<p>Ethiopia possesses diverse indigenous goat populations that substantially contribute to household income, food security, and livelihood resilience. However, rapid demographic growth, market dynamics, and climate variability necessitate continuous evaluation of livestock production systems. This study assessed goat production and husbandry practices in four rural districts of the Gamo Zone, Southern Ethiopia, using a cross-sectional survey of 180 households complemented by focus group discussions and key informant interviews. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics in SAS software. Results revealed that goat production system was predominantly extensive (98.9%), with very limited stall feeding practiced for fattening male goats for marketing. Goats were provided with substandard housing facilities. Feeding strategies relied primarily on communal grazing areas (33%) and hillside grazing (32%), while non-conventional feeds such as local brewery by-products and fruit peels were rarely utilized (1%). Dry-season feed shortages were reported by 22.8% of respondents, who employ crop residue conservation, herd size reduction, seasonal mobility, and supplementary feed purchase as coping strategies. Although 98% of households reported access to veterinary services, provision was largely confined to government facilities with inconsistent drug supply. Major production constraints such as disease (25%), predation (17%), and poor infrastructure affecting market access (16%) were reported. The findings showed that the goat production system did not differ significantly across the study area; however, variations were observed in some husbandry practices, which may be associated with differences in agro-ecological conditions, resource availability, and management strategies. The study provides firsthand information to improve traditional husbandry practices, enhance the productivity of locally adaptive goats, and contribute to the development of a farmer-friendly breeding scheme.</p>