Socio-personal and Economic Determinants of Knowledge and Adoption Levels among Goat Keepers in Middle Gujarat, India

Abstract

Goat husbandry plays a pivotal role in supporting livelihood and economic security for rural landless, marginal, and small farmers. This study evaluates the socio-personal and economic determinants governing knowledge and adoption levels of standard goat management practices among 240 goat keepers selected across Dahod and Kheda districts of middle Gujarat. Empirical analysis revealed that the majority of goat keepers were middle-aged (64.58%) and had primary-level education (52.50%). Dahod district showed significantly higher knowledge and adoption levels than Kheda district, which exhibited low adoption rates owing to structural constraints and a higher proportion of landless labourers. Socio-economic analysis indicates that goat rearing remains highly viable for marginal and smallholders, yielding positive Benefit-Cost (B:C) ratios of 1.43 and 1.13, respectively, whereas landless keepers had a B:C ratio of 0.71. Correlation and multiple regression analyses indicate that landholding, extension contact, and mass media exposure are highly significant predictors of both knowledge acquisition and technology adoption, whereas larger flock sizes managed under purely extensive grazing are negatively correlated with the implementation of advanced practices. Strategic policy interventions emphasising technical guidance, veterinary services, and formal market linkages are recommended to improve livelihood outcomes.