Livestock and People’s Live insight on Beef Cattle Value Chain and Commercialization Development Perspective

¹ Faculty of Food Science, Savannakhet University, Lao PDR
² Center of Laboratory, Savannakhet University, Lao PDR
³ Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Savannakhet University, Lao PDR

^* Corresponding author: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Abstract

Lao-native beef cattle predominantly belong to the Bos indicus species, and the majority of ruminant production in Laos remains under the control of small-scale or backyard producers employing traditional methods, leading to low productivity. However, substantial quotas for export to the neighbouring nations present an opportunity to enhance the livelihoods of cattle farmers. This study aims to analyse the beef cattle value chain in central part of Laos (Savannakhet province). A value chain approach was taken to understand the broader context and linkages existing in the smallholder beef cattle sector. Multiple qualitative methods were employed to gather information from stakeholders in the cattle value chain. The results show that the cattle value chain in these areas has five main functions implemented by five prominent actors. The results revealed that feed shortage, disease outbreak, lacking of crossbreed cattle adoption, lack of commercial breeders and poor management were the major constraints that farmers faced in production side. For the sustainable development, meet market demand quality and improve commercialization of the chain, this research recommends that the Lao governments should concern and expanding more of cattle production groups, establish national and provincial breeding centres and strengthen agricultural extension networks to train farmers on feed formulation and management. Strengthen the linkage among chain actors and supportive institutions to improve productivity and revenue derived from sub-sector.