A New Vision: Development Center and Goat Farm

Not far from the famed Ngorogoro Crater, one of the premier safari stops, and down the road from the tourist resort called The Farmhouse, lies a 40 acre plot of land.  It lies uselues... for now.

Imagine…  Sheds built by community members will house goats in one corner of the land.  These sheds will serve as models for families waiting to receive their goat.  They will learn what is needed to build a proper structure.  The goats will be raised in a controlled environment under the care of a skilled veterinarian.  Breeding the goats onsite will eliminate travel time needed to purchase goats suitable for program recipients.  FFHC is introducing a pure hybrid dairy goat that is capable of producing twins and 1 1/2 liters of milk each day when properly taken care of.  The goat farm will serve as a model for others to learn from.     

Imagine… part of the land cultivated for farm land where food for the goats will be grown.  Those who work the land at the farm will be taught modern farming practices by the agriculture specialist which will improve crop production and reduce harm to the environment.  This knowledge they will be able to take back to their personal farms. 

Imagine… a guest house containing where visiting missionaries can stay in the midst of the action.  FFHC offices will also be located here so program leaders will have a home base.  

Imagine… a building with large meeting rooms where people from different villages and of differing faith backgrounds could gather together to learn about basic veterinary care and breeding for their goats and attend bible studies to hear about Jesus, maybe for the first time. 

Imagine…  another building housing a a dairy processing plant where families can come to learn new ways to use the milk they are getting from their goats such as cheese, yogurt, and soap.  These items would also be for sale to the passing tourists- chai tea made with goat milk is delicious! 

Imagine… a gift shope where place where villagers could come to sell their handmade products such as pottery, jewelry, baskets, mats, shoes, and other items. 

These are just a few dreams FFHC leadership have been dreaming for the last year and a half.  Many of these things are happening on a smaller scale right now.  The location of the proposed land is in a location central to all of the project sites and will allow for trainings and modeling to be available to a larger number of people.  The idea was met with applause in meetings with local leaders and program recipients alike during a November 2011 trip.  Tired faces perked up, ideas began to flow.  A perfect solution for some of the challenges that are being faced.  

God has already put things in motion to make this dream a reality.  Watch for updates and ways that you can be involved!