Livestock farming plays a critical role in the economy of South Africa with experts calling for more awareness on the pros and cons of this type of farming with a great emphasis on the informal market – mostly in rural communities.
During a recent Gather to Grow session, the opportunities and risks of livestock farming were unpacked and how small-scale farmers can generate income.
Researcher and environmental scientist at the Agricultural Research Council (ARC), Dr Andiswa Finca urged mostly young people living in rural communities to consider livestock farming for sustainability purposes.
Young blood needs to take over
She said most of the farmers she engages with are mainly in the communal farming set-up where elder people are no longer energetic and as such the production in those areas was under threat.
“One thing that we must emphasise is that commodities like poultry and pigs do not need big hectares of land since we have challenges in accessing the land, these are one of many that young people can start with.
“Another not-so-familiar meat for eating is goat meat, which in Kenya is prominent but is only used for traditional ceremonies here in South Africa. In the Eastern Cape, there is an increase in angora goat farming,” she said.
Finca said while many farmers in the livestock industry only operate on selling, it would be nice to have them involved in the whole value chain.
“Once again to young people, yes farming is tough however if you have the support structure in the community and like-minded farmers, it will be easier,” she said.
Meanwhile, a researcher on ruminant nutrition with the ARC with a specific focus on beef cattle, Dr Klaas Jan Leeuw, said in recent years farmers have opted for export opportunities because of the tough economic climate in South Africa.
Looking at new opportunities
“The livestock industry contributes a large part to the broader agricultural space, it runs into billions of rands, and it does offer great opportunities for people.
“However, we have seen that with the stagnant economy of South Africa and a large portion of the economy unable to buy meat, farmers have looked into exports to take more product into the market,” he said.
Leeuw said while the country is still facing avian influenza in the poultry industry, it remains the most consumed protein in South Africa.
“It is essential that teaching people about biosecurity issues becomes what every role player does, with a specific focus on small-scale farmers.
“We need to have enough people in the field to transfer this knowledge and information,” he said.
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