The community-based breeding program (CBBP) is an innovative approach recommended for genetic improvement and sus- tainable use of animal genetic resources in extensive farming systems. Successful implementation of this approach requires an understanding of the characteristics of production systems, breeding objectives, and farmers’ trait preference. This study aimed to identify the selection criteria of goat farmers in rural areas of Burkina Faso and their potential implications in establishing CBBP. Following focus group discussions, a structured questionnaire was designed and administered to 372 randomly selected goat farmers in two different agro-ecological zones. A list of traits obtained during focus group discus- sions was provided to farmers individually, and they were asked to rank the ones they preferentially use to select breeding animals. Statistical tests were conducted to compare data between the two agro-ecological zones. The results showed that the average goat flock per household was higher (P

Trait preferences Selection criteria Capra hircus