Assessment of Goat Production and Management Practices in Rural Communities of Enugu State

This study assesses goat production and management practices in rural communities of Enugu State, South East Nigeria. Goats are among the most important small ruminants in Southeast Nigerian rural economies, serving as readily liquidated financial assets, protein sources, and cultural ceremonial animals. Despite their importance, production productivity is constrained by inadequate feeding, health management, and breeding practices. This study uses a descriptive survey design, collecting data from 180 goat-keeping households in Igbo-Eze North, Udi, and Oji River local government areas using structured questionnaires. Goat breed types, flock sizes, management systems, feeding practices, health challenges, reproduction rates, and marketing patterns are documented. Descriptive statistics and frequency distributions are applied. Findings reveal that sampled households keep an average of 9 goats per household, predominantly West African Dwarf and Red Sokoto crosses managed under extensive tethering systems with minimal supplementary feeding beyond household refuse and browse. Kid mortality from pneumonia and gastrointestinal parasitism averages 38 percent, significantly reducing flock productivity. Formal veterinary care is accessed by only 14 percent of goat-keeping households. Goats serve primarily as savings instruments sold during financial emergencies rather than as commercial production enterprises. The study concludes that goat productivity in Enugu State rural communities is substantially below potential and recommends integrated smallholder ruminant development programmes that address health management, nutrition, and market access as co-equal priorities.

Keywords: goat production, management practices, Enugu State, West African Dwarf, small ruminants.