Value Chain Analysis of Beef in Central and Southern Malawi (Case Studies of Lilongwe and Chikhwawa Districts)
Joseph Dzanja, Prince Kapondamgaga, Hardwick Tchale

Abstract
This paper presents the results of value chain analyses for the beef sub-sectors in Malawi. The study was commissioned by the Farmers Union of Malawi (FUM) with support from the Southern African Confederation of Agricultural Unions (SACAU). The aim of the study was to identify opportunities for smallholder farmers to diversify into alternative agricultural commodities as a basis for improving their incomes. Beef is one such commodity that has lagged and was therefore targeted for this analysis. The analysis was based on sub-sector data regarding the structure and function of the beef value chains. The data were gathered through interviews with farmers and various value-chain players and stakeholders. The study results indicate that there is scope to promote the productivity and competitiveness of beef sub-sectors. However, beef profitability is being constrained by low productivity at farmers’ level. Beef productivity and competitiveness increases with the fattening system than with the traditional system. In order to enhance the capacity of the farmers to improve the productivity of beef, the study identified areas within the value-chains where strategic policy and institutional reviews need to be undertaken to address specific constraints affecting the overall performance of the value-chains.

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