Marketing efficiency of beef cattle value chain in Longido and Monduli Districts in Tanzania

This study was conducted to analyse beef cattle value chains so as to identify potential areas for intervention in order to improve livestock keepers’ access to markets in Longido and Monduli districts in Tanzania. The study was a cross sectional design. Data were collected from 191 beef cattle value chains actors using individuals and key informant interviews. The data collected were summarized using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) and Microsoft Excel. Sub-sector mapping analysis was used to map beef cattle value chains. Results indicate that there were a number of actors i.e. livestock keepers, middlemen, traders, butcherers, hotels/supermarkets and final consumers. Profits along the beef cattle value chains were computed. Results indicate variations in GM whereby the butcherers who purchased live cattle from primary markets or secondary markets received the highest GM of 198 500 TShs/head of cattle weighing 200kg followed by butcherers who purchased carcass from slaughter houses with GM of 130 500 TShs/cattle and lastly the farmers with GM of TShs 272 258 per head. The regression analysis model was used to analyse the determinants of beef cattle farmers’ profitability. The findings show that educational level and accesses to veterinary services were significant at P<0.01 while experience and access to market information were significant at P