🐐 Farmer’s Diary: Raising Livestock the Golden Grove Way
From Emmanue GATOYA, Founder – Golden Grove Avocados Farm, Rwanda
Every morning at Golden Grove begins with the same rhythm not the sound of machines or engines, but the soft bleating of goats, the gentle cluck of hens, and the fresh scent of dew on avocado leaves. It’s in these quiet, early hours that I’m reminded why I started this farm.
When people hear “Golden Grove,” they often think of our avocado orchards. But for me, the heart of the farm lies just beyond the trees in our livestock pastures, where we raise goats and chickens using methods passed down from elders, refined through experience, and guided by a deep respect for the land.
🐐 The Goats That Feed the Grove
Our goats aren’t just livestock they are partners in a larger ecosystem. Here in Rwanda, goats are a staple in rural households, but at Golden Grove, we’ve gone beyond traditional practices.
We breed small East African goats known for their hardiness, low feed requirements, and resistance to disease. Rather than keeping them in confined sheds, we allow them to graze rotationally on native grasses and legume patches planted between avocado rows. This keeps the soil fertile, reduces bush overgrowth, and minimizes feed costs.
Their manure is collected weekly and added to our compost system — a natural fertilizer for our avocado trees. This closes the nutrient loop and eliminates our reliance on chemicals.
🐓 Chickens: The Pest Control and Protein Source
Our chickens serve many roles. They are our insect control team, scratching through orchard beds and eating larvae that damage fruit. We raise local Kinyarwanda breeds for both meat and eggs, chosen for their ability to thrive in free-range conditions.
Instead of antibiotics and synthetic feed, we supplement their diet with kitchen scraps, insects, and homemade grain blends. Happy chickens mean healthier eggs which we sell locally and donate to nearby schools.
🔄 Sustainability as a System, Not a Buzzword
What we’ve built here isn’t a farm in isolation it’s a living system. Every animal, tree, and person plays a role. We’ve learned to observe nature’s cycles and work with them instead of against them. This includes:
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Rainwater harvesting for animal drinking troughs
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Herbal treatments for animal health instead of expensive medicines
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Low-cost goat shelters made from eucalyptus poles and banana fiber
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Training sessions with local youth on animal care and breeding
👣 Lessons from the Land
There were challenges, of course. Diseases, droughts, and financial uncertainty have all knocked on our door. But each challenge forced us to adapt, to listen more closely to the land, and to lead with knowledge, not shortcuts.
One of the most important lessons? You can’t rush growth. Whether it's avocados, goats, or people — the best results come with time, care, and commitment.
🌍 From Our Farm to Yours
If you're a farmer reading this, know that sustainable livestock farming doesn’t require expensive machines or imported breeds. It starts with observation, intention, and respect for what’s already around you. That’s the Golden Grove way and it’s a path open to anyone willing to walk it.
Stay tuned for the next diary entry I’ll be sharing how we manage breeding, keep track of animal health, and build resilience during dry seasons.
Until then, from our green grove in Rwanda to your farm… murakoze cyane (thank you very much).
Emmanuel GATOYA
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