Assessing key socio-economic constraints and identifying strategies to enhance sheep meet production for small-scale farmers in Makonde district, Mashonaland West
- Author
- Mupeuka, Melisa
- Title
- Assessing key socio-economic constraints and identifying strategies to enhance sheep meet production for small-scale farmers in Makonde district, Mashonaland West
- Abstract
- This study examines the constraints affecting sheep meat production for small holder farmers in Makonde District region of Zimbabwe and identifies strategies to revive its production. The production of sheep meat is important to the livelihoods and food security of rural community nevertheless, this sector encounters a massive number of challenges that limit the potential for increasing sheep meat (mutton).These challenges include poor animal husbandry knowledge, limited access to markets and socio-economic factors. This study endeavours to meticulously identify and analyse these constraints within the context of Makonde District, employing qualitative and quantitative methods including, questionnaires and secondary data analysis to explore these constraints. A farm level cross sectional data of 40 small-scale sheep farmers in Makonde District were used to gather data .Furthermore, the research seeks to propose evidence-based interventions, ranging from optimized feeding protocols and enhanced veterinary services to farmer capacity-building and the development of robust market systems. By addressing these issues, the study aspires to contribute significantly to the sustainable enhancement of sheep meat production, thereby fostering economic advancement and improving nutritional outcomes for the local populace.
- Date
- June 2025
- Publisher
- BUSE
- Keywords
- Small holder farmers
- Sheep meat
- Socio-economic constraints
- Supervisor
- Mr Pagute
- Item sets
- Department of Animal Sciences
