Abstract
This study evaluated pig production practices by smallholder farmers in two distinct production systems geared towards addressing their constraints and prospects for improvement. The production systems evaluated were semi-intensive and extensive and differed in remoteness, market access, resource availability and pig production intensity. Data were collected using structured questionnaires where a total of 102 pig farmers were interviewed. Qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed to define the socioeconomic characteristics of the production systems, understanding the different roles that pigs play, marketing systems and constraints to production. In both systems, regular cash income and insurance against emergencies were ranked as the main reasons for rearing pigs. Marketing of pigs was mainly driven by the type of production operation. Finances, feeds and housing were identified as the major constraints to production. The study provides important parameters and identifies constraints important for consideration in design of sustainable production improvement strategies. Feeding challenges can be improved through understanding the composition and proper utilization of local feed resources. Provision of adequate housing would improve the stocking rates and control mating.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Ajala, M.K. (2007). Socioeconomic characteristics of pig producers and their husbandry practices in the sub-humid zone of Northern Guinea Savannah, Nigeria. Agricultural Journal, 2 (2), 306-311.
Bebe, B.O., Udo, H.M.J., Rowlands, G.J., Thorpe, W. (2003). Smallholder dairy systems in the Kenya highlands: cattle population dynamics under increasing intensification. Livestock Production Science, 82, 211-221.
Bett, R.C., Kosgey, I.S., Kahi, A.K., Peters, K.J. (2009). Analysis of production objectives and breeding practices of dairy goats in Kenya. Tropical Animal Heath and Production, 41, 307-320.
Chiduwa, G., Chimonyo, M., Halimani, T.E., Chisambara, S.R., Dzama, K. (2008). Herd dynamics and contribution of indigenous pigs in the livelihoods of rural farmers in a semi-arid area of Zimbabwe. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 40, 125-136.
Huynh, T.T.T., Aarnink, A.J.A., Drucker, A., Verstegen, M.W.A. (2007). Pig Production in Cambodia, Laos, Philippines, and Vietnam: A Review. Asian Journal of Agriculture and Development, 4 (1), 69-90.
Kagira, J.M., Kanyari, P.W.N., Maingi, N., Githigia, S.M., Ng’ang’a, J.C., Karuga, J.W. (2010). Characteristics of the smallholder free-range pig production system in western Kenya. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 42 (5), 865-873.
Kagira, J.M., Kanyari, P.W.N., Munyua, W.K., Waruiru, R.M. (2003). The control of parasitic nematodes in commercial piggeries in Kenya as reflected by a questionnaire survey on management practices. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 35 (1), 79-84.
KNBS. (2009). Kenya National Bureau of Statistics. www.knbs.or.ke/surveys.php
Kumaresan, A., Bujarbaruah, K.M., Pathak, K.A., Chhetri, B., Das, S.K., Das, A., Ahmed, S.K. (2007). Performance of pigs reared under tribal low input production system and chemical composition of non-conventional tropical plants used as pig feed. Livestock Science, 107, 294-298.
Kunavongkrit, A., Heard, T.W. (2000). Pig reproduction in South East Asia. Animal Reproduction Science, 60–61, 527–533.
Lekule, F.P., Kyvsgaard, N.C. (2003). Improving pig husbandry in tropical resource-poor communities and its potential to reduce porcine cysticercosis. Acta Tropica, 87, 111-117.
Lemke, U., Kauffman, B., Thuy, L.T., Emrich, K., Valle Zárate, A. 2006. Evaluation of smallholder pig production systems in North Vietnam: Pig production management and pig performances. Livestock Science, 105:229-243.
Lemke, U., Kauffman, B., Thuy, L.T., Emrich, K., Valle Zárate, A. (2007). Evaluation of biological and economic efficiency of smallholder pig production systems in North Vietnam. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 39, 237-254.
MOLD. (2006). Ministry of Livestock Development. Animal Production Division. Annual Report. Ministry of Livestock Development, Nairobi, Kenya
Mutua, F., Arimi, S., Ogara, W., Dewey, C., Schelling, E. (2010). Farmer perceptions on indigenous pig farming in Kakamega district, Western Kenya. Nordic Journal of African Studies, 19 (1), 43-57.
Nganga, C.J., Karanja, D.N., Mutune, M.N. (2008). The prevalence of gastrointestinal helminth infections in pigs in Kenya. Tropical Animal Health and Production, 40, 331-334.
Roessler, R., Drucker, A.G., Scarpa, R., Markemann, A., Lemke, U., Thuy, L.T., Valle Zárate, A. 2008. Using choice experiments to assess smallholder farmers’ preferences for pig breeding traits in different production systems in North-West Vietnam. Ecological Economics, 66:184–192
Wabacha, J.K., Maribei, J.M., Mulei, C.M., Kyule, M.N., Zessin, K.H., Oluoch-Kosura, W. (2004). Characterisation of smallholder pig production in Kikuyu Division, central Kenya. Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 63, 183-195.
Conflict of interest
The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Mbuthia, J.M., Rewe, T.O. & Kahi, A.K. Evaluation of pig production practices, constraints and opportunities for improvement in smallholder production systems in Kenya. Trop Anim Health Prod 47, 369–376 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-014-0730-2
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-014-0730-2