Before the launch of the scheme, farmers in this drought-prone area were forced to sell their animals to unscrupulous beef dealers for ridiculous prices. Following the disastrous effects of the 2011 drought, the Mangwe Farmers Association partnered with some Bulawayo abattoirs to set up various feedlots and sell the beasts at abattoirs auction pens.
“Under this arrangement, farmers take their animals to professional abattoirs where they negotiate for good rates. For example, a super dressed beast cost $4,70 per kg while the commercial is pegged at $4,” said the association’s chairman Adam Dube. Unscrupulous dealers used to buy a whole beast for a paltry $150 – $300.
One of the farmers, Gilbert Moyo, hailed the programme as a relief to the farmers who have been cheated for many years by beef dealers from outside the district. “We are now fetching lucrative prices for our animals. Last month I bought a truck after selling seven cattle at the auction. I am now also able to pay school fees for my children,” he said.