THE ROLE OF GOAT FARMING IN PROMOTING SUSTAINABLE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT IN GOKWE SOUTH DISTRICT, ZIMBABWE.

Abstract

This study quantitatively examined the role of goat farming in promoting sustainable agribusiness development in Gokwe South District, Zimbabwe, with specific focus on household income generation, food and nutrition security, and agribusiness sustainability. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, and primary data were collected using structured questionnaires administered to 100 goat farmers, while supplementary data were obtained from 10 veterinary officers and 10 Ministry of Agriculture officials. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequencies, percentages, means, and tables. The results indicate that 78% of respondents identified goat farming as a major source of household income, with an average contribution of 35–45% to annual household earnings. In terms of food and nutrition security, 69% of households reported regular consumption of goat meat, while 74% acknowledged improved dietary diversity due to goat production. Regarding sustainability, 82% of farmers preferred goat farming over other livestock enterprises due to its low production costs and high tolerance to drought conditions. However, the study also revealed constraints affecting productivity and commercialization, including limited access to veterinary services (63%), inadequate market information (71%), and low levels of value addition (76%). The study concludes that goat farming has a statistically significant and positive contribution to sustainable agribusiness development in Gokwe South District. It recommends increased investment in veterinary infrastructure, market linkages, farmer training, and value addition initiatives to enhance the economic and nutritional outcomes of goat farming.