Assessment of resource availability for feedlot production: the case of Kizota area in Dodoma municipality in Tanzania

Poor quality and low beef production in Tanzania is partly attributed to poor production systems and inadequate information on feedlot resource availability and utilisation. Feedlot production that could be used to improve beef quality and quantity requires adequate information on resource availability and suitable location for feedlot sitting. This study focused on the assessment of resource availability, their distribution and utilisation, in order to provide information needed for quantity and quality beef production under feedlot systems. The study was conducted in Kizota area and resource supplying villages and hamlet namely Bwawani, Zepisa, Mkoyo, Kikombo, Mpunguzi and Nala located in Dodoma Municipality, Tanzania. The reason for selecting different villages and hamlets was uneven distribution of potential feedlot resources. Semi structured questionnaire were administered to 100 cattle keepers in seven villages/hamlets to acquire socio-economic and biophysical data. The data was integrated into Automated Land Evaluation System (ALES) for analysis. ALES output and Geographical Information System (GIS) attributes was then incorporated into the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) to determine feedlot allocation options under different resource availability scenarios. ALES analysis indicated that, the study area is qualitatively suited for Small Scale Feedlot Production (SSFP) at different classes. About 2.3% and 97.7% of the surveyed area is qualitatively classified as moderately and marginally suited for SSFP respectively. Similarly, about 57% of the surveyed area is quantitatively highly suitable (S1) whilst 43% is economically not suitable (N1). Concentrate availability is prevalent limiting resource in all villages whereas water and cattle availability is 61.8% each. AHP analysis indicated that Kizota is best location with composite weight of 41%. The remaining villages and hamlet each has less than 15%. Qualitative merits coupled with quantitative values of available feedlot resources are crucial for the effective and sustainable feedlot production. Kizota area is recommended for small scale feedlot ting because of the availability of abattoir and closeness to the potential feedlot resources