Factors affecting the profitability from goat farming in Gulmi, Nepal

Abstract

Goats are an integral part of rural farm households from the early days of civilization. Goats are the most popular ruminant animal, which provides employment to women and young children. Survey research was conducted in Chatrakot Gaunpalika of Gulmi district to access the socio-economic factors of goat farming. The general objective of the research was to know the different goat farming practices and their contribution to household income. A total sample size of 120 were selected by using simple random sampling and 120 household surveys, 2 key informant interviews, and 4 focus group discussions were conducted to collect the information at household and community levels. The primary data were collected during Jan–Feb 2019 using a pretested questionnaire. All respondents were found integrated livestock farming and agriculture as a primary occupation for income. The average yearly income earned from goat farming was NRs.16, 540 (approx. US$141.5) per household, and goats were sold specially for meat purposes directly from the farm gate. Profitability in goat farming was found significantly associated positively with integrated feeding practices that include stall feeding and grazing (p = 0.03) in goat farming, training to farmers (p = 0.07), and demographic factors which include gender (p = 0.09), ethnic group (p = 0.09). The study pointed out that goat farming could be highly profitable under good availability of feeding materials, regular grazing, regular training about improved goat farming and scientific shed construction in the Gulmi district of Nepal and the productivity and contribution to livelihood can be improved by addressing different factors affecting goat farming practices.

Keywords

• goat business
• profitability
• grazing land
• food security