Analysis of Goat Farming as a Livelihood Strategy in Zamfara State

Small ruminant farming, particularly goat production, is a critical livelihood activity for rural households in the semi-arid North West geopolitical zone of Nigeria, providing a savings buffer, a source of income during emergencies, and a dietary protein source. In Zamfara State, goat farming is practiced widely but tends to be managed informally without structured enterprise planning. This study analyses goat farming as a livelihood strategy among farming households in Zamfara State. A sample of 115 goat-keeping households was selected through random sampling from three local government areas. Data on herd size, mortality rates, management practices, annual offtake, and income from goat sales were collected through structured interviews. Descriptive statistics and livelihood framework analysis were used. Results indicate that the average household maintained a herd of 14 goats, with an annual cash income from sales of approximately N48,000. Reproduction rates and herd growth were constrained by high kid mortality attributable to poor colostrum management and inadequate vaccination against contagious caprine pleuropneumonia. Females constituted the majority of the productive herd, but male kid sales at festivals and ceremonies were the dominant source of sales income. Less than 20 percent of households maintained records of goat births, sales, or health interventions. The study recommends community-based animal health worker training programmes in Zamfara State and simplified herd record-keeping tools to strengthen the management of goat enterprises as household livelihood assets. Keywords: goat farming, livelihood strategy, Zamfara State, small ruminants, herd management