6 research outputs found
Evaluation of the production systems and constraints of smallholder pig farming in three agro-ecological zones of Mpumalanga province, South Africa
Smallholder pig farming is an important livestock activity in Mpumalanga. The aim of the current study was to investigate whether variation in agro-ecological climatic conditions differently impacts on the small-scale pig production systems in Mpumalanga province and to identify factors that influence production positively or negatively in the various agro-ecological zones. The study was conducted in Mpumalanga province of South Africa in three agro-ecological zones namely the highveld, the lowveld and the midveld. The study followed mixed methods approach, using qualitative and quantitative data. In total, 220 randomly selected smallholder pig farmers were interviewed face to face using pre-tested semi-structured questionnaire. Data was entered into Microsoft Excel2007® spreadsheet, filtered and analysed using Stata v9 (Statacorp., Texas, USA) and Microsoft Excel2007® for frequency, herd-related variables; in addition, some hypothesis were tested using appropriate analytical methods (descriptive and correlation analyses). Associations between agricultural training, government assistance (material or financial) and thirteen herd and farmer-related variables were analysed using multivariable logistic regression model. A pairwise correlation was used where necessary and outputs were generated to associate certain variables and preferred methods including markets, market determinants, treatment methods for sick pigs, feed preference, body conditions of the sows and age at weaning. To integrate economic analyses, a partial budgeting combined with other turn on investment (ROI) model has developed in Microsoft Excel 2007® spreadsheet. The outcomes from the field data obtained including details from published materials were utilized to develop and validate the model. Economic feasibility and viability of a 10-sow unit were tested for a three-year farm operation. The results indicated that smallholder pig farming was predominated by males (64%), age group 51 years and above (54%), black Africans (98.6%) and approximately three-quarters of the smallholder farmers were classified as being poor to just below average. The majority (80%) of respondents had no prior pig husbandry training while few had (33%) received assistance from Department of Agriculture. In terms of stock, mixed breeds (89%) from exotic pigs were mostly kept and the majority (87%) of the farmers kept between 1 – 10 ws in their herds. Many farmers (75%) engaged in bio-security risky behaviour of buying auctioned-sourced boars, free-range boars and untested boars from neighbours and relatives. Few (17%) farmers practiced vaccination and only (10%) kept records of the pigs. The majority of the responses on pre-weaning mortality (50%) and post-weaning mortality (90%) were within acceptable range of 1-10% and 1-5% mortality rates respectively. The lead causes of mortality were weak piglets and crushing (46%), diarrhea (27%), poor management knowledge (19%) and malnutrition (16%). Fifty-eight percent farrowed ≤10 piglets/born/sow/litter, 44.2% practiced no weaning method, many fed leftovers alone (41.6%), 47% was using self-medication and 41% of the sows were in poor body conditions. It was also discovered that only 27% sold the porkers in less than 6 months of age and local slaughter/sold live (64.4%) was the most preferred market source. A pair-wise correlation showed links that between the feeding of commercial feeds and pigs in relatively good to very good body conditions. Poor body conditioned pigs were positively correlated with the feeding of swill alone. The economic models for a 10-sow unit proved that pig farming at that scale is unprofitable by feeding commercial feed. However, only through a combination of cooperative systems, benefits of economic of scale, reduction of pre-weaning mortalities, and structured government inputs can improve pig production profitable at this scale of production. In addition, agricultural training and government incentives will facilitate improved productivity in smallholder pig farms within the provinceAgriculture, Animal Health and Human EcologyM. Sc. (Agriculture
Is a 10-sow unit economically sustainable? A profitability assessment of productivity amongst small-holder pig farmers, Mpumalanga, South Africa
The majority of small-holder pig farmers in Mpumalanga had between 1- and 10-sow herds.
The main aim of this study is to evaluate the current government agricultural intervention
(supply of 10 sows and a boar) in terms of technical and economic feasibilities and ascertain
whether the small-scale pig value chain system alleviates poverty. Data were obtained
from 220 randomly selected small-holder pig farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire.
The results showed that 58% farrowed ≤ 10 piglets/born/sow/litter, 44.2% practiced no
weaning method and many fed swill and leftovers alone (41.6%). Pair-wise association
revealed that the feeding of commercial feeds had a relationship with pigs in relatively good
to very good body condition. Pigs in poor body condition were positively correlated with the
feeding of swill alone. The economic models for the 10-sow unit proved that pig farming is
unprofitable if the current management and feeding systems that operate in the commercial
industry are utilised. However, only through a combination of cooperative systems, benefits of
economies of scale, reduction of preweaning mortalities and structured government inputs
can pig production be profitable at this scale of production.UNISA
M & D bursaryhttp://www.ojvr.orgam2016Production Animal Studie
Is a 10-sow unit economically sustainable? A profitability assessment of productivity amongst small-holder pig farmers, Mpumalanga, South Africa
The majority of small-holder pig farmers in Mpumalanga had between 1- and 10-sow herds.
The main aim of this study is to evaluate the current government agricultural intervention
(supply of 10 sows and a boar) in terms of technical and economic feasibilities and ascertain
whether the small-scale pig value chain system alleviates poverty. Data were obtained
from 220 randomly selected small-holder pig farmers using a semi-structured questionnaire.
The results showed that 58% farrowed ≤ 10 piglets/born/sow/litter, 44.2% practiced no
weaning method and many fed swill and leftovers alone (41.6%). Pair-wise association
revealed that the feeding of commercial feeds had a relationship with pigs in relatively good
to very good body condition. Pigs in poor body condition were positively correlated with the
feeding of swill alone. The economic models for the 10-sow unit proved that pig farming is
unprofitable if the current management and feeding systems that operate in the commercial
industry are utilised. However, only through a combination of cooperative systems, benefits of
economies of scale, reduction of preweaning mortalities and structured government inputs
can pig production be profitable at this scale of production.UNISA
M & D bursaryhttp://www.ojvr.orgam2016Production Animal Studie
Production constraints of smallholder pig farms in agro-ecological zones of Mpumalanga, South Africa
South African pig sector is a contributor to the agricultural
industry. A study was conducted to identify the production
constraints and compare the management practices in
smallholder pig farms in Mpumalanga, South Africa. A total
of 220 selected smallholder pig farmers were interviewed.
Smallholder pig farming was predominated by male (64 %),
age above 50 years (54 %), black Africans (98.6 %), and three
quarters of the smallholder farmers were poor to just below
average. Majority (80 %) have no pig husbandry training,
while only 33 % received assistance from government’s
Agricultural Department. In terms of stock, mixed breeds
(89 %) from exotic pigs were mostly kept and majority
(87 %) of the farmers kept ≤10 sows in their herds. Many
farmers (75 %) engaged in risky behavior of buying auctioned-sourced boars, free-range boars, and untested boars
from neighbors and relatives. Few (17 %) farmers practiced
vaccination and only 10 % kept farm records. Majority of the
responses on pre-weaning mortality (50 %) and post-weaning
mortality (90 %) were within acceptable range of 1–10 and 1–
5 % mortality rates, respectively. The lead causes of mortality
were weak piglets and crushing (46 %), diarrhea (27 %), poor
management knowledge (19 %), and malnutrition (16 %).
Agricultural training and government incentives will facilitate
improved productivity in smallholder pig farming.University of South Africahttp://link.springer.com/journal/112502018-01-30hb2016Production Animal StudiesVeterinary Tropical Disease
Determinants of market choice and strategies adopted by small-scale pig producers in redline areas of Mpumalanga Province, South Africa : a fractional outcome-tobit model approach
Different studies indicate that accessing a market is one of the frustrating challenges encountered
in small-scale pig farming. The market within the pig farming sector is regarded as competitive, with small-scale
farmers having to confront many constraints, which impede their bargaining position within the market. Although
several studies on market channels have been carried out, there has not been any on piggery farming in South
Africa. Thus, this study was carried out among small-scale pig farmers located in a redlined area in Mpumalanga
province, where the government prohibits the unauthorized movements of animals. The research aims to explore the
existing market channels and factors that influence the decision and choice of the market channels used by smallscale
pig farmers. Cross-sectional data were collected, descriptive statistics, the Tobit and fractional outcome
response models were adopted to identify the determinants of the choice of marketing channel used by the farmers.
The descriptive statistics show that about 38% of the pig farmers engaged in the local market, 21% used abattoir,
and 33% adopted auction as a market channel. Furthermore, the results from the two models showed similar
significant factors, indicating that there is little or no variation in the two models. The study recommends that access
to veterinary services and having the right breed to avoid market discrimination, among others, should be
considered to overcome the challenges related to market channel choice among small-scale pig farmers.The Mpumalanga Department of Agriculture, Rural Development, Land and Environmental Affairs.https://jonuns.com/index.php/journalam2022Veterinary Tropical Disease