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Sustainable Goat Farming in Southeastern Tunisia: Challenges and Opportunities for Profitability

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  • Rihab Day

    (Research Laboratory: Support for the Sustainability of Agricultural Production in the Northwestern Region, Higher School of Agriculture of Kef, University of Jendouba, Le Kef 7119, Tunisia)

  • Aziza Mohamed-Brahmi

    (Research Laboratory: Support for the Sustainability of Agricultural Production in the Northwestern Region, Higher School of Agriculture of Kef, University of Jendouba, Le Kef 7119, Tunisia)

  • Fatma Aribi

    (Laboratory of Rural Economy and Society (LESOR), Arid Regions Institute of Medenine (IRA), Djorf Road Km 22.5, Medenine 4119, Tunisia)

  • Mohamed Jaouad

    (Laboratory of Rural Economy and Society (LESOR), Arid Regions Institute of Medenine (IRA), Djorf Road Km 22.5, Medenine 4119, Tunisia)

Abstract

Goat farming represents a critical component of rural livelihoods, food security, and cultural heritage in southeastern Tunisia. This study adopts a multi-stakeholder approach to analyze the goat value chain in Tataouine, incorporating focus groups, semi-structured questionnaires, and direct observations with 80 farmers, 3 veterinarians, 13 butchers, and 100 consumers. The findings reveal strong local demand, with 72% of consumers purchasing goat meat and 66% consuming milk. However, significant inefficiencies exist, particularly a misalignment between production and market requirements: while 92% of butchers prefer fattened animals, only 16% of farmers engage in fattening practices. Women constitute 49% of dairy processors, yet face persistent resource constraints. Climate pressures exacerbate these challenges, with 80% of farmers reporting water scarcity and 93.8% observing pasture degradation. Three strategic interventions emerge as pivotal for sustainable development: targeted support for feed-efficient fattening techniques, establishment of women-led dairy processing collectives, and implementation of climate-resilient water management systems. These measures address core constraints while leveraging existing strengths of the production system. The study presents a transferable framework for livestock value chain analysis in arid regions, demonstrating how integrated approaches can enhance both economic viability and adaptive capacity while preserving traditional pastoral systems.

Suggested Citation

  • Rihab Day & Aziza Mohamed-Brahmi & Fatma Aribi & Mohamed Jaouad, 2025. "Sustainable Goat Farming in Southeastern Tunisia: Challenges and Opportunities for Profitability," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(8), pages 1-25, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:17:y:2025:i:8:p:3669-:d:1637534
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Blessing Gumindoga & Adaph T Chikaka, 2024. "Evaluating Buhera and Nkayi Goat Value Chains in Agroecological Zone V of Zimbabwe," International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science, International Journal of Research and Innovation in Applied Science (IJRIAS), vol. 9(6), pages 425-434, June.
    2. Carlo Pietrobelli & Federica Saliola, 2008. "Power relationships along the value chain: multinational firms, global buyers and performance of local suppliers," Cambridge Journal of Economics, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 32(6), pages 947-962, November.
    3. Xiaoyan Zhu & Guangyao Wang, 2024. "Impact of Agricultural Cooperatives on Farmers’ Collective Action: A Study Based on the Socio-Ecological System Framework," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-17, January.
    4. Francisco Benitez‐Altuna & Valentina C. Materia & Jos Bijman & Daniel Gaitán‐Cremaschi & Jacques Trienekens, 2024. "Farmer–buyer relationships and sustainable agricultural practices in the food supply chain: The case of vegetables in Chile," Agribusiness, John Wiley & Sons, Ltd., vol. 40(1), pages 3-30, January.
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