Assessment of Goat Production and Marketing System in Ofa Woreda Wolaita Zone, Southern Nations Nationalities People of Region (SNNPR), Ethiopia

Abstract

The study was conducted in Ofa Woreda, Wolaita Zone, SNNPR with the objective of assessing goat production and marketing system with 173 samples household were randomly selected. Both primary and secondary sources of data were used by using self-administered questionnaires and it was analyzed using descriptive statistics. Such as frequencies, means and percentage then results were presented in tables. In this study 78.7% of respondents were male house hold headed, 22.3% of the respondents were female house hold headed. In this area the farmers have got goat from governmental organization of Agricultural office of the district, and private by buying and selling from local market. The main purpose of keeping goat in the study area for income generating, saving, milk and manure. All of the respondents raise goat in mixed farming system with crops. The dominant feeding sources were natural grazing, non-conventional feed and industrial by products. Marketing issues considered color, height, body size stage of pregnancy and age were used for buying and selling goat production were the major means of livelihood for the farmers in the area. However, the production problems in the study area were disease poor quality of goat varieties. Lack of credit services, shortage of food for goats, extension services, grazing land, and poor of market information and markets availability. But in the area, there are opportunities that were increased market access, Credit services, seasonal availability of feed and water access better weather condition, demand of products and extension service. Therefore, in order to improve Goat production and minimize constraints by training of farmers engaged in the sectors if important. It is recommended improve farmers management practice through training crate awareness.