Abstract

This study investigated household vulnerability and small ruminant benefits in the transitional zone of Ghana. The dimensions of vulnerability considered were the sex and socio-economic status of the household head, and household morbidity and mortality. Data was collected from 11 key informants, four focus groups, 113 census households, 60 survey households and 10 case study households. Sex of the household head did not significantly affect small ruminant offtake but the trend was for more sheep offtake in male-headed households than female-headed households. Tangible sales and intangible savings and security benefits were of primary importance to all households. Socio-economic status of the household head significantly influenced the sale and slaughter of goats for consumption (P < 0.05). Goat rearing was more market oriented than sheep rearing. More vulnerable households relied on goat sales for income compared to their counterparts. Households did not meet all their expectations in benefits due to small flock sizes, accidents, diseases and theft. Small ruminants were easy to sell but prices fluctuated. It is recommended that ongoing and new small ruminant programmes by governmental and non-governmental organisations to provide stock for the vulnerable should focus on goats and consider management and marketing needs of farmers.

Key words: Benefits, goat rearing, headship, offtake, poverty, socio-economic status.