Zimbabwe’s abattoirs struggle

Source: Zimbabwe’s abattoirs struggle – The Standard BY MTHANDAZO NYONI ZIMBABWE’S abattoirs are struggling to secure slaughter stock, as farmers have turned to livestock to store value and hedge against inflation, according to a report by the Livestock and Meat Advisory Council (Lmac). The country’s annual inflation slowed to 56% in July, the first time the figure fell below triple digit levels in two years, but remained one of Africa’s highest rates. Lmac said in addition to hedging against inflation, communal farmers were holding on to their stock as pastures have been rich this year, following a good rainfall season. “Field reports from members of the Zimbabwe Association of Abattoirs confirmed increasing difficulties in securing slaughter stock from the communal areas,” Lmac said in its first quarter report on Friday. “Procurement costs have also risen, partly because of declining availability as farmers are under less selling pressure due to improved harvests and a shift in ...