Universal Journal of Agricultural Research Vol. 3(6), pp. 203 - 210
DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2015.030604
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Socio-economic Aspects of Goat Production in a Rural Agro-pastoral System of Uganda

Charles Byaruhanga ^1,*, James Oluka ², Stephen Olinga ^1
1 Nabuin Zonal Agricultural Research and Development Institute, National Agricultural Research Organisation, Uganda
² National Livestock Resources Research Institute, Uganda

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.

KEYWORDS
Goat Production, Income, Livelihood, Marketing, Teso

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Charles Byaruhanga , James Oluka , Stephen Olinga , "Socio-economic Aspects of Goat Production in a Rural Agro-pastoral System of Uganda," Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, Vol. 3, No. 6, pp. 203 - 210, 2015. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2015.030604.

(b). APA Format:
Charles Byaruhanga , James Oluka , Stephen Olinga (2015). Socio-economic Aspects of Goat Production in a Rural Agro-pastoral System of Uganda. Universal Journal of Agricultural Research, 3(6), 203 - 210. DOI: 10.13189/ujar.2015.030604.