Current condition of pure hair goat grazing in forest areas in Turkey: Constraints, possibilities and solutions

In this study, the pure hair goat (Capra hircus L.) in Turkey have been analyzed. Pure hair goat raising is an important means of subsistence for the villagers living in this district, providing them with income and food security. In accordance with the provisions of Forest Law No. 6831, the forest administration has prohibited the grazing of pure hair goats in these areas which are part of a public forest. Upon presenting the provisions of the said law as justification, lawsuits are being filed against villagers who graze pure hair goats, and those who are found guilty are fined and imprisoned. Furthermore, the forest administration is putting pressure on villagers to make them quit pure hair goat breeding. There are significant problems faced in utilizing forest resources in pure goat breeding Turkey. Therefore, the following interventions are proposed to ensure that the pure hair goat breeding system is productive, sustainable and stable: (1) The forest administration should allow villagers to use the forest resources and the forest areas should be classified as a separate business class entitled pure hair goat grazing class in the forest management plans, (2) Excessive and irregular grazing conducted by villagers should be stopped, (3) Grazing plans should be prepared according to the results of this research, (4) Pure hair goat breeders should be organized and the grazing program should be regulated by the organization of which these persons are members, (5) The forest administration should inspect whether grazing is performed in a sustainable manner.