Farmers in the Ankole region have been urged to diversify beyond traditional cattle farming and embrace sheep rearing to take advantage of the numerous opportunities it offers.
The call was made by George Bakunda, the Resident District Commissioner of Kiruhura District, while officiating at an event where the Microfinance Support Center (MSC) donated cattle, goats, and sheep to organised farmer groups at its Mini Demonstration Farm in Nyabushozi, Kiruhura District.
Bakunda praised the initiative, describing it as a turning point for livestock farming and a catalyst for economic transformation in the region.
He noted that unlike cattle, which are more susceptible to diseases and drought, sheep are more resilient and therefore a safer and more profitable option for farmers.
“Multiply these animals so that the next time we return, we hear success stories and see real economic transformation,” Bakunda urged.
“Sheep farming is less prone to disease, has rapid reproductive rates, and presents a lucrative opportunity for the region. I commend MSC for not only distributing livestock but also creating over 400 jobs at the demonstration farm, which has significantly reduced unemployment,” he noted.
He encouraged beneficiaries to take full advantage of this program and other government interventions like Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM) to lift themselves out of poverty.
The initiative aims to improve access to quality livestock breeds, create employment opportunities, and build resilience against drought.
Daniel Musherure, the Acting Mbarara Zonal Manager for MSC, explained that the project was launched in 2020 with the goal of promoting modern farming practices, offering free veterinary services, and addressing livelihood challenges through job creation.
“Our farm is situated in the Ankole cattle corridor a region frequently affected by drought. One of our core objectives is to support pasture development and showcase sustainable practices to local farmers. Although the area is renowned for cattle, there remains a lack of high-quality breeds,” Musherure said.
In addition to receiving livestock, farmers were trained in hay and silage making to ensure sufficient feed for their animals during dry seasons.
Musherure emphasized a deliberate shift towards promoting sheep farming as a means to protect farmers from fluctuations in dairy prices.
“Sheep rearing, though not yet widespread in Ankole, has a high reproductive rate and offers a valuable alternative income source,” he added.
The project prioritizes women, youth, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) and promotes responsible animal husbandry as a means to boost household incomes and deepen MSC’s engagement with local communities. The farm also doubles as a pasture development and management demonstration site.
Dr. John Ssekanjako, the District Veterinary Officer, commended the program for equipping farmers with vital livestock management skills that can boost household incomes.
He encouraged recipients to prioritize animal health and make use of government-provided vaccinations.
“The animals distributed are healthy and vaccinated. Farmers must maintain this standard. There is no excuse for transporting or keeping unvaccinated animals, especially with free government vaccines available,” he warned.
Dr. Ssekanjako also called on MSC to provide improved pasture seeds ahead of livestock distribution to prevent feed shortages.