Ecological character of the semiarid tropics of Northeast Brazil; A sociological description of goatherders; Present and improved production systems for meat goats in Northeast Brazil; Genetic resources and improvement programs; Improving the productivity of grazing lands in the semiarid tropics; Nutrient needs and improved feeding systems; Some factors affecting the reproduction of goats in the semiarid tropics; Herd health management of goats in the semiarid tropics; Some suggestions for improved productivity through management; Facilities for goat keeping; Product quality and marketing; Special requirements for dairy goat production in the semiarid tropics; Measuring the economic feasibility of new small ruminant technologies in Brazil; Effective communica-tion with the small prodecer; Recomendations for further research.