Goats: The Hidden Transformers

ORFC Global 2021 Session

Goats play a transformative role around the world, particularly in harsh environments -  reflecting climate, vegetation or conflict. They transform the most indigestible plant material into meat, milk and skins and are also increasing the economic independence and resilience of rural women. 

Rothamsted is researching the role of goats in smallholder systems in Malawi and Botswana - focused on nutrition, socioeconomics and parasitology (through targeted selective treatment using metabolites from bioactive plants).  Goats have always been a priority for Farm Africa, providing them to vulnerable women living in rural eastern Africa - supported by animal health and business development services, empowering them to increase incomes and improve their families' nutrition. 

Meanwhile, in the UK, Bristol’s Street Goat connects families and individuals with the joys of working with animals and nature - increasing understanding of  their  food.  Local people collectively manage and care for them in urban areas, producing sustainable and healthy animal food products reared on overgrown and unusable urban land.

Chaired by Prof Mark Eisler, the workshop will reflect the transformative role goats are playing in ownership of household assets in Malawi and Botswana, transforming the lives of women and children in Ethiopia and Uganda and turning brambles into milk in Bristol.

Speakers:
Mulugeta Worku
Dr. Lovemore C. Gwiriri
Guru Thiru

Chair:
Prof Mark Eisler

#ORFCGlobal​
https://orfc.org.uk/