The dynamics of smallholder cattle business systems in Zambia: Geographical opportunities, challenges and sustainability business implications

Abstract

The study examines the potential of Zambia’s cattle industry as a solution to food insecurity, while also addressing obstacles such as climate change, disease outbreaks and limited technology adoption. Employing the desktop review study design and drawing on data from the 2022 Livestock Survey Report and the 2017/2018 fisheries and livestock census, augmented by a systematically conducted literature review encompassing 63 peer-reviewed articles, the study provides insights into the geographical dynamics, challenges and opportunities within Zambia’s cattle subsector. It identifies key factors influencing sustainable livestock production, including cattle management systems, environmental characteristics and socio-economic factors. Government policies, market dynamics and infrastructure development are highlighted as moderating factors shaping the viability of cattle enterprises. The study reveals notable variations in cattle populations across regions and identifies obstacles faced by smallholder farmers, including limited financing and regulatory burdens. Despite challenges, the study suggests that fostering sustainable cattle business models in Zambia is achievable through innovative strategies such as enhancing value propositions and improving market access. By addressing these challenges and seizing opportunities, Zambia can enhance its cattle industry, contributing to sustainable development, food security and economic prosperity.

Keywords:

• Smallholder cattle business
• livestock market
• business sustainability
• market access
• environmental challenges
• climate variability

Reviewing Editor:

• Pedro González-Redondo, University of Sevill, Spain

Subjects:

• Business, Management and Accounting
• Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management
• Small Business Management

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Jephthah Chanda who contributed to the review, edits and restructuring of the journal paper, diligently examining its content, ensuring accuracy and coherence. Revised sections to improve overall quality and readability, resolving any inconsistencies and synthesizing disparate ideas to create a cohesive narrative. Jacqueline Hiddlestone-Mumford, Choolwe Lucky Namoobe and Jephthah Chanda collaborated closely with the authors to strengthen arguments, streamline content and ensured that every aspect of the paper contributed effectively to its overarching message.

Authors’ contribution

Enock Siankwilimba: Writing—original draft, Visualization, Data curation, Validation, Resources, Investigation, Methodology, Formal analysis, Conceptualization. Chisoni Mumba and Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe: Writing—review and editing, Validation, Visualization, Supervision, Methodology, Formal analysis

Disclosure statement

The authors declare that they have no known competing financial interests or personal relationships that could have appeared to influence the work reported in this article.

Ethical approval

Ethical Clearance was sought from the University of Zambia-Directorate of Research and Graduate Studies—Humanities and Social Sciences Research Ethics Committee (HSSREC). Ethical clearance issue number REF. HSSREC-20-SEP-005.

Data availability statement

Upon reasonable request, the corresponding authors will provide all supplemental files, data generated and analyses.

Correction Statement

This article was originally published with errors, which have now been corrected in the online version. Please see Correction (http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2358631).

Notes

1 Zambian Kwacha (ZMW) at a rate of ZMW24 for every US dollar.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Enock Siankwilimba

Enock Siankwilimba, a seasoned agricultural market system development specialist with over two decades of experience, has contributed to numerous donor-funded agricultural market systems development programs and projects in Zambia. He is a founding member of Musika Development Initiative Zambia Limited, where he currently serves as a independent business consultant and technical advisor. Additionally, Enock is a PhD student at the University of Zambia’s Graduate School of Business Studies, focusing on developing a sustainable cattle farming business model for smallholder cattle farmers in Namwala District, Zambia, utilizing a systems-dynamic approach. His research interests encompass agricultural market system development, livestock and crop business models, climate change, circular economy business model, value chain development and rural agricultural extension development systems. Enock holds memberships with the Economic Association of Zambia (EAZ), Agriculture Institute of Zambia (AIZ), and Zambia Network for Environmental Educators and Practitioners (ZANEEP).

Chisoni Mumba

Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe, Professor, a bacteriologist with a BVM, MSc and Ph.D. from Osaka Prefecture University, has a special bias in bacteriology. He completed his post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Zambia and is an infectious disease expert. Hang’ombe has collaborated with the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock on controlling anthrax, epizootic ulcerative syndrome and plague. He has worked with the Food and Agricultural Organization, the World Organization for Animal Health and the Japanese International Cooperation Agency. At the university, Hang’ombe lectures on microbiology, public health and infectious diseases. His research focus is on emerging and re-emerging pathogens, with special emphasis on the diagnosis of rare bacteria (Anthrax and plague) and novel virus discoveries. Hang’ombe has co-authored over 90 publications and taught MSc and Ph.D. students about zoonotic bacterial diseases.

Bernard Mudenda Hang’ombe

Chisoni Mumba, Professor, holds a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Zambia, a Master of Science in livestock economics, and a PhD in veterinary science-animal health economics from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences. Chisoni is a senior lecturer and researcher at the University of Zambia, School of Veterinary Medicine, Disease Control Studies Department. His research interests are in animal health economics, systems thinking and participatory epidemiology. I am currently working on the application of systems thinking to address dynamic and complex animal health problems to achieve long-term solutions and avoid unintended consequences.