Evaluating Buhera and Nkayi Goat Value Chains in Agroecological Zone V of Zimbabwe

Buhera and Nkayi districts are situated in agroecological zone V, which is frequently impacted by droughts. As a result, crop failure and livestock feed and water shortages are more common. Goats, like other small livestock, are crucial in providing nutrition and income for households that rely on agriculture as their primary source of livelihood. The purpose of this study was to examine possibilities and challenges in the goat value chain in Buhera and Nkayi. A review of the literature, key informant interviews, and baseline surveys were used to gather the data. The extensive goat production system is practised in Buhera and Nkayi described as low input and low output. Low productivity is caused by issues with feed quality and supply, a lack of a breeding system, and a high prevalence of diseases that lead to high mortality and low offtakes. These excess goats are sold to abattoirs through formal channels, like direct marketing, which uses a weight-based price structure and a coverage of more than 20 km. Within each district, only one out of three wards had a specialized goat market linking farmers to a wide range of buyers including abattoirs. Informally farm gates and open markets served brokers and traders, local butcheries, and restaurants that sell goats within a 0–5-kilometre radius. The price of the goats in the informal channel is set by their visual appraisal. Men had better access to these marketplaces in Buhera (51% of men and 3% of women) than did women in Nkayi (19% of men and 5% of women). Even though the informal channel does not use weight-based pricing, 33% of transactions in Buhera and 89% of transactions in Nkayi are conducted there. Value chain finance may be essential in helping farmers obtain access to capital and other inputs that can be invested to increase goat productivity. The rural district council must assume a more proactive role in enhancing the road networks, establishing marketing infrastructure, and holding goat auctions. It is essential to create marketing systems that incorporate well-defined weight-based pricing methods to guarantee that farmers receive equitable pricing and value for their goats. Achieving this, the extensive goat farmers can be motivated to transition from extensive production to goat entrepreneurship, allowing goat production to make a substantial contribution to household income and nutrition.