Agriculture & Food, Volume 13, 2025

Abstract: In the context of changing climatic, economic, and social conditions, the sustainability of agricultural enterprises has become increasingly critical. Consequently, farm resilience has emerged as a key concern for agricultural sustainability. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of Saanen goat farming enterprises and their farmers that contribute to resilience, as perceived by the farmers themselves. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 38 Saanen goat farmers in Ayvacık, Çanakkale province, Turkey. The findings revealed that resilience in Saanen goat farming was predominantly associated with factors such as product diversification, preparedness for infectious diseases, and access to reliable labor. Furthermore, farmers’ perceptions of resilience were shaped by adaptive responses to challenges and their ability to overcome past difficulties. Farmers’ perceptions were influenced by a combination of farm characteristics, including climatic and economic conditions, as well as personal traits and social environments. The study underscores the importance of tailoring resilience-enhancing strategies to the specific characteristics of these farming systems. Emphasis should be placed on managing production risks, strengthening adaptive capacities, and fostering social support networks. These insights provide a foundation for developing targeted interventions to promote resilience and sustainability across diverse farming contexts.