Nicaragua's Beef Industry Seeks to Increase Competitiveness

F2F volunteer, Doussou Traore,  with a CONAGAN representative

Although Nicaragua has the greatest potential for livestock production in Latin America, the creation of value-added products is one of the lowest. This lack of added value reduces domestic and
international competitiveness of the dairy and beef sector and limits the generation of employment and
foreign currency. Furthermore, reduced incentives to
implement sustainable, environmentally-conscious production methods have
limited the ability of the livestock industry to penetrate more competitive
niche markets with higher purchasing power. 

Traore meets with  CANICARNE and CONAGAN representatives

To
support the Nicaraguan livestock industry in increasing their competitiveness and access to niche markets, Partners' F2F
program is providing technical assistance to dairy and beef farmers in marketing and good
agricultural practices. This month, F2F
volunteer Ms. Doussou Traore traveled to Nicaragua to work with the Nicaraguan
Chamber of Beef Industry Exports (CANICARNE) and the National Cattleman’s Commission
of Nicaragua (CONAGAN) to conduct an assessment on the beef supply chain. 

Ms. Traore visits a slaughterhouse in Tipitapa

Her initial assessment included an analysis
of the production, growth, feed, and slaughter of cattle.  She also analyzed and proposed incentives to improve the
quality and competitiveness of beef production. Ultimately, a
better understanding of the different actors and price incentives along the
value chain will provide insight into the willingness and ability of the beef industry to increase their competitiveness (breeding, shorter cattle life
cycle, and improved feeding practices); and thereby the per unit prices of beef.

Upon concluding her trip, Ms. Traore recommended that a cost production study be
undertaken to inform the process of improving productivity and
competitiveness. She described this
is as being especially important for export markets, since they are the primary source
of demand. Among other recommendations, Ms. Traore encouraged CANICARNE and
CONAGAN to set up an inter-professional platform for all supply chain
participants to promote transparency, concerted decision-making, and profit sharing
within the industry.  

To follow up on these recommendations, marketing expert, Daniel
Shaneyfelt, arrived to Nicaragua this week.  F2F looks
forward to the continued growth and accomplishments of its hosts and to the
contributions of volunteers like Ms. Traore!

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