Goat Rearing And Food Security In Kusawgu In The Central Gonja District Of Northern Region

ABSTRACT  

Livestock production in Ghana contributes greatly to the total GDP and agricultural GDP respectively. Despite efforts to improve and increase goat production, most farmers, especially the rural households still keep local breeds and are faced with high infant mortality of kids, death of pregnant does, unplanned housing systems, improper feeding and management. These undoubtedly hinder farmers in Kusawgu to improving their stock for food security. It is thus important to study why despite the numerous contributions of livestock especially the domestic goat to the socio-economic importance and to food security is still low in Kusawgu. The specific objectives of the project are to: 1. To examine the traditional ways of goat rearing, to improve food security in Kusawgu. 2. To identify the factors limiting goat rearing, to improve food security in Kusawgu. 3. To identify and propose sustainable methods of goat rearing, to increase income, access and availability of food in Kusawgu. Literature reviewed indicated that goat keeping is profitable under consideration, the risk associated is less, and has the potential of boosting food security. A cross sectional designs of participatory rural appraisal and focus group discussions were adopted randomly for data collection. Descriptive analysis and narratives were employed to answer the objectives of the project. Goat keeping experience, keeping goat as a family security asset in times of difficulty, household size, and farmer‟s socioeconomic and sociocultural background had a significant relationship on the keeping of goat in the community for food security. Generally, policies at improving the local breed and proper interventions and management will immensely promote food security in the community.