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Freedom Mupanedemo Midlands Bureau

Villagers from the drought-stricken Mberengwa district in Midlands have hailed the Second Republic for taking the Presidential Goat Scheme in the district saying the President was living to his word that no one must be left behind.

Mberengwa is a drought prone district and due to succesive years of drought, most farmers lost their lovestock and are struggling to restock.

“This is a timeous intervention from President and we are very happy about this noble programme, some of us were strugging to restock after drought hit us,” said Mrs Lorreto Zhou after receiving a pair at the weekend

A youth Morebrain Ngwenya said the scheme will go a long way in helping the villagers financially in the long run.

“We are really happy and we would want to extend our gratitude to the President for giving us these goats. This is an investment help us. 

 “As a young person I want to thank the government for giving me a this opportunity to build my tomorrow. These goats will help change our lives,” he said.

Deputy Minister of Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Cde Davis Marapira said the scheme speaks to President Mnangagwa’s vision of eradicating poverty through implementation of self-sustaining projects.

“We are gathered here today on this special launch that is meant to sustain livelihoods and ensure that everyone can get a better life. It is no doubt that the President is working tirelessly for Zimbabweans to live a better life. To those who are going to receive goats today make sure that you get the best out of them,” ge said

Midlands Provincial Director of Agriculture and Rural Development Mrs Madeline Magwenzi said she was confident the programme will be successful in Mberengwa District, given that the area receives low rainfall patterns suitable for goat-rearing. 

About 420 goats were shared from among the villagers in Mberengwa with each beneficiary getting at least two goats.

The Presidential Goat Scheme is targeting more than 600 000 farmers nationwide and seeks to ensure food security and empower communities across the country.