Brian Vuyolwethu Mandati
GOAT farmers in drought prone Nkayi District in Matabeleland North province have taken heed to advice from agro-experts to harvest the indigenous Isinga tree for livestock fattening.
The Isinga, also known by its scientific name, valechia karoo, has been certified as a protein rich supplement desired by goats.
Farmers in Nkayi have in the past months been harvesting the Isinga tree leaves and seeds to in a bid to boost their goat fattening programme, which started at household level and set to reach out to as many communities.
Spurred by the need to find alternative goat feed, the farmers have resorted to harvesting Isinga also as a way of cushioning their budgets in the wake of the harsh economic environment obtaining in the country.
Farmers in Ward 29 Nkayi are buying Isinga seeds for at least R10 a bucket from suppliers.
Local pupils from Dimpamiwa primary school have also taken upon themselves to harvest the seeds in order to raise some cash.
The pupils say they embarked on the business as a way of keeping themselves occupied during these Covid-19 induced lockdown times.
“There are buyers who want these seeds but we only supply one person since he is the one that pays 10 Rand while others are slightly below that amount,” said Khayelihle a learner.
“We still have time to do our school work and the picking of is done after having done our home works and other household chores, it is not something that eats into our study time,” he added.
The nutritive value of these seeds has shown an appreciation in animal products process in the marginalised district of Matabeleland North, as indigenous knowledge spins these seeds into a successful naturally available and cheap protein source for goat farmers in Nkayi.
