Socioeconomic and productive characteristics of indigenous pig farming in Cameroon

Author: J.S. Motsa’a, H.F. Defang, T.B.A. Hako, E.T. Ojong, K.H. Mube, C.L Nguekem, Z.P.D, Tagning, M. Mouchili & T.C. Keambou
Year: 2021
Issue: 1
Volume: 14
Page: 32 - 39

The present study was conducted in other to describe the socioeconomic characteristics of indigenous pig farmers in Cameroon, as well as the management techniques of their pig herds. A total of 127 indigenous pig farmers were randomly selected from four Divisions (Fako, Mayo-Danay, Mvila & Bamboutos) of four Regions (South-West, Far-North, South, and West) respectively. They were interviewed using a structured questionnaire. The data generated were subjected to descriptive statistics. The findings of this study revealed that indigenous pig production in our study zone was mostly done by married (62.2%) men (58.3%) belonging to the age group 40-49 years old (36.0%) with an experience less than 20 years (44.9%). The respondents mostly keep indigenous pigs (52.8%) for marketing with the price of a mature pig ranging from 50-70 000FCFA All the farmers housed their pigs in traditional/wooden pens under semi-intensive and free-range production systems with the latter being the most common (69.3%). Pigs were mostly fed with kitchen waste, farm residues, millet grains, and by-products (33.1%). Free will mating (44.8%) was the most practiced with delivery taking place inside the herd (55.1%) with an average litter size of 0-5 piglets (64.6%) at birth and at weaning. Disease outbreak (46.5%) and lack of finance (27.6%) were the main constraints to pig production in our study zone although it remains profitable (73.2%). Indigenous pig farming in Cameroon stands as a potential source of development for the local community and therefore needs governmental intervention for its improvement.Motsa’a JS_Vol 14 (1)

Keywords: cameroon, management techniques, pig production, production system
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