How uneven access shapes the socio-economic and environmental potential of game meat value chains: The case of legal game meat in Zambia
Game meat plays a significant role in human nutrition, food security, and cultural traditions worldwide, yet it also carries risks such as overharvesting and exposure to zoonotic and food-borne diseases. These risks are particularly pronounced in complex value chains where game meat moves from rural to urban areas. Enhancing regulation of the game meat sector is a key strategy to mitigate these challenges. This study focuses on Zambia’s game meat value chain, employing semi-structured interviews with key stakeholders, including government regulators (n = 9), game ranchers (n = 31), licensed resident hunters (n = 20), game meat retailers (n = 25), and retailers not selling game meat (n = 15). Zambia is actively working to regulate its game meat sector to meet consumer demand, curb illegal hunting, mitigate health risks, and support socio-economic development. The study examines sectoral changes, key actors’ involvement in value chain activities, and barriers to participation and benefit distribution. Grounded in political ecology, the analysis applies the concept of access—defined as the ability to benefit from resources, land, institutions, and governing regulations—offering deeper insights into the intersection of biodiversity conservation, socio-economic development, and public health. Despite advancements, access to the value chain remains inequitable, with existing ranches benefiting the most while communities that rely on game meat for food security and nutrition face significant barriers. Persistent unmet demand raises concerns about illegal hunting and health risks. Policy recommendations emphasize the need for robust frameworks that strengthen community and customary institutions’ roles in the legal game meat market, particularly in areas where riskier hunting practices occur due to demand pressures. Strengthening equitable access and regulatory mechanisms will be essential in fostering a sustainable and inclusive game meat sector.
Authors
Bersaglio, B.,Enns, C.,Hichoonga, E.,Masse, F.,Sommerville, M.,van Vliet, N.
Publication year
2025
