The Marketing Of Livestock In South Africa'S Developing Areas: A Case Study Of The Role Of Speculators, Auctioneers, Butchers And Private Buyers In Lebowa

The importance of livestock in rural households is well known and their role in the households well documented. Despite the important social and cultural value of livestock, especially cattle, there is a growing tendency amongst rural households to sell livestock. This paper is based on research into livestock marketing in developing areas. The research investigates the reasons for selling and marketing channels used by rural households. This paper specifically considers the role of speculators, auctioneers and butchers in the marketing of livestock in developing areas. The increasing popularity of private sales is discussed and analyzed. These different outlets serve as the major marketing channels for livestock producers in developing areas. In marketing their livestock through the different channels, farmers experience a range of problems and constraints. The paper analyses these constraints and complaints and also shows how these affect the fanners' choice of a particular marketing outlet. The paper emphasises that farmers do not have access to market information, i.e. current prices, supply, etc., while auctioneers, the limited buyers at auctions and the speculators do have access to market information. It is therefore concluded that the marketing of livestock in developing areas can be improved through addressing the various problems in the different marketing channels as well as through providing farmers with sufficient market information. This will enable farmers to make informed choices in the marketing of their livestock.