The red meat value chain in Tanzania

The red meat value chain in Tanzania includes live animals, fresh meat, processed meat products and by-products from cattle, sheep and goats. Participants in the chain include primary producers, traders in animals, in meat and in by-products, processors, butchers, other retail outlets and consumers. The chain from supply and use of inputs, via production and processing to marketing and retailing is confounded by many technical and institutional impediments. The chain is fragmented, unorganized, uncontrolled (in spite of being over-regulated) and uncoordinated. Many participants have more than one role. At various stages, goods and services include land, labour, live animals, veterinary supplies, feed supplies, transport, energy, finance and (perhaps above all and what is most lacking) institutional support. Clearly defined and enunciated standards and a regulatory framework under law are needed. Many of these requirements continue to be weak, non-existent or are not applied in Tanzania.