Evaluation of African Swine Fever and its Effects on Pig Farmer’s Profitability in the Buea Mu-nicipality, South West Region of Cameroon

Agricultural productivity should be a central term in the Africa’s primary sector, the sector must be strong enough to create and foster both wealth and wellbeing, most particularly for its direct actors. In Cameroon, like in the rest of the continent, the agricultural sector remains a great contributor of economic growth and Livestock production plays a crucial role in it. Pig production is an integral part but its sustainability remains questionable as the sector faces several constraints such as low capital, poor technology, outdated farming methods, and most particularly the prevalence of a deadly diseases known as the African Swine Fever (ASF) affecting more than 80% of smallholder pig farmers in Cameroon. The present study evaluated the effects of the ASF disease on the profitability of pig farmers in Cameroon. The study used primary data obtained through a well-structured questionnaire from 60 pig farmers to evaluate its prevalence, the awareness and perception of pig farmers, the level of hygiene, sanitation and biosecurity measures that catalyze the spread of the disease, increasing mortality and cost thereby affecting profitability. The Multiple linear Regression was used to analyse factors contributing to profit lost. Results show that at significance level of 0.05, the incidence of ASF (0.017) reduces profit, while the application of sanitary, hygiene and biosecurity measures (0.001) and if pigs were previously vaccinated against Swine Erysipelas (0.007) increase profit. It is therefore recommended to intensify biosecurity measures to reduce occurrence, more veterinary campaigns should be held, and research should be intensified to increase availability of commercial vaccine against ASF. Keywords: ASF Vaccines, Cameroon, Pig, Production, Profit Evaluation