NEW REPORT PUBLISHED: Optimising Beef Cattle Production to Improve Rural Livelihoods in Zimbabwe
03/02/2026
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Nuffield Zimbabwe is pleased to publish a new report by Ranga Huruba, 2020 Nuffield Scholar, examining how smallholder beef cattle systems can be optimised to improve rural livelihoods, resilience and economic participation.
Beef cattle play a central social, cultural and economic role in Zimbabwe, yet smallholder farmers face persistent challenges including climate variability, disease outbreaks, limited veterinary services, weak infrastructure and restricted access to formal markets. The report finds that while the informal beef economy is substantial, smallholders capture only a fraction of the potential value.
Drawing on field research and global case studies, the report outlines practical strategies to strengthen production and market integration. These include organised village-level marketing, regenerative grazing practices, public-private investment in rural infrastructure, expanded animal health services, and the use of digital platforms for pricing, traceability and transparency.
A dedicated section sets out a phased roadmap for restoring Zimbabwe's livestock export capability, addressing disease control, traceability systems, abattoir rehabilitation and governance frameworks.
The report concludes that with coordinated investment, strong partnerships and locally appropriate systems, smallholder beef cattle farming can become a powerful engine for sustainable rural development in Zimbabwe.
