Goat value chain analysis – The case of Beitbridge District, Zimbabwe

In Zimbabwe smallholder farmers have long been rearing goats as the goats have low capital and nutritional requirements compared to cattle. Goats enhance livelihoods of smallholder farmers in Zimbabwe providing nutrition and income for households (Gumindoga and Chikaka, 2024). Other purposes are household food security, store of wealth and manure being utilized in cropping fields and gardens. However, productivity remains low due to high mortality especially of kids (Ndlovu et al. 2020), poor nutrition (Mayberry et al. 2018) and management practices and value chain inefficiencies (Fundira, 2024). A goat value chain analysis was conducted, funded by Catholic Relief Services (CRS). The objective was to characterize value chain processes, and highlight constraints, and identify entry points for improvement of food and nutritional security and income of smallholder farmers, especially women and the youth.
Methods
Study site was Beitbridge district, which lies in natural region V (receiving low and erratic rainfall of about 250–450 mm annually), south of Zimbabwe. Major agriculture activity is livestock production. Data collection included a household survey of 30 farmers, structured questionnaires for 15 value chain actors, and a workshop for value chain stakeholders.
Results
Value chain actors and processes (Fig. 1) identified were feed, veterinary medicines and breeding stock suppliers, goat producers, transporters (cost of about US$ 2/goat) and traders, retailers, consumers and service providers (agriculture extension staff, local authorities, private sector and development organizations). Body condition, age and disease-free determined consumer satisfaction.