In the face of the prevailing trend towards dairy cow projects, one farmer in Kakamega County discovered the golden opportunity in dairy goats.
Edwin Palapala, a passionate agriculturist, devoted the past to rearing dairy goats on his family’s farm.
Despite limited capital, his venture flourished, becoming a primary source of livelihood for him and his family.
WoK looks into Palapala’s journey and explore the reasons behind his success in the dairy goat industry.
A Passion for Agriculture
From a young age, Edwin Palapala’s deep-rooted passion for agriculture propelled him to pursue a farming career.
As a dedicated member of the 4K Club during his primary school days, he nurtured his interest in the field.
After completing college, Palapala invested his limited capital in purchasing his first flock of goats and embarked on his entrepreneurial journey.
“These goats have become my main source of livelihood together with my family. I have invested my time and energy in this business,” Siad Palapala in a past interview.
His genuine love for farming and unwavering dedication laid the foundation for what would become a thriving business.
Building a Thriving Business
With perseverance and a keen focus on his goat farming enterprise, Palapala transformed his modest investment into substantial returns.
His financial records demonstrated impressive earnings of approximately Ksh1.5 million three year back since he started.
Palapala’s goat herd comprises Saanen goats, known for their superior milk production, along with other breeds like Toggenburg, Alpine, and Boer.
This diverse collection of dairy goats enabled him to cater to various market demands.
Diverse Revenue Streams
In addition to selling goats, Edwin Palapala expanded his business by offering a range of goat products.
Female goats were sold at prices ranging from Ksh15,000 to Ksh30,000, while male goats, primarily raised for meat, fetch higher prices between Ksh20,000 and Ksh50,000 each.
Goat meat, recognized for its tenderness and health benefits, including its richness in omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin B12, gained popularity among consumers.
Palapala also capitalized on the market for goat fur and skin.
By diversifying his product offerings, he maximized his profits and strengthens his position in the industry.
Meeting Market Demand
Edwin Palapala benefited from a significant demand for goat milk in Kakamega County and the neighboring regions.
His farm become a sought-after destination for farmers seeking knowledge and inspiration.
Through word of mouth and strategic use of social media platforms like Facebook, Palapala expands his market reach and attracts customers looking for healthy, high-quality goat milk and other products.
The growing awareness of the health benefits associated with goat meat and milk has facilitated his sales.
The local community values the superior nutritional properties of goat products, leading to a consistent and reliable market for Palapala’s business.
Overcoming Challenges
Like any agricultural enterprise, goat farming presents its own set of challenges. Palapala acknowledges the presence of diseases that can affect his goats, such as pneumonia, foot rot, internal parasites, and more.
“Though goats are resistant to most diseases and even harsh weather, there are some common diseases that affect them. They include respiratory diseases such as pneumonia, foot rot, internal parasites, pregnancy toxosis and feed toxicity.
To tackle these issues, he actively seeks knowledge and constantly enhances his disease management skills through visits to agricultural training institutions.
