Goat population in Tunisia is around 1.5 million concentrated in the arid regions, mainly in the South. The local genotype (Arbi) is the most prevalent and kid meat is the main product from this breeding. Two breeding systems were identified: pastoral and agro-pastoral systems. The averages of fertility, fecundity and prolificacy were generally low (genetic characteristic of the breed) and varied between 86- 91%, 89-92% and 130-140% respectively. The lowest values were recorded for herds managed under pastoral systems. Kiddings are concentrated in autumn-winter. Goats are always associated with poorquality lands, with difficult access. Thus mortality of kids is often greater than 12% and the abortion rate usually exceeds 10%. The common feeding systems are grazing during the day and housing at night where supplementation with concentrate feeds is provided for lactating does. Nutrient productivity of pastoral rangelands varied between 30 and 60 UF/ha/year during favourable years (rainfall around 100 mm/year) and 10-20 UF/ha/year during dry years (rainfall < 50 mm/year). The aim of this study was to describe goat breeding systems in the South of Tunisia (Tataouine) under different climatic conditions and the possibility to ameliorate their productivity without detrimental effects on the environment.