Role of Goat Rearingin Rural Poverty Alleviation A Study of Kalati Bhumidanda VDC in Kabhrepalanchok

Abstract

The research is based on primary data. It explores the possible ways for rural poverty alleviation. The aim of the study was to identify the current status of goat rearing, to analyze the level of income before and after improving goat management, to explore contribution of goat rearing in income generation and the last was to propose the appropriate model of goat rearing for rural poor. In this study, 47 households were selected from wards 3 and 9by using purposive sampling method. Out of the total 763 households, 6 percent goat keeping farmer households were selected. Among the total respondents 24 households of ward 3and 23 households of ward 9 were enumerated. Household survey, observation and interview and focused group discussion were the techniques of data collection.Data were presented mainly in tables and figures such as bar diagram and pie-chart. The study followed descriptive research design. This study explores the existing goat production system and present ways for its promotion. Breeding, feeding and management practices were found traditional.More than 70 percent of goat breeds were found unimproved. The adult and kid mortalities were found higher than national average. Respondents were unknown about drenching and deepings of goats. About 30 percent of female does died dueto distocia, and predator, accidental loss, poisoning, pneumonia, urine block were the other causes of death. The number of goats per household was almost double(6.53) compared to the national average herd size (3.98). Three year goat selling history indicated that as average each household earned Rs. 9615 annually from sale of goats. Stall feeding, tethering and grazing were the main feeding systems.About 80 percent of the farmers preference was for goat-rearing. The existence level of income before improvement and after improvement in rearing practices was presented in detail in the study. The area of improvement has been clearly highlighted. The Five-Goat Model projection has been presented in the study. It was found to be higher economic and sustainable for rural poor. The study has presented a set of recommendations for planning and management.It has also listed the possible areas for further research.