Raising Livestock in the SADC Region: What Farmers Need to Know in 2024

Farming is more than just a way of life here in the Southern African Development Community (SADC); it’s the backbone of many rural economies. Livestock farming, in particular, is vital for food security, providing meat, milk, and other essential products. It’s also a key source of income for smallholder farmers, and let’s not forget, livestock often serves as a store of wealth and a symbol of status in many communities.

With ever-changing weather patterns, new diseases, and the growing pressure to produce more with less, farmers across the SADC region are looking for smarter, more efficient ways to manage their herds. Whether you’ve got cattle, sheep, or goats, you’ll want to stay up-to-date with the latest breeds, health practices, and technologies to keep your livestock healthy and productive.

Let’s take a look at some of the most popular livestock breeds in the region, the latest advances in animal health, and how young, aspiring farmers can efficiently grow their herds.

Popular Livestock Breeds in the SADC Region

Southern Africa is home to several livestock breeds that are prized for their hardiness and productivity. Whether you’re a commercial farmer or a smallholder just getting started, these are the breeds that have proven themselves in the region’s diverse climates.

Nguni Cattle: The Pride of Southern Africa

If there’s one breed that stands out across Southern Africa, it’s the Nguni. Known for their striking multicoloured coats, Nguni cattle are more than just beautiful—they’re tough. They thrive in dry, harsh conditions and can graze on low-quality pasture, making them perfect for extensive farming systems. Plus, they’re resistant to tick-borne diseases, which is a massive advantage for farmers dealing with frequent tick infestations.

Why farmers love them: Nguni cattle are low-maintenance, require minimal veterinary care, and are well-suited to both commercial and smallholder farming. They also have high fertility rates, which is a plus if you’re looking to expand your herd.

Boran Cattle: The Beef Specialist

Originating from Kenya, Boran cattle are gaining popularity across Zimbabwe, Zambia, and beyond. These cattle are known for converting poor-quality feed into excellent beef, and they thrive in hot, dry climates. Borans are also disease-resistant, making them ideal for crossbreeding with local breeds to improve productivity.

Why farmers love them: Borans offer high-quality beef and are resilient in tough conditions. Their disease resistance means fewer trips to the vet and lower maintenance costs.

Brahman Cattle: Commercial Farming Powerhouse

For larger-scale farmers, the Brahman breed is a familiar sight. Originally from India, Brahmans are valued for their heat tolerance and feed efficiency. They’re a staple in commercial beef production in Namibia and South Africa, and when crossbred with indigenous breeds, they produce even better growth rates and beef quality.

Why farmers love them: Brahmans are hardy, efficient, and perfect for maximizing returns in beef production, especially in dry and semi-arid regions.

Boer Goats: The Meat Champions

When it comes to goats, the Boer is the go-to breed for meat production across the region. These goats are hardy, adapt well to a range of climates, and are highly fertile, which makes them perfect for farmers looking to expand quickly. Boer goats have a high growth rate and are resistant to diseases like footrot, making them a reliable source of income for both smallholders and commercial farmers.

Why farmers love them: Boers grow quickly, produce excellent meat, and are well-suited to a variety of farming environments.

Kalahari Red Goats: Built for the Tough Stuff

The Kalahari Red goat is another popular choice, especially in semi-arid areas. These goats are hardy, adapt well to dry conditions, and have high reproductive rates. They’re excellent mothers, which helps farmers grow their herds quickly and efficiently. Their meat is also in high demand due to its tenderness and quality.

Why farmers love them: Kalahari Reds are tough, reproduce quickly, and are in high demand in the meat market.

Dorper Sheep: Reliable and Productive

Farmers across Southern Africa are also turning to Dorper sheep. This South African breed produces high-quality lamb and is incredibly resilient. Dorpers are well-suited to dry, arid regions and thrive on low-nutrient forage, which is crucial for farmers dealing with limited grazing land. Plus, they can reproduce year-round, allowing for continuous production cycles.

Why farmers love them: Dorper sheep are low-maintenance, hardy, and provide top-quality lamb. They’re ideal for both smallholders and commercial farmers.

Keeping Your Livestock Healthy: What’s New in Animal Health?

Staying on top of your animals’ health is the key to a successful livestock operation. With climate change and emerging diseases posing a growing threat, farmers need to know the latest in animal health management. Here are some of the most important trends in livestock health that are reshaping farming in Southern Africa.

Vaccination Programs: Your First Line of Defense

Tick-borne diseases like East Coast fever and anaplasmosis, along with viral threats like foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) and African swine fever (ASF), remain a constant concern. But thanks to vaccination programs spearheaded by governments across the SADC region, many farmers are better equipped to protect their herds from these debilitating diseases.

In Botswana, for instance, compulsory FMD vaccinations along the Zimbabwe and Namibia borders have saved countless herds from devastating losses. Dr. Thato Moeng, Botswana’s Chief Veterinary Officer, emphasizes the importance of these programs:

"We cannot afford to take chances. Vaccination is the most effective way to prevent disease outbreaks that could wipe out entire herds."

Parasite Control: Fighting Resistance with New Solutions

Ticks and worms are a constant headache for livestock farmers. Unfortunately, over-reliance on chemical dewormers has led to increased parasite resistance in many areas. That’s why Integrated Parasite Management (IPM) is gaining ground. This approach combines rotational grazing, targeted treatment, and the use of biologically based dewormers to keep parasite loads low without overusing chemicals.

In Namibia, adopting IPM practices has reduced parasite infestations by over 50%, leading to healthier animals and fewer losses.

Better Nutrition for Better Livestock

Good nutrition is essential for strong, healthy animals. One of the biggest trends in recent years is the increased use of silage—a fermented feed that provides livestock with high-energy food during the dry season when pasture is scarce. Countries like Zimbabwe and Zambia are seeing community-based silage production initiatives take off, giving farmers a reliable feed source year-round.

Dr. Maria Mpofu, an agricultural economist from Zimbabwe, explains:

"Silage production at the community level is revolutionizing livestock farming. Farmers can now ensure their animals are well-fed even during droughts, which improves growth rates and keeps mortality down."

Harnessing Technology to Stay Ahead

The rise of digital technology in farming has made managing livestock health easier than ever. Mobile apps like VetAfrica allow farmers to diagnose diseases by simply snapping a photo of their animals and receiving treatment advice directly from vets. It’s an invaluable tool for farmers in remote areas who might not have easy access to veterinary services.

Other innovations, like the Livestock Identification and Traceability Systems (LITS) being implemented in countries like South Africa and Namibia, help farmers keep track of their animals’ health records, monitor outbreaks, and ensure the safety of the food supply. These systems use ear tags and GPS technology to provide real-time data, making it easier to manage larger herds and ensure disease doesn’t spread undetected.

Tips for Young Farmers: Growing Your Herd Efficiently

For young people just starting in livestock farming, building up a herd or flock can feel overwhelming. But with the right strategies, it’s possible to grow your operation efficiently without breaking the bank.

Start Small, Dream Big

Don’t worry if you’re starting with just a few animals. The key is to focus on keeping your small herd healthy and productive before expanding. Choose hardy, disease-resistant breeds like Nguni cattle or Kalahari Red goats that can thrive with minimal intervention.

Use Technology to Your Advantage

In today’s digital age, technology is a game-changer for livestock management. By using digital herd management tools, farmers can easily track their animals’ health, feeding schedules, and reproductive cycles. These tools allow even new farmers to manage their herds efficiently, ensuring optimal animal health and productivity.

John Kgatla, a young farmer from South Africa, shares how he used digital tools to scale his herd:

"I started with just five goats and now have over 50. Using a digital management tool helps me keep track of everything, from vaccinations to feeding schedules. It’s like having a vet in my pocket!"

Invest in Health from the Start

Healthy animals grow faster and produce better meat or milk. Make sure you’re on top of your vaccinations, deworming schedule, and parasite control to prevent issues down the road. It might seem like an added cost, but investing in animal health early on will save you money in the long run.

Diversify Your Income

Livestock farming can be unpredictable, so consider diversifying your income streams. Look into processing your own dairy or meat products, or start growing crops alongside your livestock to make your operation more resilient.

Focus on Reproduction

The quickest way to grow your herd is through reproduction. Make sure your animals are well-fed, healthy, and have the right conditions to breed. Kalahari Red goats, for example, are known for their high reproductive rates, making them an excellent choice for farmers looking to expand quickly.

The Future of Livestock Farming in Southern Africa

There’s no doubt about it—the future of livestock farming in the SADC region is bright. With resilient breeds, new technologies, and innovative health solutions, farmers have more tools than ever to succeed. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer or just starting out with a handful of cattle or goats, now is the time to embrace these advances and grow your operation.

By staying on top of your herd’s health, investing in the right breeds, and using technology to your advantage, you can ensure a productive, sustainable future for your farm—and your family. The road ahead might have its challenges, but with the right approach, Southern Africa’s farmers are well-positioned to thrive.

Thanks for reading ❤