Indaba Agricultural Policy Research Institute
POLICY BRIEF

Number 61
August 2013
Lusaka, Zambia
(Downloadable at http://wwwaec.msu.edu/agecon/fs2/zambia/index.htm)

Smallholder Farmers Participation in Livestock Market in Zambia
Mary Lubungu, Antony Chapoto, and Gelson Tembo

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This study uses longitudinal household data collected in 2001, 2004, and 2008 to identify factors that influence Zambian smallholder farmers' participation in livestock markets.
Although livestock ownership increased during the study period, not all provinces experienced the upward trend. While livestock populations increased in Southern and
Central Provinces, they remained stagnant in Eastern, North western and Lusaka Provinces and reduced in Western Province.
Not only has herd size remained stagnant over the years, but the level of participation of smallholder farmers in the livestock markets has also remained largely the same.
Crop commercialization and participation in off-farm activities reduces the likelihood of participation in cattle markets but not in the markets for small livestock.
Livestock mortality increased the likelihood of households selling cattle, goats and pigs.
Household head’s level of education increased the likelihood of households selling cattle.
Key public investments that may serve to increase participation in livestock markets include investments in rural education, and building institutional and infrastructural capacities.
Government may also consider including livestock vaccines into the farmer input support program to allow livestock farmers to access subsidized medicines.

INTRODUCTION: Livestock production and associated products offer substantial opportunities for economic growth and poverty reduction for rural households in
Zambia. However, smallholder livestock producers are often characterized by low
livestock