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Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
YOUNG Women for Economic Development (YW4ED) have launched the Presidential Goat Pass-On Scheme in Midlands Province, benefiting over 300 women from eight districts.

The scheme was rolled out at Vugwi Primary School in Shurugwi to enhance the capacity of women small-scale farmers, enabling them to become key players in the economic sector.

The Goat Pass-On Programme aims to empower smallholder farmers, particularly women and youths, by providing them with goats to breed and raise for commercial gain. Its primary objective is to improve beneficiaries’ livelihoods through sustainable livestock production. Participants receive training in goat-rearing practices, including housing, vaccination, and disease management.

As beneficiaries’ herds grow, they are expected to pass on a certain number of goats to other groups or individuals, thereby creating a sustainable and community-driven model. The initiative allows beneficiaries to generate income by selling goats and their offspring, helping to improve their overall livelihoods.

YW4ED national chairperson, Minister of Information Communication and Technology, Dr Tatenda Mavetera, recently launched the programme, distributing 150 goats to young women in the Midlands Province. She emphasised the importance of proper goat care to ensure the programme’s success.

“The initiative aims to empower women across all eight districts in the province, and the distribution should be fair and unbiased, allowing every young woman to benefit and improve her livelihood,” said Dr Mavetera.

She commended President Mnangagwa for introducing life-changing programmes aligned with Vision 2030 and encouraged young women from Midlands Province to take advantage of the Government’s economic empowerment initiatives.

“Take advantage of these Government programmes. I believe this initiative will leave you economically empowered,” she said.

The minister further encouraged beneficiaries to ensure proper care of the goats so that the pass-on programme is successful.

She stated that goats will be distributed across all eight districts in the province to maximise the number of women benefiting from the scheme.

Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Cde Owen Ncube, said the programme aligns with the Government’s efforts to achieve an upper-middle-income society by 2030.

“We are pleased with the programmes spearheaded by Young Women 4ED, as they complement the Government’s vision of achieving an upper-middle-income society by 2030. This initiative will also play a key role in countering the effects of climate change and improving livelihoods,” he said.

Zanu-PF Midlands Provincial Deputy Chairperson, Cde Lewis Matutu, highlighted the crucial role the goats will play in transforming livelihoods, particularly in remote areas.

Beneficiaries of the Goat Pass-On Programme

“We appreciate the vital mobilisation efforts by Young Women for Economic Development and the dedication of their national chairperson, Minister Mavetera,” he said.

“The focus on initiatives that alleviate poverty in our communities is truly commendable.”
One beneficiary, Ms Gloria Shoko, praised the Government for its ongoing initiatives that continue to uplift women.

“As young women, we are excited and hopeful for a better future thanks to this programme. This initiative will undoubtedly empower us economically,” she said.