An in-depth analysis of factors influencing small-scale cattle farmers' participation in livestock markets in Western Province of Zambia: navigating challenges and barriers.

Introductions: The low participation of small-scale farmers in livestock markets in sub-Saharan Africa, including Zambia, is a major inhibitor to private sector investment in the livestock subsector. Despite the immense potential of the livestock industry to bolster the economic development of countries in this region, several socioeconomic, environmental, and cultural factors contribute to this hindrance.

Methods: This study was conducted in the Western Province of Zambia and adopted a qualitative research approach to understand the challenges and barriers affecting livestock markets among smallholder cattle farmers.