A new digital solution now enables farmers prove the origin and health records of their cattle, while reducing risks to buyers and increasing export.
Powered by Mastercard’s blockchain-based Provenance solution, the device was launched on Thursday by E-Livestock Global to empower Zimbabwean farmers, according to a statement by Mastercard.
It said the solution, which is first-of-its kind in the Middle East and Africa, brings new hope to the country’s agricultural sector after an outbreak of tick-borne disease in 2018 led to the death of 50,000 cattle.
“The lack of a traceability system has seen the country unable to export beef to lucrative markets in Europe and the Middle East in recent years, reducing export earnings from beef, which are important to the country’s economy,” it noted.
The E-Livestock Global solution also brings end-to-end visibility to the cattle supply chain, it stated.
“Commercial farmers and dipping officers tag each head of cattle with a unique, ultra-high frequency RFID tag – as mandated by the Ministry of Agriculture – and register it and its owner onto the solution.
“Each time the animal gets dipped, vaccinated or receives medical treatment, the tag records the event onto the traceability system,” it explained.
Leveraging the Mastercard’s solution, E-Livestock Global records these events to maintain a secure and tamper-proof trail of each animal’s history, which in turn supports the entire supply chain with trusted, transparent and verifiable data.
“For farmers, it provides an irrefutable record that proves ownership, supports sales and exports, as well as allows them to obtain a loan, using their cattle as collateral.
“For buyers, it enables them to efficiently manage their operations and guarantee product quality to their customers,” it added.
The Founder and President of E-Livestock Global, Max Makuvise, said tracking the medical history of cattle on a tamper-proof blockchain ledger would foster renewed trust in Zimbabwean cattle farming and re-establish the country’s credibility as an international beef exporter.
“It will also open up new opportunities for farmers – especially small farmers who were impacted the most by the 2018 outbreak. Ultimately, this will drive trust for multiple stakeholders by combining industry expertise with data privacy,” Makuvise stated.
The Division President of Mastercard, Southern Africa, Mark Elliott, added that building trust in industries is essential for a functioning and reliable value chain.
“At Mastercard, we believe that seamless supply chain transparency can help convey authenticity, expand inclusion, share sustainability practices and improve back-office efficiencies. Our globally-scaled technology and established network capabilities are advancing this process, enabling smarter buying decisions and inclusion of all players, whatever their size,” Elliott said.
