Beef cattle production and management
Practical Action
Chapter Seven - Marketing of beef and beef products in Mbire District
Introduction
Livestock and livestock products play a significant role in the economy of Zimbabwe. Cattle are
the main livestock and contribute approximately 35-38% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
generated from agriculture in Zimbabwe (MLA, 1999). Foreign currency is also received through
exports of beef and hides and skins of different livestock species. The export revenue mainly
comes from the large-scale commercial farming sector.
Sales of livestock and livestock products are an important source of farm income and make a
valuable contribution to foreign currency earnings for the country. The value of the livestock
sector, excluding wildlife, is estimated at US$2.57 billion and export earnings have the
potential to exceed US$130 million (LADAC, 2005). The livestock sector is ranked third in the
agricultural sector of Zimbabwe, after tobacco and cotton.
Given the right market incentives, subsistence cattle production will move toa more commercial
orientation, with better management of crop livestock systems resulting in higher production
and off take rates in marginalised communities like Mbire District.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the session participants should appreciate:
Market chains available in their district
Roles played by various actors and business development services in the market chain
Existing opportunities for commercialisation of beef cattle prod uction in Mbire District.
Method:
Group discussions
Tools:
Flip charts and markers
Time:
45 minutes
Given the right market incentives, subsistence cattle production will become commercial
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