Abstract

Goat (Capra hircus) is one of the important sources of rural economy in Nepal. As various programs are aiming to enhance livelihood of rural denizens through goat promotion, it is therefore crucial to understand socio-economic determinants on decision to raise goats by rural households. So, this study was carried out in two, out of seven, local administrative units (Wards) of Marin rural municipality, Sindhuli using three stage sampling technique. A household survey using pretested questionnaire was administered to a randomly selected sample of 100 respondents of which 59% were females and 41% were males. Multiple linear regression analysis using Stata was performed to ascertain socio-economic determinants (sex, education, income, household size, farming experience (years), membership of saving and credit institution, off-farm activities involvement and land size) of goat raising. Results showed that household size had a positively significant relation (p<0.05) whereas farming experience (years) and off-farm activities involvement had a negatively significant relation (p<0.05) on goat raising. Rest of the factors had either positive (education, income and membership of saving and credit institution) or negative (sex and land size) relations but were all statistically insignificant (p>0.05). The study suggests that the result should be considered by any authorities that aim for goat promotion among rural farmers.

Key words: Goat, multiple linear regression, rural household, socio-economic determinants.