Goat farming is a very important activity contributing to the social and economic development of northeastern (NE) Brazil. The objective of the present study was to characterize the goat farming production system in five of the nine states that constitute the Brazilian NE (Ceará, Paraíba, Piauí, Rio Grande do Norte, and Sergipe). Research was carried out in 230 rural properties located in 62 municipalities of the NE of Brazil, in regions exhibiting a productive arrangement and significant goat population density. An epidemiological questionnaire seeking information on economic, productive, and social aspects of owners/properties was supplied to all properties. The results described the goat farming system in the Brazilian NE as family and subsistence, directed towards domestic consumption and local commerce, and exhibiting a low technological level. The farmers' education level, investments, and technical assistance were all considered low, and thus insufficient or inadequate for a full development of the activity in the region. Therefore, such aspects are suggested to be taken into account in the planning of future goat farming development policies—particularly financing and technical assistance, better preparation of farmers, administrative aspects, forage production and conservation, and the implementation of actions towards reproductive and frequent disease control.