Limiting factors of beef goat and sheep farming in the city of Chapadinha, MA in the perception of farmers

Abstract

Goat and sheep farming is a common activity on most rural properties in Brazil, where it is developed empirically and extensively, with low technological levels and zootechnical indexes. This work try was to understand the reality of goat and sheep farming in the city of Chapadinha, MA, and to identify its limiting factors from the farmers’ point of view. The study was carried out by applying a semi-structured questionnaire to 25 producers, according to the Snowball methodological technique. According to producers, the main factors limiting the activity are the lack of capital to invest, deficient food and the shortage of public incentives. Of the producers interviewed, 48% receive technical assistance, however, it is not carried out efficiently. Despite the little importance given by producers, this item can be the real catalyst for the development of the activity. Food was cited as the main component to be prioritized if producers had access to credits, followed by the acquisition of animals and facilities. The income of these producers came mainly from a set of agricultural activities combined with some public benefit. The administration of the properties was mainly carried out by the producers, however, around 40% of them did not live on the property, where they only made visits. The distorted perception of producers regarding the determining factors for the production of goat and sheep meat tends to be the main obstacle to the development of this activity in the city of Chapadinha, MA.