A survey on goat production in a semi-arid smallholder farming area situated in the north of Zimbabwe

A survey was carried out to evaluate goat production in a crop-livestock farming area in the north of Zimbabwe. The objectives of the study were to determine goat production systems and productivity. Qualitative information was obtained using participatory rural appraisal techniques (PRA) while quantitative data was obtained through administration of a structured questionnaire to 317 households. The major finding of the survey indicated that the predominant goat breed found was the “small” indigenous Mashona goat. The goats were reared exclusively through extensive foraging during the dry season but were herded, tethered or a combination was used during the cropping season. Flock sizes were small, averaging 12 goats/household resulting in few goats available for sale or slaughter. All goat sales were informal. Ninety one percent of farmers indicated interest in cross breeding Mashona does with Boer bucks to improve the size of the Mashona.

An appraisal of goat production in a small-holder rural farming area of Zimbabwe.