Programmes Select another programme >> Leadership training and governance Database project Animal improvement Farmer training Marketing infrastructure development Young Agribusiness Entrepreneurial Development Black Economic Empowerment within the value chain Marketing infrastructure Development Strategic objective of the programme • To improve physical livestock marketing infrastructure • To improve institutional marketing infrastructure Current status The marketing infrastructure within the emerging sector is considered inadequate because of absence or poor conditions with regard to the following physical infrastructure: • Auction facilities (sale pens) • Handling facilities (loading and off-loading rumps) • Transport facilities (such as trucks) • Road networks The poor physical livestock-marketing infrastructure normally results to lack of marketing institutional arrangements, which include the following: • Marketing agents/organisers; • Weighing scales to determine the value of animals • Market information; and • Value adding activities within easy reach. Strategy In partnership with existing livestock marketing agents, NERPO construct and/or renovate the auction facilities in identified areas. Mobile auction facilities are also used mainly in remote rural areas. In partnership with Agrilink II project, contracts are negotiated in advance on behalf of the emerging livestock farmers who are capable to guarantee good quality product and adequate volumes. Small-scale producers are encouraged to market their livestock as groups and at certain times of the year in order to take advantage of volumes. The marketing strategy is also linked to the breeding and training programmes. Regular market information is disseminated to all members through the communication strategy of the Organisation.