Attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnology application for improved indigenous pig production in Zambia

Abstract

Background and Aim: Pig production remains crucial to the livelihood of farmers in Zambia. However, low production continues to undermine efforts to reduce animal protein deficit; hence, the need emerges to improve production through biotechnology. To contribute to the prediction of their acceptance, this study assessed the attitudes and preferences of traditional farmers toward reproductive biotechnologies by exploring the socio-demographic characteristics of farmers. Materials and Methods: The study conducted a cross-sectional descriptive survey that employed a mixed-methods design with a qualitative-quantitative methodological triangulation. Quantitative data were obtained from 622 respondents using a questionnaire, whereas seven focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted to obtain qualitative data. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were used to analyze quantitative and qualitative data, respectively. Results: The majority (65.1%) of the respondents were low-income earners who mainly (64.8%) attained primary education. In addition, pig farming was dominated by middle-aged (43.7%) and elderly (40.7%) individuals. Moreover, most of the respondents owned (51.3% and 78.0%) more than 2 acres and six pigs, respectively. Furthermore, the respondents expressed a positive attitude (3.84±0.42) toward reproductive biotechnology application. However, despite supportive opinions (4.17±0.54) and favorable behavioral intentions (4.09±0.51), their feelings were generally neutral (3.10±0.89). In addition, the study observed various contrasting attitudes across socio-demographic factors. The respondents mainly preferred artificial insemination (AI; 66.2%). The results of the FGDs supported the survey findings. Nevertheless, the lack of information, knowledge and practical exposure, absence of peer influence, perceived beliefs and risks, poverty situations, and gender issues were pinpointed as the identified barriers to the biotechnology acceptance of the participants. Conclusion: The respondents generally supported reproductive biotechnology application and its contribution to improved production. However, further promotion of the favorable attitudes of the farmers will be required. In this case, interventions sensitive to their socio-demographic characteristics, perceived barriers, and identified contributing factors to favorable attitudes will be crucial. In addition, despite the overwhelming preference for AI, efforts to promote AI-supporting reproductive technologies are required because they contribute to AI success rate.

Traditional farmers’ pig trait preferences and awareness levels toward reproductive biotechnology application in Zambia

“…Although policies that promote diversification to include livestock production, improve production through biotechnology, and conserve indigenous genetic resources have been enacted, agricultural production diversification remains low [ 4 – 7 ]. There is a need for more efficient food production systems to reduce the food demand–supply gap; of note, pig rearing was recommended as a strategy to minimize the existing animal protein deficit [ 2 , 8 , 9 ].…”

“…Despite the previous recommendation, Zambian pig production and pork availability remain low; for example, the total national flock and available pork in 2020 were 1.16 million and 65,244 metric tons, respectively [ 8 , 10 ]. Both exotic and indigenous pigs are reared in Zambia; however, the latter, including Lusitu and Nsenga breeds, constitute 65% of the national flock [ 4 , 11 ].…”

“…Both exotic and indigenous pigs are reared in Zambia; however, the latter, including Lusitu and Nsenga breeds, constitute 65% of the national flock [ 4 , 11 ]. Even though their productivity is low, traditional farmers still value indigenous pigs [ 8 ], also confirmed by the 65% proportion; thus, there is a need to identify the possible traits contributing to the value farmers attach to Lusitu and Nsenga pigs. There is scanty information about the adaptability of indigenous pigs to a range of harsh rearing conditions.…”

“…Nevertheless, suggestions were made for increased production and productivity [ 4 , 12 ]. One of the recommended means for increased production is the application of reproductive biotechnologies such as artificial insemination (AI) and AI-supporting biotechnologies [ 8 , 13 , 14 ]. They improve reproductive efficiency, the backbone of animal production and productivity [ 13 , 15 ].…”

“…They improve reproductive efficiency, the backbone of animal production and productivity [ 13 , 15 ]. However, reproductive biotechnology applications in Zambia are limited or not used by traditional pig farmers [ 4 , 8 ]; therefore, there is an urgent need to promote their utilization.…”