Tra erbe e arbusti: la monocoltura ovina e la tenace resistenza del pastoralismo caprino in Sardegna

Carlo Maxia

2024-01-01

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Abstract

The paper examines the complex relationship between sheep and goat farming in Sardinia, focusing on the historical, cultural and socio-economic differences between the two pastoral practices. The history of goat pastoralism is analysed from its origins in the Neolithic to the present day, highlighting the crucial role of the goat in adapting to different environments and climates. It highlights how goat farming, although marginalised in comparison to sheep farming, has maintained a significant role in difficult and poor regions. The paper also addresses historical prejudices against the goat and its breeders, which are often associated with poverty and backwardness, in contrast to sheep farming, which is considered more compatible with agricultural development. Finally, it discusses the impact of modernisation and rationalisation of breeding techniques, which have contributed to a profound transformation of traditional pastoralism in Sardinia