Student project: Goats for Water

[Sanhestar]

Great project. There have been similar project in the past, in Burundi (if I recall this correctly) and other places in Africa.

I also agree that you need to rethink your saddle design. You need something that will leave the spine protected - your pack panniers put direct pressure on the spine and will cause debilitating sores in no time. Especially keeping in mind that the body condition of animals in Third World countries is often less than desirable - meaning that they have less muscle mass and/or fat under the skin to protect bones.

I would rather go with designing easy to PULL equipment as every animal can pull more than it can carry. Here, too, make sure that you design the harness in a way that the animal doesn't get sore. You might contact SPANA in the UK for more pointers about what is available for people in the Sahel, they are a non-profit organisation, supporting pack and working animals and their owners in Third World countries. Letting goats pull small carts would also allow to use the significantly smaller goat breeds (which would not be of much use in carrying).

Research pack saddle design for horses, this is one of the oldest tools man has used and there are very ingenious designs that are still in use (the Tibetan yak saddle design is something that can be made from local woods and with local tools). Next are the leather pack saddles made in South America or pack saddles made from straw that are used in Marocco for donkeys.

All these designs can be adapted for goats.

Another thing: I live in Germany and would be williing to help you further with your project. Shorter ways of transport, you could also, should you be willing, come over and have a look at goat equipment.