Enhancing Market Participation of smallholder livestock producers in the SADC region

FANRPAN PARTNERS’ MEETING13 June 2011, Pretoria, South Africa

Presented by Siboniso Moyo (s.moyo@cgiar.org)

Livestock population in the SADC region ( SADC FANR Situation Analysis, 2007)

Species Numbers (mln)

Cattle 62

Goats 44

Sheep 37

Poultry 232

Pigs 11

Equines 2

Introduction

• Recent trends have shown an increased demand for livestock products, mainly due to increases in population, urbanization and higher incomes.

• HOWEVER, countries in the region are not able to meet this demand. There is a shortage of livestock products to meet both domestic consumption and external markets.

Introduction cont’d• The challenge is how to increase off

take and the quality of livestock and livestock products so that the SHS can benefit from the growth prospect and reduce the import bill?.

• ILRI and its partners have been conducting projects in selected SADC countries (Mozambique, Namibia and Zimbabwe) to address some of the constraints highlighted above.

Question: How can market development incentivize the improvement of livestock production in the small-scale sector?

• The hypothesis is that effective markets will provide farmers with incentives to invest in their livestock, thus increasing productivity, off take and quality.

• HOWEVER for this focus to be a success there is a need for appropriate input support (feeds, health, breeding) including relevant institutions and policies.

What has been the research focus?

• Explore Market opportunities – Enhance the participation of smallholder farmers in the market– Market analysis (Develop smallholder farmers

access to markets and Support agribusiness development).

– Trade (regional and international) Understand the issues of costs, sustainability and poverty reduction implications.

– Food safety issues (including the informal sector in urban areas). Assessing health risks associated with these activities.

Countries’ outlook

Key messages• Improve farmers’ access to information and

enhance their decision making through provision of information on market requirements (product and health quality, timing, prices).

• Develop appropriate input / technology dissemination and effective extension instruments.

• Develop reward mechanisms for product

quality (e.g. price, regularity of purchases and form of payment)

Key messages cont’d• Develop local markets (inputs and products)

through guiding and supporting interactions and dynamics between buyers and sellers.

• Facilitate formation of public-private partnerships to support farmers’ organization as producers and to market according to consumer demands

• Establish appropriate market infrastructure as lucrative investments, based on the real market needs.

Conclusions• We wish to express our appreciation to many

partner organizations who worked with us in this project. Mainly, Ministries of Agriculture, local Governments, Private sector and NGOs in the participating countries.

Thank You! Obrigado! Siyabonga! www.ilri.org