Enhancing pig production and marketing for smallholder farmers in Northern Uganda

In Uganda, pig production is constrained by unsustainable use of local feedstuffs, poor breeds, odour in pig houses, and lack of access to critical market information. This project aimed to address the key constraints by promoting sustainable breeding, management and marketing. Community Action Research (CAR) was conducted where smallholder pig farmers and graduate students were engaged in innovations, experience sharing, joint learning, active participation, and dissemination of the findings. Results from CAR showed that males (50.7%) kept pigs as well as females (49.3%), with each household keeping three pigs. Most farmers kept local breeds (63.2%); sold live pigs (71.6%); and none was using artificial insemination (AI), feed formulae from local feedstuffs, and indigenous microorganisms (IMO) for pig production. Fresh cassava leaves (70.0%), sweet potato vines (56.0%), and rice bran (44.5%) were the common feedstuffs for feeding pigs. Most feedstuffs were not readily available throughout the year. Most (77.2%) farmers used both local and commercial feeds while 90.6% fed pigs entirely on local feedstuffs. Unit cost of producing a local feed was lower (Ugx 213.1) than that of producing a commercial feed (Ugx 963.0). Most (70%) farmers were aware of existence of AI and were positive about its use. However, perception to use AI was more positive in male pig farmers than in females. Perceived usefulness of AI had a positive influence on intentions to use AI. Molasses medium was more effective in multiplication of IMO than maize bran where total viable cell counts in molasses were 360x10²cfu/gram while that of pure maize bran was 288x10²cfu/gram. When IMO solution was applied on deep litter floor, no odour was detected above 10 meters from the house while the odour was not detected above 40 meters from the house when IMO was not applied. Pig growth, nutrient composition of pork, back fat thickness and acceptability of roasted and deep fried pork were not affected (p≥0.05) whether IMO solution was applied or not on deep litter floor. Pork from pigs raised on IMO treated and untreated deep litter floors had 88.9% unsaturated fatty acids. Pork was most consumed meat product where ham and ribs were the most preferred parts. Freshness, aroma and taste were the most important attributes consumers considered when purchasing pork. Farmers who had access to extension services were 7.6% more adaptive and 6.6% more able to modify existing pig production practices. Farmers who sold pork were found to be 16.8% and 19.4% more able to adapt new practices and modify existing practices, respectively. Farmers who relied on pig traders for market information had a lower likelihood to scan their environments or test new pig rearing practices. Farmers who used market information to make decisions on how to rear pigs had a higher innovative activity and creativity. Research findings were disseminated to 300 pig farmers. Three MSc. students passed Viva voce examination, dissertation of the 2 students are being examined and 3 students are compiling their reports. Twelve pig AI technicians were trained to offer AI services to pig farmers. Community engagement has created a great avenue for increasing household incomes through pig production.