Potential for using indigenous pigs in subsistence-oriented and market-oriented small-scale farming systems of Southern Africa

Abstract

Indigenous pigs in South Africa are a source of food and economic autonomy for people in rural small-scale farming systems. The objective of the study was to assess the potential of indigenous pigs for improving communal farmer's livelihoods and to inform policy-makers about the conservation of indigenous pigs. Data were collected from 186 small-scale subsistence-oriented households and 102 small-scale market-oriented households using interviews and direct observations. Ninety-three percent of subsistence-oriented and 82 % of market-oriented households kept indigenous pigs such as Windsnyer, Kolbroek and non-descript crosses with exotic pigs mainly for selling, consumption and investment. Farmers in both production systems named diseases and parasites, followed by feed shortages, inbreeding and abortions as major constraints for pig production. Diseases and parasites were more likely to be a constraint to pig production in subsistence-oriented systems, for households where the head was not staying at home and for older farmers. Market-oriented farmers ranked productive traits such as fast growth rate, good meat quality and decent litter size as most important selection criteria for pig breeding stock, while subsistence-oriented farmers ranked good meat quality first, followed by decent growth rate and by low feed costs. We conclude that there is high potential for using indigenous pigs in subsistence-oriented production systems and for crossbreeding of indigenous pigs with imported breeds in market-oriented systems.

Pig farming in rural South Africa: A case study of uThukelaDistrict in KwaZulu-Natal

“…A total of 4% of farmers kept pigs for manure and the production of fat for rubbing on leather skirts worn by married women (izidwaba) and babies to protect them from evil spirits. The use of pig fat to ward off evil spirits was also mentioned by Madzimure et al (2012) as a reason for breeding pigs in the Eastern Cape. Petrus et al (2011) also emphasise the importance of pig fat which has many other uses.…”

“…Since livestock production in KZN is constrained, it means that monogastrics that are not constrained by similar factors have the potential to become the main suppliers of meat in the province. Consequently, rearing pigs for home consumption and extra income or investment is an important activity among the rural people (Ajala, et al, 2007;Carter et al, 2013;Chimonyo, et al, 2005;Hossain et al, 2012;Kagira et al, 2010;Madzimure et al, 2012;Nakai 2011;Nissen et al, 2011;Petrus et al, 2011;Phengsavanh et al, 2010;Pondja et al, 2010). However, there are no studies that have been done to determine the role of pig farming in rural KZN.…”

Comparative study of Indigenous pig production in Vietnam and Sri Lanka

“…This could be due to directional selection of pigs for high reproductive performance under the prevailing production objectives depicted by the market oriented production strategies of farmers in the project area. The recourse-driven and market -driven situation and its sustainability in local Ban pig production system has been discussed widely in previous studies as well (Lemke et al, 2002;Lemke et al, 2005;Madzimure et al, 2012).…”

Sensory Qualities of Pork From Large White and Windsnyer Gilts Prepared by Different Cooking Methods

“…Indigenous South African Windsnyer pigs contribute lowly to commercial pork production because they have slow growth rates, smaller carcasses and tend to deposit fat early when fed on commercial feeds [3][4][5] . Windsnyer pigs are also limited to free-ranging production system [6] . Indigenous pigs are kept in small numbers at the household level where they are a source of protein and capital accumulation [7,8] .…”