ORIGINAL RESEARCH article
Front. Anim. Sci.
Sec. Product Quality Archive
This article is part of the Research TopicExploring Food Safety: Consumer Behavior, Corporate Accountability, and Transport InsightsView all articles
PRODUCTION OF SAFE BEEF IN UGANDA: WHO ARE THE MOST INFLUENTIAL ACTORS AND WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES?
Provisionally accepted
- 1Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- 2Department of Extension and Innovation Studies, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- 32Department of Agribusiness and Natural Resource Economics, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, Kampala, Uganda
- 4Department of Animal and Range Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7062, Kampala, Uganda, kampala, Uganda
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Abstract: This study examines the complexities of producing safe beef in Uganda, focusing on the actors, challenges, and dynamics that influence the production of safe beef. Using qualitative methods like Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs), along with tools like process Net-Map, the study identifies key actors' roles and influencepercieved influences in the beef value chain, as well as challenges and opportunities in producing safe beef. Results indicated the presence of 16 actors along the beef value chain in the cattle corridor of Uganda. Based on influencepercieved influence levels, cattle ownercattle farmers were recognisedrecognized as most influential actors, followed by veterinarians, and cattle traders. The study also found that collusion among actors, regulatory capture, and lax enforcement hinder the process of production of safe beef in Uganda, posing market and public health risks. Additionally, variability in actor influence was observed at Sub regional and district levels, highlighting different Sub regional practices, economic conditions, and regulatory environments that affect the production of safe beef. Addressing these Sub regional variations and customizing interventions accordingly is important for improving food safety standards and maintaining the integrity of the beef supply chain across diverse geographical contexts. The study emphasizes the need for enhanced regulatory oversight, consumer education through labeling, and strict penalties for violations to ensure safe beef production.
Keywords: Actor influence, Beef safety, Beef value chain, Cattle corridor, social network analysis
Received: 24 Jul 2025; Accepted: 16 Dec 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Okello, Ilukor, Kamatara and Turyahabwe. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Patrick Okello
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