Farmers’ perceptions of climate change and its implication on livestock production in mixed-farming system areas of Bale highlands, Southeast Ethiopia; Challenges and extents of Soil and Water Conservation measures in Guba-Lafto Woreda of North Wollo, Ethiopia; Evaluation of milk production performance of lactating Fogera cows fed with urea and effective micro-organisms treated rice straw as basal diet.

E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development

E3 Journal of Agricultural Research and Development Vol. 3 (3) pp. 026-034, May 2013; © E3 Journals; ISSN 2276-9897


Why not commercial goat production? exploring rural communities’ preference for livestock enterprises. case of matsai communal area, Zimbabwe

Joseph P. Musara 1 * , Joseph Chimvuramahwe 1 , Vincent Munyati 1 , Rennias Chivheya 1 , Liboster Mwadzingeni 1
1 Bindura University of Science Education. P. Bag 1020. Bindura. Zimbabwe
*Corresponding Author E-mail: jmusara@gmail.com
Accepted 24 April 2013

Abstract

This study focuses on understanding preferences of smallholder farmers in the context of livestock enterprises. This was guided by the key question as to what the challenges and potentials of smallholder goat production in Matsai Communal Area are. Structured questionnaires, Focus Group Discussions and observations were employed for data collection. Stratified purposive sampling was used to select 90 households from six goat producing villages. The stratum was social caste. Farmers preferred cattle and broiler production to commercial goat production. Goats were valued for consumption, traditional and marriage uses and as gifts to respected society members. Although farmers own large herds of cattle, the importance of goats as a vehicle for agricultural development was compromised by lack of direct institutional and financial support structures. Structures that influence change in mindset from subsistence to commercial goat farming are necessary. Stakeholders need to employ an integrated approach to providing for shortcomings of the current system. This can be achieved by constructing a goat innovation platform which is inclusive of all socio-economic and political divides. Favourable pricing structure is vital to incentivise commercial goat production. This can take the form of goat schemes, training as well and contractual arrangements.

Keywords: Commercial, goat, preferences, communal, farmers, livelihood

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