Economic assessment of the state of livestock industry in Kazakhstan: prerequisites for the creation of a meat hub

Purpose. The purpose of the study was to economically evaluate the condition of animal husbandry in the Republic of Kazakhstan and also to determine the necessity and possibility of the creation of an effective meat hub. Methodology / approach. The following methods were used: economic analysis and synthesis, comparison and analogy, systematization and generalization, factor analysis, institutional analysis, and modelling that helped identify problems of the livestock industry, and ways for its development. Results. The paper presents the results of the analysis of world and regional production and consumption of livestock and poultry; import and export of meat products in Asian countries, including Kazakhstan; the dynamics and structure of livestock in farms of different categories; the dynamics of gross income of livestock production of the republic; SWOT-analysis of efficiency of agricultural enterprises. Studying the meat market trends in the world and in the Republic of Kazakhstan, and also the dynamics of production and consumption of meat and meat products is a basis for argumentation when choosing strategically important measures on application of forms and ways of control, creation of the economic forecast, definition of the basic vectors of effective development of this industry in the long term taking into account influence of factors of various nature. Originality / scientific novelty. The study makes an original contribution by providing a comprehensive, evidence-based analysis of the current state and future prospects of Kazakhstan’s livestock sector, while proposing innovative structural solutions through a specialised meat hub to improve productivity, quality and competitiveness. Practical value / implications. The study suggests the need to enhance meat production to meet domestic demand and boost exports. Achieving this involves innovating meat processing and sales, improving animal productivity through genetic advancements, enhancing infrastructure, and establishing livestock centres. Ongoing monitoring of the meat market is essential for crafting strategies to improve the livestock sector. Besides, creating a “meat hub” model will reduce investment and operational expenses for production units, streamline production based on set standards and consumer demand, enhance product liquidity, and augment income for small entrepreneurial forms.