The goat resources of Africa: Origin, distribution and contribution to the national economies

Sub-Saharan Africa is home to an estimated 147 million goats representing about 80 indigenous breeds or strains distributed across all agro-ecological zones and ruminant livestock production systems. Goats are particularly important in marginal agricultural land, especially in arid and semi-arid areas which, together, hold 64% of the goat population. Goats play a significant role in the nutrition and overall livelihoods of poor rural households where they are also primarily the property of women. Sub-Saharan Africa is home to an estimated 147 million goats representing about 80 indigenous breeds or strains distributed across all agro-ecological zones and ruminant livestock production systems. Goats are particularly important in marginal agricultural land, especially in arid and semi-arid areas which, together, hold 64% of the goat population. Goats play a significant role in the nutrition and overall livelihoods of poor rural households where they are also primarily the property of women principally used for family emergencies.. Indigenous goat breeds/strains are adapted to the diverse local production circumstances and are able to thrive with minimum inputs. This paper summarises the origins of the African goat and the present day distribution and discusses the contribution of goats to national economies. The paper identifies systematic characterization of African goat breeds as an area needing attention as does Development of genetic improvement programmes, including; recording systems appropriate for smallholder situations.