Mpezo: A goat rotation project in Mpezo village in the Kavango West Region's Mankumpi Constituency has transformed the lives of four beneficiaries, who now own livestock and have acquired practical livestock farming skills.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the beneficiaries received 10 goats as part of the project implemented under a livestock rotation agreement in 2023. The herd was expected to multiply over three years, after which the regional council would collect 10 goats to allocate to the next group of beneficiaries, while the remaining animals would be divided amongst the original participants to continue farming individually.

Beneficiary Johana Kazana said the group experienced challenges during the early stages of the project. "The goats got diseases and some died. We then came up with a plan of contributing money for medication. Our chairperson had knowledge of treating and injecting the goats. Since then, we have been vaccinating the goats and buying medication," she said. Kazana said the group's efforts yielded positive results.

In December 2025, the regional council collected 20 goats from a herd of 84. The remaining 64 goats were shared equally among the four beneficiaries, with each receiving 16 animals. "When I got these goats my life improved. I sold some goats in December and in January I was able to send my children to school with ease. This is a very important project if one takes it seriously and buys medicine for the goats. When my goats multiply, I am going to exchange them for a cow," Kazana said. She added that each member contributes N$20 per month towards the purchase of veterinary medicines.

Another beneficiary, Elisabeth Likuwa, encouraged young people to participate in development projects. "I am encouraging youth who have not taken an interest in any project, including this goat project, not to be discouraged but to apply for any available project," she said. "This goat project has brought me joy. At least now, even if I have a problem, I do not have to stress or depend on others. I know what I have and what I can do to solve my problems."

Kavango West Regional Council Public Relations Officer Matheus Hamutenya said the council's rural services division coordinates and monitors rural development initiatives across the region. "The council implemented goat projects under the Food Security and Nutrition Programme from the 2016/17 to the 2024/25 financial year, supporting 126 projects with between 10 and 15 goats each," he said. Hamutenya said individual beneficiaries generally perform better because accountability is clearer, although drought, disease outbreaks and the effects of climate change have affected some projects. "Regular monitoring will be conducted to assess the progress of the projects," he said.