One on One with Kushata Moesi
While agriculture remains a male-dominated industry, a generation of daring women have already joined the sector and, if you ask us, chances are that most of Botswana’s food will soon be produced by courageous women like Kushatha Moesi.
Summarise your business:
I’m a small stock farmer currently breeding for goat meat. I’ve been using an exceptional Commercial Boer Goat Ram on Tswana Goat Ewes. I haven’t been in the business for long but so far things are going better than expected.
Why does it suit you?
I used to breed rabbits and quails and so I decided to challenge myself by breeding larger animals. I am quite patient with animals, I love them and everything about breeding excites me.
Where did you get the idea from?
Goat meat is ridiculously expensive in stores & sometimes it’s not so easy to find. So I thought I could make it easier for meat lovers to get it in larger quantities at a reasonable price. Also, I realized that most people don’t eat beef and so they need an alternative, other than chicken.
How did you get started? Did it take much investment?
My father had many goats that he kept for household consumption. However, most of these goats were starting to grow old and eventually die. It was such a waste! That’s when I decided to sell them all off and use the money to get new breeding stock, so no, I didn’t have to spend much to replace the goats and start all over.
How did you find and grow your customer base?
At first, I thought supplying butcheries would be the answer, until I realised what a loss I would be making. Reason being that their rates just do not make the cut. So I have been selling to individuals.
Word of mouth has worked really well for me, surprisingly! One would think social media does the trick but it was a different case this time around for this specific product. The customers were always happy with the quality of the product, they felt they were really getting value for their money & that’s what keeps them coming back for more.
What skills do you need for the job?
Background in small stock production, obviously… however, I don’t have that. I’ve been using the knowledge I’ve gained from researching and observing other farmers’ practices. I guess I’m learning from experience as I go.
Passion also plays a big role when breeding animals, being able to provide them with all the essentials they need and well on time. This guarantees a proper product and prevents loss of money.
What’s been your biggest challenge so far? How did you overcome it?
The farm is quite far, it’s just after Mmashoro, before Mokubilo…which means I’m not there most of the time and therefore I have to rely on the caretakers to help me with the animals. Also, because I’m still in school, I cant go to the farm as much as I need to. But that doesn’t stop me from doing well. When I do get time, I make the most out of it.
Where do you see the business in five years’ time?
In five years time, or less, the operation will be fully self sustainable. I’d like to see more people breeding with quality breeds, this would mean supplying breeding stock, not necessarily stud animals because I believe there are excellent commercials that can do the job too and produce the same results. I find sheep to be a bit demanding, however, it wouldn’t hurt to try them too!
What do you do when you’re not working?
I’m always working! I’m a final year BA (Hons) in Event Management student at Limkokwing University & I also own Speckled Egg Farm & Events. If its not the farm, it’s school or the office.
Who inspires you and your business?
Definitely my parents. My father works full time but still manages to give his farm so much attention.That man makes sure everything runs smooth at all times. My mother is the most business minded person I know, she doesn’t rest 😅
I guess I get my traits from both of them. I know and see quite a few other women in Botswana doing amazing work, how can I possibly not be inspired?
Any advice for those who want to venture into agribusiness especially with a ground breaking product
Passion, Persistence & Humility go a long way. Listen to understand and be open to learn from everyone.
This article is part of a series of stories that were done by Rocky Gofamodimo to pay tribute to women in agriculture and food production.
