Role of goats in food security, poverty alleviation and prosperity with special reference to Sub-Saharan Africa: A review

Abstract

The paper focuses on the potential for goats to reduce poverty in Sub-Saharan Africa. It offers information on the present status of goat populations and their productivity. The current systems of production are described. The social and economic roles played by goats in food security and income generation are considered. The potential of goats in food production is discussed in terms of productivity, economic importance and potential for increasing food production in Sub-Saharan Africa. The rising demand for animal products from increasingly wealthy urban elites also offers a tremendous opportunity for goat farmers to share in the growing wealth of urban centres.