We assessed the status of pig farming and its contribution to the livelihoods of rural households in the study area. Snowball sampling was used to sample respondents (n=533), and data was collected using a structured questionnaire. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics and ANOVA. The majority (62%) of respondents were females over 46 years of age. Most respondents (62%) had no schooling or had only attended primary school. Male respondents reared significantly (p < 0.05) larger herds. Respondents who had secondary school education tended to rear significantly (p < 0.05) larger herds. The few respondents (1%) who held formal jobs tended to rear significantly (p < 0.05) larger herds. Livestock contributed less (10%) to household income compared to government grants that contributed 47.3%. More than half of respondents (63%) kept pigs for household consumption, while only 33% reared pigs as a source of income. Respondents still reared local pig breeds, and fed their pigs predominantly on swill (81%). Very few respondents had been exposed to training on pig rearing. Most pigs are slaughtered locally and sold mainly at social grant pay points on days when grants are paid out. The potential of pigs to support rural households has not been fully exploited in the study area. There is a need for skills transfer to limit the risks associated with feeding swill and poor animal husbandry practices. Meat inspection services are needed to limit the risk of diseases like cysticercosis.