February 25, 2013

Zambia's beef output and export markets have been affected by outbreaks of diseases.

Zambia is, however, keen to continue as one of the top and prime beef export countries in Africa. Emmanuel Mwamba, the permanent secretary for Zambia's Western Province said efforts to fight outbreaks of diseases such as foot-and-mouth needed to be intensified.

The country currently has a cattle population of about three million which is reared on nearly 20.3 million hectares earmarked for grazing pens.

ZNFU media liaison officer, Calvin Kaleyi, said that the beef market had growth potential in Africa of about 5% to 7% each year. This is mainly due to a stronger middle class that is emerging in most African countries on the back of firming incomes and improving economies.

The newspaper also quoted Mwamba as saying that the government was raising its preparedness to fight cattle disease outbreaks in the crucial Western Province area.