Synergizing Crop Farming and Goat Production in Ethiopia

Abstract

Smallholder farmers, who make up a significant part of the agricultural workforce in developing countries, often face ongoing challenges, such as low income, poor nutrition, and food insecurity. Traditional farming systems typically emphasize monocropping, which limits both resilience and diversification. The present study investigates the impact of integrating root crop cultivation with goat rearing on the livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Ethiopia. Integrating goats into traditional farming systems improves soil quality, as their manure acts as an organic fertilizer, boosting the nutrient content of root crops. While cassava, yams, and sweet potatoes are energy-rich in Ethiopia, they lack sufficient protein. Providing high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals is therefore essential for maintaining a balanced diet. Goat milk and meat can address seasonal food shortages and improve dietary diversity. Integrating goats with root crop farming diversifies agricultural production, provides alternative income streams, reduces dependency on a single crop, enhances resilience against climate variability, and market instability. Since goats can thrive on marginal land, farmers can optimize land use while maintaining crop yields. Sales from goats can help cover household expenses or be reinvested into farm operations, thus ensuring long-term profitability. Moreover, manure produced by goats enhances soil fertility and boosts root crop productivity, thereby increasing both yields and profit margins. The crop–livestock interaction fosters sustainable agriculture by reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers and improving soil health. In conclusion, the combination of goat husbandry with root crop farming provides a complementary strategy that can enhance food security, income, and resilience among smallholder farmers in Ethiopia.