Kwale Farmers Receive 355 Galla Goats to Boost Incomes and Food Security

In Summary

• 355 Galla goats distributed to small-scale farmers in Lunga Lunga, Kwale County.
• Beneficiaries are Neema Namelock (175 goats) and Amkeni Kimwangani (180 goats) self-help groups.
• Galla goats praised for high milk/meat yields, disease resistance, and climate resilience.
• Part of county’s wider livestock programme — 5,200 goats and 100 dairy cows distributed since 2022.
• Initiative supported by World Bank’s FLLoCA and KEMFSED projects.
• Farmers to pass on offspring to spread benefits across communities.

Kwale County has distributed 355 hardy Galla goats to farmers in Lunga Lunga Sub County in a bid to boost livelihoods, strengthen food security, and help households adapt to climate change.

The animals were handed over by Governor Fatuma Achani to two self-help groups in Mwereni Ward: Neema Namelock received 175 goats, while Amkeni Kimwangani Women’s Group took 180.

Governor Achani said the initiative is part of Kwale’s agriculture value chain programme, designed to uplift smallholder farmers.

“We want to ensure that when our livestock keepers take their animals to market, they earn good money to sustain their lives,” she said, highlighting the Galla goat’s suitability for dryland farming.

Why Galla goats?

The white, long-legged Galla goat, native to northern Kenya, is renowned for its ability to withstand arid conditions while producing high volumes of milk and quality meat. It is also more resistant to disease compared to local breeds, making it a popular choice in livestock development programs.

County Agriculture Executive Roman Shera said the goats are ideal for Kwale’s climate.

“They quickly regain weight after dry spells and produce more milk than local breeds,” he noted.

Building resilience and spreading benefits

Since 2022, Kwale has distributed over 5,200 Galla goats and 100 dairy cows to more than 30 self-help groups. The World Bank-backed Financing Locally-Led Climate Action (FLLoCA) and Kenya Marine Fisheries Socio-Economic Development (KEMFSED) projects are supporting the effort.

Beneficiaries are required to pass on offspring to other farmers, creating a ripple effect across communities. Alongside livestock, farmers also receive training on animal husbandry, financial management, farm tools, and veterinary drugs to boost productivity.

Farmers welcome initiative

Local farmers say the goats will ease financial pressures and secure food supplies.

“This project will help us boost milk and meat production and secure incomes,” said Elizabeth Nadzua of Amkeni Kimwangani.

For Mwanzegele Kalu, another beneficiary, the handover marked “a new beginning” for struggling households in Lunga Lunga.

With more households set to benefit from the offspring-sharing model, officials say the program will play a key role in alleviating poverty and improving resilience against climate change in Kwale County.