Beef cattle production systems and constraints among subsistence farmers across the Fijian windward-leeward divide

The objective of the study was to describe beef production systems and constraints among subsistence farmers across the Fijian windward-leeward divide. Data were collected from a total of 200 beef cattle owners from windward and leeward locations (100 each) using a structured questionnaire. In both geographical regions, the heads of the households were mostly males and married. Cattle were ranked as the most important species of livestock kept in both leeward and windward areas. In both leeward and windward locations, cattle were mainly kept as a source of income and draught power. Challenges to cattle production differed with the production environment. The major challenges faced by cattle farmers in leeward locations were drought and pasture shortage while farmers in windward locations mainly had theft and disease cases. The odds ratio of Hindu farmers practicing tethering as a grazing method was five times higher than Christian farmers (p < 0.05). Farmers with medium pieces of land were 14 times more likely to use paddocks for grazing their cattle than those with small pieces of land (p < 0.05). Farmers in both leeward and windward locations mostly kept non-descript cattle breeds (>60%) and did not control mating. It was concluded that challenges faced by farmers differed with the production environment but feeding and breeding practices were the same across windward and leeward management locations.

Automated summary

The study aimed to describe beef production systems and challenges among subsistence farmers in windward and leeward regions of Fiji. Data was collected from 200 beef cattle owners using a structured questionnaire. Cattle were ranked as the most important livestock species and were primarily kept for income and draught power. Challenges varied between the two regions, with leeward farmers facing drought and pasture shortage, while windward farmers faced issues of theft and disease. Breeding practices were similar across both regions, with non-descript cattle breeds being common.