Asian Journal of Animal Sciences1819-1878xxxx-xxxxxAsian Network for Scientific Information10.3923/ajas.2017.96.107Claire D`AndreHirwa CyprianEbong JulesMutabazi MupenziMutimura FelixNyirishema Paul AmponsahWallace 22017112Objective: This study was conducted with the aim of characterizing the existing meat value chain of Rwanda as well as examine its full
potential. Materials and Methods: It was carried out in 192 households in six districts in Rwanda which engaged in all aspects of the cattle
value chain. The districts were Nyagatare, Kirehe, Ngoma, Bugesera, Kayonza and Gatsibo. The occupants of the households were
interviewed using structured questionnaires which aimed at eliciting a clear understanding of the production strategies, processing,
marketing channels and attributes of the meat production and processing situation in the country. Results: The results showed that 90%
of the respondents were producers, 1.2% butchers, 0.4% producers and fatteners, 0.8% fatteners while the rest (1.2%) wholly engaged
in cattle production, fattening and trading. It was also realized that most of the youth engaged in grazing their cattle more than selling
them. The results further highlighted that cattle production in Rwanda was a typically low input system with low initial capital
investments. Average milk production was found to be 7-fold more than the live animal sales per household per year. However, the
income realized from live sales were more than 100-fold the income generated from milk sales. It also came to light that four beef cattle
value chains were operational in the cities and towns. Identified strategies to improve the existing value chains included the establishment
of feedlots, buying of animals from smallholder farmers for fattening by commercial ranchers as well as exploiting domestic niches and
regional markets. Conclusion: Since the size and weight of cattle were major determinants in pricing, cattle fattening based on crop
residues could provide producers with more income. It was, therefore, envisaged that market-oriented beef value chain development
would be an economically viable and socially acceptable investment option in Rwanda.]]>Machuka, J.,20032003pp: 100-123pp: 100-123NISR.,20152015NISR.,20145th Edn.,MAAR.,20092009MAARF.,20022002Government of Rwanda,20072007Rwamasirabo, R.,19901990MINAGRI.,20122012Steinfeld, H., P. Gerber, T.D. Wassenaar, V. Castel, M. Rosales and C. de Haan,2006Pages: 390Pages: 390Herrero, M., P.K. Thornton, A.M. Notenbaert, S. Wood and S. Msangi et al.,2010327822825Miles, J.W., C.B. Do Valle, I.M. Rao and V.P.B. Euclides,20042004pp: 745-783pp: 745-783MINAGRI.,20122012The World Bank,20112011FAO.,20062006MFEP.,20002000NISR.,20135th Edn.,SAS.,2004Butera, J.B. and T. Rutagwenda,20042004NISR.,20156th Edn.,Singh, R.H., G. Seepersad and L.B. Rankine,20062006Mpairwe, D., E. Zziwa, S.K. Mugasi and G.H. Laswai,2015518Coetzee, L., B.D. Montshwe and A. Jooste,20053481103Pavanello, S.,20102010Kisamba-Mugerwa, W., J. Pender and E. Kato,20062006pp: 31Muhinda, J.J.M.,20142014