Goats are the most important small ruminants produced and consumed in Indonesia, in particular in some parts of Eastern Indonesia. They play an important economic and socio-cultural role in the lives of many small holders. This article presents a broad picture of the goat sector in Indonesia. Using recent literature as the main source of information, the article presents a review of the main breeds of goats found in Indonesia; their population levels in Indonesia and changes over time; their socio-economic role in smallholder households; their most common management and production systems and the challenges and obstacles for better production of goats. The article concludes with a number of potential strategies to encourage, facilitate and improve the production of goats by smallholders in Indonesia.

All photographic images on this site were taken by the Collins Higgins Consulting teams during the EI-ADO project activities. Reproduction should note their source as Collins Higgins Consulting.