Government intends to scale up small livestock breading to improve the country’s capacity to export.
So far, several markets on the continent are on target, ahead of the breeding boost plan.
“We want to see youths and women participate actively in goat rearing. We want to link them to Saudi Arabia, DRC and Angola markets,” said Dr David Shamulenge, permanent secretary in the Livestock and Fisheries.
He further said Saudi Arabia has shown interest to import one million goats and sheep annually.
The ‘ripe and ready’ markets have moved government to start exploring ways to increase small livestock.
Recently President Edgar Lungu launched programmes to empower youth and women in small livestock breeding.
A team of livestock experts from the ministry will soon tour the country to assess the quality and numbers of sheep and goats.
“We have put a task force in place, which will go around the country to determine the national baseline of the total number of goats in the country,” Dr Shamulenge said.
He urged youths and women to take advantage of various programmes under the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries to empower themselves.
