Tokozwayo, 2025 Vol 18 (1)Socioeconomic research is crucial for assessing a community’s current state and guiding its development initiatives. The study aimed at assessing the socioeconomic status of Zwartwater communal farmers in Dordrecht, Emalahleni Local Municipality, Eastern Cape Province. A total of eight-five (85) communal farmers (i.e. livestock owners) were purposively selected and interviewed using semi-structured questionnaires. The results showed that most of respondents were males (54%) compared to females (46%). Additionally, the results revealed that majority of most farmers 53% had reached the primary school (53%) and 46% relied on both government’s social support (46%) and livestock sales (42.35%). Livestock comprised sheep (72%), cattle (16%) and goats (11%). Zwartwater farmers kept livestock to generating income through wool fibre sales (44%) and sales of live animals (23%). Zwartwater livestock farmers were practicingTokozwayo, 2025 Vol 18 (1) farming mainly producing wool fibre sales (µ=4.75) and meat consumption (µ = 3.34). Stock theft (55%) and livestock diseases (25%) were the most reported constraints faced by farmers. In conclusion, livestock farming in the Eastern Cape is predominantly male dominated, with females playing a lesser role. Low level of education among farmers may hinder the adoption of new technologies aimed at improving livestock productivity and combating constraints faced by farmers. Addressing these constraints requires robust government policies and creating an enabling environment for agricultural development.