By Seleoe Nonyane
Karabo Lijo started his goat milk production business in 2019 after discovering its incredible health benefits, which include alleviating eczema.
Lijo who resides at Koalabata in the Berea district, is a National University of Lesotho graduate who holds a BCom Accounting degree.
He says he made this discovery after his son was born with eczema. This meant the son could not feed on cow milk or formula milk.
At his wits’ end, he went out in search of solutions. He decided to try goat milk. He had an uncle who owned goats.
He noticed that the goat milk actually improved his son’s eczema with no side effects whatsoever. Also known as atopic dermatitis, eczema is a condition that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It is common in young children but can occur at any age. It is chronic and tends to flare sometimes. People with eczema are at risk of developing food allergies, hay fever and asthma.
Lijo has always been an agribusiness enthusiast outside his accounting career. He declared that there is life in farming, notwithstanding being in a different career.
“I wanted a Jersey cow for milk reproduction. However, my budget did not allow me to get one; also, finding it proved to be a job and a half.”
He was introduced to goat milk production after he had approached his farmer uncle who owned goats; he decided that his uncle was the right person to enhance his knowledge of farming.
“I figured he was someone who had a lot of knowledge when it comes to animals, so I talked to him. He opened my eyes to what I can confidently call a niche product, and I am very grateful for the entrepreneurship exposure despite my career as a registered accountant in Lesotho”, he acknowledged.
Since venturing into the goat milk production business, Lijo has seen some growth in his business despite the fact that it was stuttering in the beginning.
He has since been able to acquire 10 goats and is playing his part in curbing unemployment by employing one permanent employee and a part-time manager.
He does not work alone. Lijo has partnered with Topela Farmers to achieve one goal which is to serve the Basotho nation.
Asked what his plans for the future were, Lijo said that they have set their eyes on venturing into the diverse range of goat milk-based products such as yoghurt, cheese, fermented milk and goat milk powder.
The fresh milk product is available at Mofumahali oa Tlholo Hall, Delta Station and Koalabata. For goat milk orders he can be contacted at +266 5961 1854.
