Goat marketing challenges for smallholder communal farmers

The case of Beitbridge, Matabeleland South Province, Zimbabwe

Abstract

Goats play a crucial role in the lives of rural farmers, particularly in semi-arid regions of Zimbabwe mainly because of their adaptability to arid conditions. More than ninety percent of smallholder farmers own goats and maintain stocks of goats for both household meat consumption and household cash needs as goats are liquid. Goats therefore contribute to household food, nutritional security and household income. This study investigated the challenges that smallholder farmers faced in the marketing of goats in Beitbridge District in Matabeleland South. The study revealed that despite positive developments such as the introduction of goat auctions, small farmers in Beitbridge continue to face a plethora of challenges including: lack of feed; failure to access external markets; loss of livestock due to theft and predators; and low market prices for goats. These marketing challenges were interlinked and found along the entire value chain. Addressing them therefore require a value chain approach. The study recommends that: smallholder farmers venture into value addition to increase their income; make effort to become price makers through, for instance; selling to niche markets; and adopting the use of the marketing mix in planning and implementing their goat businesses.