Socio-economic aspects of goat farming enterprise in Teso region, Uganda

Abstract

A study was conducted to document the socio-economic aspects of goat production in Teso sub- region of Uganda. Data were collected by using a questionnaire administered to 114 purposively selected goat owners in five districts. Majority (87%) of de fecto household heads were male. About 41.2% of the farmers were aged 51 years and more. The average number of goats per household was 9.2 ± 6.38. Most farmers (63.2%) owned five or less 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 regular cash income (98.2%), followed by socio-cultural values (69.3%). A large percentage of farmers (67%) earned UShs 150,000 or less 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 plays an important role in improving the livelihoods of the Teso communities. There is need to encourage and develop the participation of women and youths in the goat production and marketing sector, and promote commercialisation so that farmers can increase their present holdings for improved profitability.