Goats for children affected by HIV/AIDS

Since the establishment of the American Foundation for Children with AIDS Livelihoods Goat Program in 2016 in Matopos Zimbabwe, some 51 beneficiary families have received training in goat husbandry and have been assisted in setting up their own income generating micro goat projects. The 51 families each received 3 pregnant female goats with which to start their own herds.  

Using normal goat breeding statistics, it is calculated calculated that these 153 pioneer goats have probably multiplied to in excess of 3000 animals over the period 2016 to date.  3,000 animals valued at $40 each translates to $120,000 of value that has been injected into the local rural economy ecosystems here in Matopos by AFCA:s initiatives.

The AFCA goat multiplication centre in Matopos is continuing with this important work in 2025 and the focus from last year and going forward is to cross breed the local rural goats with pure bred goat strains such as Boer and Kalahari Red. Our first generation offspring from this selective breeding are exhibiting the local breeds resistance to disease and tolerance to drought conditions together with the pure breeds bigger size and meat yield. Our intention is to produce an all round bigger, stronger animal which will be of more value to our beneficiaries.

In the last week, five beneficiary families received their pregnant female goats and we look forward to working with them over the coming months to build their herds.  

The team here at the American Foundation for Children with AIDS thanks you for supporting this project and the work we do for the children in Africa.  If you would like to learn even more about what we do or how you can meet some of the children you have helped, please contact Tanya Weaver at tweaver@AFCAids.org.