Production perspectives of indigenous goats in sub-Saharan Africa: a review

Aim of study: The study aimed to critically discuss current meat goat production parameters, breeding technologies, marketing and support systems, and their importance in improving livelihoods in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Inevitably, households’ livelihood escape from poverty strategies is achievable through this ignored enterprise, and in this review that reality is exposed. Area of study: Goats can survive in most drought-prone areas within the region and utilize resources usually neglected by other large ruminants therefore, contributing to ecosystem stability. Material and Methods: Relevant publications were identified through keyword searches with Google, Google Scholar, Web of Science, Springer Link, ScienceDirect, and ResearchGate and reviewed focusing on interventions proposed and actuated within the goat industry. Results: Despite all the socioeconomic merits accrued by goat keeping, the industry remains the least developed. The traditional production systems have survival mechanisms; if supported, goat production would improve immensely in the next decade. However, this is premised on the farmer’s aptitude to reasonably propose production and productivity guidelines. It was observed that the main reasons for low productivity are related to the production system, misplaced breeding objectives, lack of both public and private support, preference of large ruminants, export-oriented production, and lack of regional markets. Research highlights: Transitioning from subsistence to commercial farming, a strategic necessity, is predicated on increasing productivity levels and smallholder market linkages simultaneously. Unless smallholder farmers increase their market participation, transition will remain stagnant, and their potential will be entangled.