Current status and potential opportunities for Uganda’s pig sub-sector: A review

Abstract

Pig production is one of the most important livestock sub-sectors in agricultural economy of Uganda.  However, pig production is not a priority enterprise in the government endeavors to uplift livelihoods of Ugandans, which has deterred the sub-sector from realizing its full potential. This review explores opportunities that pig farmers and policy makers could exploit to improve pig production in the country. Since gender inclusivity is pivotal in global agricultural development, the review examines the level of gender inclusivity in Uganda’s pig production, the key constraints to pig production, and opportunities that could boost growth of the sub-sector. The review has identified that there is an increase in female participation in pig production, which portrays realization of faster growth of Uganda’s pig production. This faster growth might however be deterred by frequent African Swine Fever (ASF) outbreaks, high cost of feeding and low quality of feed materials due to aflatoxin contamination. Offensive smell from pig houses could also constrain pig production especially in densely populated areas. Potential opportunities for Uganda’s pig production include use of alternative feeds like black soldier fly larvae and biochar. Black soldier fly larvae grow on readily available organic wastes and are rich in proteins while biochar improves the immunity of pigs. Nixtamalization, a process involving the treatment of maize with an alkaline solution to reduce aflatoxin levels, could be explored to mitigate feed contamination while indigenous microorganism solution could be applied on deep litter beddings to reduce offensive odor in pig house. In conclusion, the study observed that Uganda has untapped opportunities that, once utilized, could improve pig production. These, if adopted, could contribute to a swifter take-off in the pig sub-sector and ensure that future domestic demand for pork is met by our own production. The potential alternatives are also applicable to pig production in any developing country.