Spearheading Development through Empowering Smallholder Farmers along Beef Cattle Value Chains: a Case of Goromonzi and Murehwa Districts, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Smallholder beef subsector can potentially contribute to the nation’s development. The paper presents the results of the value chain analysis of the beef sub sector in Zimbabwe. Data was gathered through cross sectional household survey of 380 beef farmers, six community focus group discussions, key informant interviews and interviews of value chain actors. Empirical results showed that profitability of beef marketing by farmers is constrained by low productivity caused by longer calving intervals, poor animal husbandry practices and lack of market information .Three existing beef cattle value chains were identified. A total of 91% of the producers sold cattle to the informal livestock market and only 9% through formal market. Body condition, health of animal and age were reported as major factors used in setting cattle prices. The study recommends setting up breeding programs, improved husbandry practices, improving farmer access to market information and collective action among farmers.