One Welfare: Assessing the Effects of Drought and the COVID-19 Pandemic on Farmers’ Well-Being and Their Perception of Goats’ Welfare

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The combined effects of prolonged drought with the COVID-19 pandemic have led to challenges in goat production, affecting the sustainability of farming families and goat welfare. This study aimed to investigate the impacts of these factors at the farm level and on farmers’ well-being in the Coquimbo region of Chile. This study also assessed the relationship between farmers’ perceptions of their goats’ welfare and mental health indicators. Small-scale goat farmers were interviewed using a telephone survey. They were asked about information regarding their farm and the challenges resulting from exposure to drought and the COVID-19 pandemic. The survey also included Likert scales and a questionnaire aimed at comprehending farmers’ perceptions of these events and assessing their impacts. Nearly all farmers perceived disruptions in the food supply chain, a lack of water for their animals, and economic constraints. These factors had negative effects on goat productivity, animal health, and farmers’ mental health. We found that farmers who perceived their animals to be in a good state of welfare showed better mental health indicators and were more motivated to work with them. A close link between farmers’ well-being and animal welfare was identified. Mentally healthy farmers are more likely to be attentive and proactive toward their animals, contributing to better overall welfare and farm sustainability. ABSTRACT: Considering the interconnections between human well-being, animal welfare, and the environment, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of drought and the COVID-19 pandemic on small-scale goat farmers’ well-being and their perception of goats’ welfare following the One Welfare framework. Using a telephone survey, close-ended questions, and Likert scales, we assessed the impacts of drought and the COVID-19 pandemic on human well-being and animal welfare in the Coquimbo region of Chile. The DASS-21 questionnaire was used to evaluate farmers’ mental health. Goat farmers perceived the scarcity of water and food for animals as factors that negatively affected animal productivity and welfare and caused an increase in farmers’ stress levels. Farmers who had not been visited by a veterinarian showed higher levels of stress than those who received one visit during the year (M = 10 vs. 2, p = 0.025). Additionally, farmers who perceived better welfare of their animals showed lower levels of depression (r(s) = −0.17, p = 0.048), anxiety (r(s) = −0.21, p = 0.016), and stress (r(s) = −0.33, p < 0.001). These findings emphasize the importance of addressing farmers’ mental health and veterinary support as crucial aspects to ensure both goat welfare and farm productivity.