Family Farming Knowledge Platform

Goat production systems in a mountainous community of the Middle Atlas, Morocco

A survey of 70 goat herders from Aït Bazza rural commune in the eastern part of the Middle Atlas Mountains has been carried out. Its aim was to characterize goat production systems. The survey was part of a research-development study on meat goats. Using a purposive sampling framework, all 11 douars (villages) of the commune were covered. The number of selected respondents within each douar was based on accessibility and availability of herders. The survey instrument focused on the main aspects of goat production. Results show that goats are raised in mixed herds with sheep and contribute significantly to farm income. Husbandry practices regarding reproduction, feeding and health care are described. Marketing behaviour of herders is examined. Farm-household needs for cash represent the most important reason for selling goats. Goat milk and hair are destined to household consumption. Family members supply the labour required for goat herding in most goat farms surveyed. Main constraints reported by herders include the high rates of abortion and mortality of the young. To conclude, it is argued that current practices embrace significant improvements in comparison with past practice but they still need further improvements.

Title of publication: Options Méditerranéennes : Série A. Séminaires Méditerranéens
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Issue: 100
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Page range: 199-203
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Author: F. Nassif
Other authors: B. El Amiri
Organization: International Centre for Advanced Mediterranean Agronomic Studies (CIHEAM)
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Year: 2011
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Country/ies: Morocco
Geographical coverage: Near East and North Africa
Type: Journal article
Content language: English
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