Abstract

Uganda is currently among the largest per capita consumers of pork in sub Saharan Africa. Most of this pork is consumed in “pork joints” in Kampala and other major urban centers in the country. However, the current productivity is low and cannot meet the soaring demand for pork. No information was previously available on the performance productivity of intensive piggeries in Uganda. This study was aimed at assessing the performance, factors affecting productivity and challenges to intensive pig farming in peri-urban Kampala. Production parameters were captured from purposively selected 332 sows and 521 grower pigs. Information on management practices, challenges and prospects of the industry was gathered through questionnaires administered to farmers, key informant interviews and stakeholder’s focus group discussions. Results showed most farms had good level of management but the breeding practices were uniformly erratic in all the farms, and different breeds were crossed anyhow. Furthermore both reproduction and performance parameters were suboptimal. Analysis of management practices revealed that breed had a significant effect on growth performance (p < 0.001) and litter size (p < 0.005). Feeding had significant effects on litter size (p < 0.001), number weaned (p < 0.01), weight:age ratio (p < 0.05) and weaning to service interval (p < 0.05). The major constraints found were high feed costs, diseases and competition for land with the upcoming residential estates. The performance indices varied greatly between farms, indicating great potential for improved productivity. We recommend improved housing, breeding practices, feeding and biosecurity measures so as to improve on performance and productivity of peri-urban pig farming.

Key words: Peri-urban farming, pig production, performance indices, management systems, challenges.