The subsistence agriculture sector presents huge opportunities for growth as it is characterised by large inefficiencies, with many farmers leaving their cattle relatively unattended on communal land.
The cattle might be kept for years on end, with little attention being paid to the productive capacity and economic value of the animals at different ages.
The animals might be used for the pot or sold in the informal market. Some farmers, however, may accumulate animals, because they still associate cattle with wealth.
The emerging sector has become more formalised over the years thanks to government efforts and those of the Red Meat Producers’ Organisation and the National Emergent Red Meat Producers’ Organisation. Amongst others, efforts are made to improve the genetic quality of these farmers and to also give them access to land and credit to improve and grow their businesses.
The efforts are generally aimed at allowing these farmers to participate in the commercial supply chain and to help address the growing demand for protein.