 goats) I sold one goat and employed some people to help up plant trees in my one acre farm. I am also getting 3 litres per day, I normally sell two litres and consume the rest. …since then my life has changed a lot, I would rank myself to have moved from level 1 to level 10 – all because of dairy goat husbandry!

NELIA KIKOTI

I use manure from goats to grow avocado, my trees are so healthy. During 2016, I sold avocados and got TZS. 210,000 from only 3 trees. In the past, I could only harvest a few avocados which were not enough for sale. I used the income to buy a Television set and installed solar panel. Since I installed solar panel, my children can study a couple of more hours during the night than it was before with traditional kerosene oil lamp ‘kibatari’.

IZACK NYAMOGA

It wouldn’t have been possible to afford taking my child to the hospital if it were not for the goats. I don’t have health insurance so I sold one goat, paid hospital charges…happy now my child is fine. I started selling vegetables after seeing that the goats can provide enough manure for my garden. Through income from vegetables I can easily afford household needs. The goats have rescued me from being a beggar and casual labourer.

YUSTA LUHWAGO

I was so happy that day when I received a goat from the project, we are now benefiting a lot

SETH CHAVALA

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