School of Social and Political Science

Research project type

Industrialisation of livestock systems in South Africa

Principal investigator

Principal investigator

Overview

Description

Livestock production sits at the heart of South Africa’s agricultural economy and food system, shaping livelihoods, land use, and rural development. The sector is currently undergoing rapid transformation, driven by the intensification of production, expanding value chains, and deeper integration into global markets. The research explores the social and environmental implications, including around smallholder inclusion, rural inequality, and aspirations for a ‘just transition’ to sustainability. 

This project is supported through a UKRI Catalyst Award and Tiny Beam Fund.

Other team members include Sonwabile Mnwana and Andrew Bennie.

Publications

Publications

Andrew Bowman and Andrew Bennie, The Industrialisation of Meat and its Implications: Exploring Governance, Power, and Inclusion in the South African Beef Value Chain, The European Journal of Development Research (2026)

Research themes

  • Energy & Sustainability
  • Energy, environment and sustainability
  • Identities & Inequalities
  • International development
  • Work & Economy
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