Economics of meat production from springbuck in the Eastern Cape Karoo

• Published in: Agrekon Vol. 51; no. 1; pp. 1 - 20
• Main Authors: Dlamini, T.S, Fraser, G.C.G, Grové, B
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Group 01.03.2012; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: Animals; Eastern Cape; Economic feasibility; Economic systems; Europe; Food marketing; Game ranching; markets; Meat; Meat production; Monte Carlo method; Monte Carlo simulation; prices; Production; ranchers; ranching; rangelands; Regions; risk; South Africa; Springbuck ranching; venison; South Africa, Eastern Cape; South Africa, Karoo
• ISSN: 2078-0400; 0303-1853; 2078-0400
• DOI: 10.1080/03031853.2012.649533

The feasibility of springbuck based meat production in the Eastern Cape Karoo was analysed through a stochastic budgeting model, while openly taking cost and price risk into consideration. Monte Carlo simulation of a springbuck-based meat production enterprise was used to quantify the risks that would be faced by springbuck ranchers. Springbuck ranching has been proven a viable alternative in the production of highly nutritious and healthy meat (venison) that is in high demand in European markets and more recently, with a promising and increasing local demand as well. The results indicate that in the Eastern Cape Karoo, springbuck ranching for meat production is a viable business. As the call for more environmentally friendly rangelands utilisation economic systems intensifies, rangelands owners in the Eastern Cape Karoo have a practicable option. At the very least, an alternative to broaden their incomes with springbuckbased meat production exists.