Piggery, a growing lucrative enterprise in Luuka district
Did you know that pork is the most widely consumed meat in the world and that Uganda is the highest pork consumer in Africa? Despite religious influences in Uganda that limit its production and consumption, people have accepted the business and pork as food hence an evolution in the farming business.
Entrepreneurs in the pig farming business are already enjoying the lucrative benefits of this enterprise.
Before venturing in piggery, Kairanya Kaamu was an unknown entrepreneur who made a livelihood from his small food crop garden in Luuka district’s Kalyoowa village. He was introduced to commercial pig farming by the Lutheran World Federation (LWF) in April, 2016 and instantly liked the venture.
“I was trained in commercial pig farming and also taken for an exposure visit at Mukono Research Centre” “The skills and exposure I acquired from the training and the visit inspired me to establish a commercial pig farm.”
In April 2016, Kaamu received a Landrace breed pig from LWF as a startup for his pig farm, he also bought 2 local breed pigs to create a herd. In less than 6 months, Kaamu’s farm had expanded from 3 to 23 pigs after the mother pig he acquired from LWF birthed 20 piglets.
“This was a major step from poverty.” I ventured in piggery with 1 pig but now my farm is worth more than UGX 15,000,000.” “I am fortunate to have an exotic breed which grows up to a size of 300kg and can fetch more money compared to only 100kg for local breeds. “Said Kaamu.
Kaamu intends to grow his pig farm to at least 200 pigs before he starts supplying to hotels, restaurants, supermarkets and expects to earn at least UGX 600,000 per pig.
Benard Mukisa is another pig farmer who has been supported by LWF and is expanding his pig farm. Just like Kaamu, Mukisa received a Landrace pig that has birthed 19 piglets in two intervals. Since he is attached to a Farmer Field School of 10 members, he distributed a piglet to each for them to establish their individual piggery projects for self-sustenance. Mukisa is left with 10 pigs and hopes to accumulate more for sale.
Why piggery?
Consumption of pork products is already growing across Uganda, pork is on high demand in restaurants, hotels and supermarkets. Also, unlike many edible animals like goats and sheep, pigs mature quickly, yield more meat and profits.
“A single piglet, which costs between UGX 50,000 and 100,000, can reach a market value of up to UGX 700,000 in six to eight months” explained Alias Ndyabahika, LWF’s Livelihoods Officer in Luuka.
“Pigs also multiply really fast. A single pig can weigh up to 300 kilograms and birth more than 10 piglets at a time unlike goats that weigh approximately 30kgs and can have 3 kids utmost,” said Antony Kiguwa who owns a pig farm in Luuka and was supported by LWF.
Pigs are highly adaptable “They don’t require too much space, cost little to feed and maintain. Other than feeding, all they require is regular deworming and treating whenever they fall sick,” added Kiguwa.
Pig farmers diversify to other businesses
Majority of the pig farmers that have been supported by LWF have established side businesses to increase their income. Retail shops and commercial food crop gardens have been established and expanded hence an increase in food security, improved nutrition and a decrease in the poverty levels among LWF’s project beneficiaries as explained by Ndyabahika.
“We have established a 2-acre vegetable garden from which we harvest twice a year and sell cabbage and onions for a living.” Robert Weyiso a member of Twekembe Youth Development group that owns a piggery project and was supported by LWF.
“I harvest fruits, vegetables and food on which I feed my family and sell the surplus for money.” Said Kaamu who explains that he yields highly from his garden whose soils are fertilized with manure from his pig farm.
Robert Weyiso a member of Twekembe established a retail shop in Wampiti sub county with finances from the group’s piggery project and earns an average of UGX 200,000 a month. “My children go to school and my family never lacks basics of life.” Added a beaming Weyiso.
