Pig Production System, Marketing Chain and Cysticercosis Awareness in the Gambia and Senegal

Abstract

Publications on pig production and cysticercosis in The Gambia and Senegal are very scant. Hence, this survey was implemented to characterise the pig production systems and marketing chain, and to assess people’s awareness of cysticercosis. The survey sites were Western region and Kanifing Municipality of The Gambia; and the ‘départements’ of Bignona, Kolda and Ziguinchor in southern Senegal. Following a census of pigs in these sites, a random sample of 279 households were interviewed using questionnaire on pig management, sales, sanitation and knowledge on cysticercosis. Information on the pig market chain, pig slaughtering and inspection was also collected. The pig population in 1,794 census households was 22,464. Ninety nine percent of 279 interviewed households are Christians, and the four predominant ethnic groups engaged in pig production are Balanta, Jola, Mankagne and Manjago. Ninety percent of the pigs in these households belong to the local breed, and the rest were crosses with exotic breeds. There is no organised pig market infrastructure. Trade in live pigs exist between The Gambia, Senegal and Guinea Bissau. The majority of small holder producers rear few pigs for subsistence investing low inputs in feeding, housing and health care. The minority produce pigs for commercial purposes with more inputs in feeding, housing and health care. Although porcine and human cysticercosis are endemic in the region, only sixty four percent of respondents were aware of porcine cysticercosis and none knew how it is transmitted between pigs and humans. Educating the population on the disease could help minimise its transmission.