Small Ruminant Collaborative Research Support Program. Peasant Production in Northeast Brazil: The Case of Goat Production in Cariris Velhos, Paraiba

摘要

Peasant livestock production systems in two Municipios in the State of Paraiba, Soledade and Sao Joao de Carir, are examined in the report. The purposes of the study are to: identify the socio-economic role of goats within the structure and operation of existing peasant production systems; and to identify the problems and potentials of increased production and marketing of goats and goat dairy products. The focus of the study are the small semi-subsistence peasant producers. The report makes five recommendations including: that government sponsored goat research be directed to the development of technologies requiring little capital investment and which utilize locally produced materials; that research and extension agencies place emphasis on basic prophylactic measures which will show clear results in short periods of time; and that the state take on the responsibility of improving the access of peasants to land and water so that they may have the means to adopt new technologies.