Socio-Economic Determinants of Sojat Goat Keepers in Pali District of Western Rajasthan

Abstract

Goat rearing represents a critical livelihood strategy among marginalised rural communities. The present study assessed the socio-economic status of Sojat goat-rearing households across eight villages in two tehsils, Marwar Junction and Sojat, in Pali district of western Rajasthan. A total of 120 respondents were selected using a random sampling technique. Interview data were collected using a pre-tested, structured interview schedule. The findings revealed that the farming community was predominantly Hindu (95%), with the majority belonging to the Most Backward Classes (MBC; 81.7%), followed by Scheduled Castes (SC; 12.5%) and Other Backward Classes (OBC; 5.8%). The average age of the respondents was 49.54 years, indicating that goat rearing was primarily undertaken by the middle-aged group. The study revealed that the majority of goat keepers adopted an integrated farming system combining agriculture and goat rearing (67.5%), while 32.5% depended solely on goat rearing. Educational attainment was dominated by secondary education (41.67%), while 13.33% of respondents were illiterate. The socio-personal profile indicated a predominance of nuclear families (66.67%), Pakka housing (59.17%), and land ownership (85.83%). Regarding livestock management practices, grazing for 5–7 hours per day was the most common pattern (63.33%), with 80% of farmers relying on community land for grazing. The findings revealed that goat keepers were dependent on common village grazing resources. None of the farmers reported migration, indicating that goat farming was a year-round livelihood sustained within the local community. The present study emphasises capacity building, improved health care practices, and strengthened marketing to improve livelihoods and build the economic resilience of marginalised farming communities.