Abstract
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.
Highlights
Animal agriculture in general and pig production in particular are important economic activities globally (Dietze 2011; Mokoele et al 2015; Roelofse 2013)
In South Africa, pig production is distributed in all nine provinces, with higher concentrations in Limpopo, North West, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, partially because of cultural and religious preferences and availability of feedstuffs
The prevailing local and market prices were the main determinant for marketing pigs and incomes arising from the sale were used mainly in the home or to maintain the remaining pigs (Table 1)
Summary
Animal agriculture in general and pig production in particular are important economic activities globally (Dietze 2011; Mokoele et al 2015; Roelofse 2013). Pig farming requires little space, yields a large number of offspring after a shorter gestation period than other small stock and can be combined with other forms of subsistence agriculture where land resources are scarce (DAFF 2012; Makiwane et al 2012). It plays a major role in poverty reduction and food security (FAO 2004) and provides a form of investment, emergency cash and meat for home consumption (Drucker & Anderson 2004; Mhlanga 2002). In Mpumalanga, the commonly found breeds of pigs are the Kolbroek, Large White, Landrace and their crosses
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