Goat aid sent to African farmers

Kyra Somerfield with Carmarthenshire Council's Mark James

A Carmarthenshire couple have reared a herd of goats which have been transported to struggling farmers in Africa.

Nick and Kyra Somerfield, from Crug-Las Farm near Bethlehem, are involved in a goat development programme run by the Farm Africa charity.

The scheme aims to match the characteristics of local goats with the improved yields of other breeds

Richard Ewbank, Farm Africa

The project currently helps farmers in southern Ethiopia and central Kenya.

"The animals make all the difference between life and death to a family over there," said Mrs Somerfield.

"No matter how badly off you are, there is always someone in a worse situation," she added.

Richard Ewbank, programmes director at Farm Africa, said the main strategy of its project was to use a cross-breeding programme to upgrade the quality of African animals.

"The scheme aims to match the characteristics of local goats, such as resistance to disease and adaptation to the conditions, with the improved yields of other breeds," said Mr Ewbank.

Income supplement

The increased yields are beneficial both for the development of children and also for business - in Kenya, goats milk retails for over double the price of cows milk.

He added goats were more appropriate to local farmers as cows needed a greater grazing area.

The Somerfields began their goat herd project on their west Wales farm as a way of supplementing their £4,000-a-year income.

"It is not that rewarding financially, but it is a very good scheme," said Mrs Somerfield.

Industry crisis

As well as selling the goats, Mrs Somerfield also spins the wool that the goats produce.

Mr Somerfield stressed it was very important to encourage farmers to diversify.

He said many had lost heart following a succession of recent crisis in the industry.

On a recent trip to the Somerfields' farm, Carmarthenshire council chief executive Mark James said the council was keen to support rural businesses across the area.

He added young people were vital to aiding the recovery in the farming industry and they must be provided with jobs, support and facilities.