Aspects of goat farming in the communal farming systems of the central Eastern Cape, South Africa

A survey of small-scale goat farmers was conducted in two villages of the Nkonkobe region, in the central Eastern Cape. The aim of the study was to assess and document the prevailing goat production systems in the rural areas. Information obtained was mainly on flock sizes, reasons for keeping, breeding and management practices. A structured questionnaire, based on interviews of 52 respondents revealed variability in response among flock sizes (2–84), with goats mainly kept for slaughter during rituals. Daily milk yields for both villages ranged between 0.125 and 2.0 l per goat. In each village, only 20% kept their own bucks. There was a high incidence of goats bearing twins, and despite the high birth rate, mortality due to tick-borne diseases were high. Implications of the status quo in the communal farming system on goat milk production are outlined. © 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.