Livestock value chain transformations in Central Asia: A status from peri-urban settings in four countries

This study investigates the transformation of livestock value chains in peri-urban areas of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, focusing on the dynamics of livestock production, land use, and downstream supply chains. Drawing on unique farm-level data and qualitative research, we examine the limited progress of agri-food value chain modernisation in the region. Findings reveal that while urban demand for meat and processed food has grown, the smallholder-dominated livestock sector remains constrained by deficient fodder resources, fragmented production, and limited access to modern processing and retail channels. Despite massive growth of livestock numbers kept in rural households, livestock intensification has progressed only slowly, with large-scale enterprises representing a small but dynamic segment. Our survey data shows that smallholders rely heavily on informal market arrangements and local sales channels, often constrained by insufficient vertical coordination and limited quality enforcement. Large enterprises and feedlots often benefit from government support and exhibit advanced integration, with enhanced genetics, own processing plants, and branded retailing. This bifurcated structure in the livestock sector underscores challenges in transitioning toward modern value chains. Government interventions, including subsidies and cooperative development, have largely failed to integrate smallholders or address systemic bottlenecks. We discuss the options for inclusive strategies, such as strengthening public governance or leveraging medium-scale farmers. Our findings highlight the delayed transformation of Central Asia's livestock value chains compared to other emerging economies. We suggest that in Central Asia, intensive larger farms have some potentials to overcome many of the trade-offs inherent in the prevailing smallholder livestock systems.