Government targets fair livestock marketing through cattle auction system

Story by Memory Chamisa

GOVERNMENT has revived the formal public livestock auction system as part of efforts to protect farmers from exploitation, improve market access and strengthen the livestock sector.

The initiative comes as authorities pursue a target of increasing Zimbabwe’s national cattle herd to 12 million by 2034.

To address concerns over unfair pricing and informal livestock sales, Government is promoting regulated public cattle markets aimed at ensuring transparency and better returns for farmers.

Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development, Dr Anxious Masuka, said the programme has already been rolled out in Matabeleland South Province through the Agricultural Marketing Authority (AMA).

“The Government has already started the cattle auction system in Matabeleland South. The programme is being implemented in line with the Livestock Growth and Recovery Plan, with special emphasis on cattle sales.

“Through the Agricultural Marketing Authority, government has developed a programme to coordinate and revive cattle auction sales throughout the country.

“The objective is to ensure fair, effective and efficient livestock marketing with a view to improving farmers’ livelihoods. Cattle farmers have complained about unfavourable prices offered by rogue buyers. This has left many farmers, particularly in rural areas, vulnerable to middlemen who purchase cattle at low prices and resell them at significantly higher margins,” he said.

The revival of formal cattle auctions is expected to improve price discovery and create better income opportunities for livestock producers.

Dr Masuka said agriculture remains a critical pillar of the economy, supporting more than 65 percent of rural households and contributing significantly to national export earnings.

“Agriculture and livestock production have evolved from being sources of household income into viable business enterprises, including goat rearing, poultry production and fish farming.

“Zimbabwe’s livestock industry is a major contributor to national food security and economic development. Government strategies under the Agricultural Development Programme are focused on modernising animal husbandry, expanding veterinary services and increasing access to inputs to enhance productivity and competitiveness in both domestic and regional markets,” he said.

Zimbabwe’s national cattle herd has grown to more than five million, representing a two percent increase from the previous year, with rural communities accounting for the bulk of production.

Government is also implementing livestock recovery initiatives, including improved breeding programmes and drought mitigation measures, to boost productivity and strengthen resilience across the sector.

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