Socio-economic Aspects of Goat Production in a Rural Agro-pastoral System of Uganda

Charles Byaruhanga,James Oluka,Stephen Olinga

doi:10.13189/ujar.2015.030604

Charles Byaruhanga, James Oluka + Show 1 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.13189/ujar.2015.030604

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Abstract

A study was conducted to document the socio-economic aspects of goat production in Teso region, Uganda. Data was collected by using a questionnaire administered to 114 purposively selected goat owners. Majority (87%) of de fecto household heads were male. About 41.2% of the farmers were aged ≥51 years. The average number of goats per household was 9.2 (range 3-31). Most farmers (63.2%) owned ≤5 acres of land. Indigenous goats were mainly acquired by buying (85%) while exotic goats and their crosses were acquired from government programs (34%). Goats have a number of roles, though mainly kept as a source of cash income (98.2%), followed by socio-cultural values (69.3%). A large percentage of farmers (67%) earned ≤US $40 p.a from goat production. The biggest problem in marketing of goats was high taxation. Majority of goat owners were men (84.86%) but a few cases (average 15.14%) of women that owned goats independently were also reported. Women and children participated less in decision making, although they were responsible for many goat production related activities. In conclusion, goat production can play an important role in improving rural livelihoods. Commercialisation, especially targeting women and youths would be desirable for improved profitability of smallholder production systems.

Highlights

Goats are important in resource-poor communities because they provide tangible benefits such as cash income from animal sales, meat for home consumption, manure, skins, and fiber [1,2]
Results of the present study indicate that the production system in Teso region is mainly smallholder of mixed crop and livestock
Goat production provides a number of socio-economic benefits which can improve on the livelihoods of communities

Summary

Introduction

Goats are important in resource-poor communities because they provide tangible benefits such as cash income from animal sales, meat for home consumption, manure, skins, and fiber [1,2]. They are a source of intangible benefits, e.g. savings, insurance, and for socio-cultural purposes [3,4]. In. Uganda, the population of goats is estimated at about 14.6 million, of which about 90% are indigenous [6]. The goat population has increased by 14% over the last six years. The major indigenous goat breeds in Uganda include: Mubende, Kigezi, and Small East African (SEA). In order to improve on the productivity of goats, farmers in Uganda have adapted exotic goats such as Boer and Toggenberg and their crosses with indigenous breeds [2]

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