Livestock Fish Value Chain Development (general)

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Livestock and fish value chain assessment toolkit, version 2
(Manual, 2019-10-15) Baltenweck, Isabelle; Poole, Elizabeth J.; Galiè, Alessandra; Ouma, Emily A.; Marshall, Karen; Kruijssen, Froukje
Value chain transformation: Taking stock of WorldFish research on value chains and markets
(Working Paper, 2016) Kruijssen, Froukje; Audet-Belanger, G.; Choudhury, A.; Crissman, C.C.; Dalsgaard, Jens Peter T.; Dawson, C.; Dickson, M.; Genschick, S.; Islam, M.M.; Kaminski, A.; Keus, H.J.; McDougall, Cynthia; Banda, L.E.; Muyaule, C.; Rajaratnam, S.
The goal of WorldFish’s research on markets and value chains is to increase the benefits to resource-poor people from fisheries and aquaculture value chains by researching (1) key barriers to resource-poor men, women and other marginalized groups gaining greater benefits from participation in value chains, including barriers related to the availability, affordability and quality of nutrient-rich fish for resource-poor consumers; (2) interventions to overcome those barriers; and (3) mechanisms that are most effective for scaling up of value chain interventions. This paper aims to promote and document learning across WorldFish’s value chain research efforts in Asia and Africa. It has three main objectives: (1) to take stock of WorldFish’s past and ongoing research on value chains; (2) to draw out commonalities and differences between these projects; and (3) to provide a synthesis of some learning that can guide future work.
Exploring Indonesian aquaculture futures
(Report, 2015-09) Phillips, M.; Henriksson, Patrik J.G.; Tran, N.; Chan, C.Y.; Mohan, C.V.; Rodríguez, U.P.; Suri, S.; Hall, S.; Koeshendrajana, S.
Breeding programs for smallholder sheep farming systems: I. Evaluation of alternative designs of breeding schemes
(Journal Article, 2014-10) Gizaw, Solomon; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.; Valle-Zárate, A.; Haile, Aynalem; Arendonk, Johan A.M. van; Okeyo Mwai, Ally; Dessie, Tadelle
Village- and central nucleus-based schemes were simulated and evaluated for their relative bio-economic efficiencies, using Ethiopia's Menz sheep as example. The schemes were: village-based 2-tier (Scheme-1) and 1-tier (Scheme-2) cooperative village breeding schemes, dispersed village-based nuclei scheme (Scheme-3), conventional 2-tier central nucleus-based scheme (Scheme-4), and schemes linking a central nucleus and village multiplier nuclei with selection in central nucleus (Scheme-5) or in both central and village nuclei (Scheme-6). Among village-based schemes, Scheme-1 gave the highest genetic progress, while Scheme-2 was economically the most efficient with genetic gain in the breeding objective of Birr 5.6 and a profit of Birr 37.2/ewe/year. The central nucleus schemes were more efficient than the village schemes. Scheme-4 was the most efficient with genetic gain in the breeding objective of Birr 13.5 and a profit of Birr 71.2, but is operationally more difficult as it requires a very large central nucleus. The choice between village and central nucleus-based schemes would depend on local conditions (availability of infrastructure, logistics and technical knowhow and support). Linking central nucleus with village-based nuclei (Scheme-6) would be a feasible option to overcome the operational difficulties of the conventional central nucleus scheme. If a village-based breeding program is envisaged as should be the 1st step in most low-input systems, then Scheme-2 is the most efficient. To scale out to an entire Menz breed level, Scheme-3 would be recommended.
Breeding programmes for smallholder sheep farming systems: II. Optimization of cooperative village breeding schemes
(Journal Article, 2014-10) Gizaw, Solomon; Arendonk, Johan A.M. van; Valle-Zárate, A.; Haile, Aynalem; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.; Dessie, Tadelle; Okeyo Mwai, Ally
A simulation study was conducted to optimize a cooperative village-based sheep breeding scheme for Menz sheep of Ethiopia. Genetic gains and profits were estimated under nine levels of farmers' participation and three scenarios of controlled breeding achieved in the breeding programme, as well as under three cooperative flock sizes, ewe to ram mating ratios and durations of ram use for breeding. Under fully controlled breeding, that is, when there is no gene flow between participating (P) and non-participating (NP) flocks, profits ranged from Birr 36.9 at 90% of participation to Birr 21.3 at 10% of participation. However, genetic progress was not affected adversely. When there was gene flow from the NP to P flocks, profits declined from Birr 28.6 to Birr −3.7 as participation declined from 90 to 10%. Under the two-way gene flow model (i.e. when P and NP flocks are herded mixed in communal grazing areas), NP flocks benefited from the genetic gain achieved in the P flocks, but the benefits declined sharply when participation declined beyond 60%. Our results indicate that a cooperative breeding group can be established with as low as 600 breeding ewes mated at a ratio of 45 ewes to one ram, and the rams being used for breeding for a period of two years. This study showed that farmer cooperation is crucial to effect genetic improvement under smallholder low-input sheep farming systems.
Feasibility of pedigree recording and genetic selection in village sheep flocks of smallholder farmers
(Journal Article, 2014-06-15) Gizaw, Solomon; Goshme, Shenkute; Getachew, T.; Haile, Aynalem; Rischkowsky, Barbara A.; Arendonk, Johan A.M. van; Valle-Zárate, A.; Dessie, Tadelle; Okeyo Mwai, Ally
Pedigree recording and genetic selection in village flocks of smallholder farmers have been deemed infeasible by researchers and development workers. This is mainly due to the difficulty of sire identification under uncontrolled village breeding practices. A cooperative village sheep-breeding scheme was designed to achieve controlled breeding and implemented for Menz sheep of Ethiopia in 2009. In this paper, we evaluated the reliability of pedigree recording in village flocks by comparing genetic parameters estimated from data sets collected in the cooperative village and in a nucleus flock maintained under controlled breeding. Effectiveness of selection in the cooperative village was evaluated based on trends in breeding values over generations. Heritability estimates for 6-month weight recorded in the village and the nucleus flock were very similar. There was an increasing trend over generations in average estimated breeding values for 6-month weight in the village flocks. These results have a number of implications: the pedigree recorded in the village flocks was reliable; genetic parameters, which have so far been estimated based on nucleus data sets, can be estimated based on village recording; and appreciable genetic improvement could be achieved in village sheep selection programs under low-input smallholder farming systems.
Beyond net deficits: New priorities for an aquacultural geography
(Journal Article, 2014-03) Belton, Benjamin; Bush, S.R.
Geographers first identified aquaculture as an important field of study during the 1990s, pointing to a ‘net deficit’ in geographical knowledge about the activity. This paper examines how far geographers have come in bridging this knowledge deficit in the last 20 years. While increasing attention has focused on the political economy of export products consumed in the global North, ‘everyday’ geographies of aquaculture production and consumption in the global South have been neglected. We argue that paying greater attention to everyday aquaculture in the global South provides opportunities for geographers to engage with wider questions around development and change that extend far beyond aquaculture. By focusing on changing patterns of aquaculture production for Southern domestic markets, geographers can provide a counterpoint to Northern dominated agro-food studies by re-emphasising the importance of consumption, urbanisation and agrarian transitions from a more place-based perspective and, in doing so, support the development of theory that reflects Southern realties.
Flesh characteristics: Estimation of genetic parameters and correlated responses to selection for growth rate in the GIFT strain
(Journal Article, 2016-07) Hamzah, A.; Nguyen Hong Nguyen; Mekkawy, Wagdy; Ponzoni, R.W.; Hooi Ling Khaw; Hoong Yip Yee; Abu Bakar, Khairul Rizal; Mohd Nor, S.A.
Flesh characteristics comprising chemical composition (protein, fat and moisture percentages and pH) as well as a sensory attribute (colour) were measured in 1951 fillet samples from two generations of two populations (a selection line, selected for increased harvest weight, and a control line, selected for average breeding values for harvest weight) of the genetically improved farmed tilapia (GIFT) strain of Nile tilapia. These data were jointly analysed with 5331 harvest weight records from three generations to estimate genetic parameters and correlated selection responses. Multiple trait animal models were used in the analyses. The potential for correlated responses was evaluated by estimating heritabilities and genetic correlations between body traits (weight, length, depth and width) and fillet traits (weight and yield) with the above mentioned flesh characteristics. The heritabilities for protein%, fat% and colour were low (0.06–0.11), whereas for moisture% and pH they were moderate (0.15–0.20). Genetic correlations among some flesh characteristics (moisture% with protein%, fat% and pH and with fat%) as well as between body and fillet traits with flesh characteristics, were significantly different from zero but low (−0.34 to 0.31). Correlated responses were evaluated by comparing the least squares means between the Selection and Control lines. Our results indicate that selection for high growth increased harvest weight in the Selection line relative to the Control line but it did not change the flesh characteristics of the GIFT strain.
Certify sustainable aquaculture?
(Journal Article, 2013-09-06) Bush, S.R.; Belton, Benjamin; Hall, D.; Vandergeest, P.; Murray, F.J.; Ponte, S.; Oosterveer, P.; Islam, M.S.; Mol, A.P.J.; Hatanaka, M.; Kruijssen, Froukje; Ha, T.T.T.; Little, David C.; Kusumawati, R.
Aquaculture, the farming of aquatic organisms, provides close to 50% of the world's supply of seafood, with a value of U.S. $125 billion. It makes up 13% of the world's animal-source protein (excluding eggs and dairy) and employs an estimated 24 million people (1). With capture (i.e., wild) fisheries production stagnating, aquaculture may help close the forecast global deficit in fish protein by 2020 (2). This so-called “blue revolution” requires addressing a range of environmental and social problems, including water pollution, degradation of ecosystems, and violation of labor standards.
What shapes food value chains? Lessons from aquaculture in Asia
(Journal Article, 2014-12) Jespersen, K.S.; Kelling, I.; Ponte, S.; Kruijssen, Froukje
In this article, we explain what shapes food value chains through the analysis of selected aquaculture industries in four key Asian producing countries. Worldwide production of aquatic resources has grown rapidly in the past few decades, and aquaculture production in Asia has played a decisive role in this growth. We examine the main forms of coordination found along these value chains and the role that institutional frameworks play in governing them. We observe that negative publicity, driven by NGO and media campaigns, has led to increased use of third-party certification and the adoption of public and private standards. We find that the most sophisticated aquaculture operations in Asia are found in value chains led by retailers and branded processors and where the quality of domestic institutional frameworks has facilitated compliance with increasing demands from buyers overseas. Finally, we reflect on the sustainability challenges of aquaculture and provide four broad observations on the governance of food value chains.
Does aquaculture add resilience to the global food system?
(Journal Article, 2014-09-16) Troell, M.; Naylor, R.L.; Metian, M.; Beveridge, Malcolm C.M.; Tyedmers, P.H.; Folke, C.; Arrow, K.J.; Barrett, S.; Crepin, A.S.; Ehrlich, P.R.; Gren, A.; Kautsky, N.; Levin, S.A.; Nyborg, K.; Osterblom, H.; Polasky, S.; Scheffer, M.; Walker, B.H.; Xepapadeas, T.; Zeeuw, A. de
Aquaculture is the fastest growing food sector and continues to expand alongside terrestrial crop and livestock production. Using portfolio theory as a conceptual framework, we explore how current interconnections between the aquaculture, crop, livestock, and fisheries sectors act as an impediment to, or an opportunity for, enhanced resilience in the global food system given increased resource scarcity and climate change. Aquaculture can potentially enhance resilience through improved resource use efficiencies and increased diversification of farmed species, locales of production, and feeding strategies. However, aquaculture’s reliance on terrestrial crops and wild fish for feeds, its dependence on freshwater and land for culture sites, and its broad array of environmental impacts diminishes its ability to add resilience. Feeds for livestock and farmed fish that are fed rely largely on the same crops, although the fraction destined for aquaculture is presently small (∼4%). As demand for high-value fed aquaculture products grows, competition for these crops will also rise, as will the demand for wild fish as feed inputs. Many of these crops and forage fish are also consumed directly by humans and provide essential nutrition for low-income households. Their rising use in aquafeeds has the potential to increase price levels and volatility, worsening food insecurity among the most vulnerable populations. Although the diversification of global food production systems that includes aquaculture offers promise for enhanced resilience, such promise will not be realized if government policies fail to provide adequate incentives for resource efficiency, equity, and environmental protection.
Value-chain analysis — An assessment methodology to estimate Egyptian aquaculture sector performance
(Journal Article, 2012-09-28) MacFadyen, G.; Nasr-Allah, A.M.; Al-Kenawy, D.A.R.; Mohamed, F.; Hebicha, H.; Diab, A.; Hussein, S.; Abou-Zeid, R.M.; El-Naggar, G.O.
Egypt's aquaculture production (705,490 tonnes in 2009) is by far the largest of any African country and places it 11th in terms of global aquaculture production. The aquaculture sector in Egypt is now a mature one having developed over a period of more than 30 years, but the financial performance of the sector is not well understood or documented, even though value-chain analysis provides a methodological tool to do so. To provide a better understanding of the sector, a WorldFish Center study completed in September 2011 and funded by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation, conducted a value-chain analysis of the pond fish farming sector. The sector concentrates on the production of tilapia with additional production of mullet, catfish and carp from earthen ponds. The study mapped the value-chain and showed that there is no processing and virtually no export of farmed fish, a short time-period from harvest to final consumption by the consumer (typically around one day) due to the live/fresh nature of all sales, and very low rates (< 1%) of post-harvest losses. Quantitative data were collected for each link in the value-chain on operational and financial performance (e.g. gross output values, variable and fixed costs, operational and net profit margins, value-added generation), and on employment creation (by gender, age and full-time/part-time). The results showed that the industry generates a combined LE 4619 ($775) of value-added (i.e. profits plus wages/earnings) for farmers, traders and retailers for each tonne of fish produced. Employment generation is also significant with around 14 full-time equivalent jobs generated for every 100 tonnes of fish produced. However, the sector as a whole is under increasing financial pressure. Critical factors impacting on the performance of the value-chain relate to inputs (most importantly to rising feed costs and the poor quality of fry), to production (most importantly to poor practices with regard to feed management, farm design and construction, fish health management, and stocking densities), and to the marketing, transportation and sale of product (most importantly to declining fish prices in real terms, consumer preference for wild fish and a distrust of filleted/processed products, fluctuating seasonal prices, poor hygiene and handling practices, the lack of value-addition through processing, and the lack of exports). This paper highlights the benefits of value-chain analysis as a useful tool to understand sector performance and argues for its wider use in identifying critical factors and actions to support aquaculture sector improvements.
Comparative study of the reproductive performance and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) status of black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) collected from the Bay of Bengal
(Journal Article, 2014-03) Debnath, P.; Karim, M.; Belton, Benjamin
A comparative study to assess length, weight, fecundity, hatching rate and White Spot Syndrome Virus (WSSV) prevalence in black tiger shrimp (Penaeus monodon) broods collected from shallow and deep water zones of the Bay of Bengal was carried out in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh. Average size and reproductive performance of broods from the deep zone were significantly higher than those of broods caught from the shallow zone. The incidence of WSSV infection in shallow zone broods was much higher than that in deep zone broods. The association between depth zone and WSSV infection is independent of brood size. WSSV infection is negatively associated with hatching rate, irrespective of location. Exclusive use of tiger shrimp broods collected from the deep zone could reduce vertical transmission of WSSV by 46% without additional management measures. A variety of economic, social and ecological factors make this potential solution unworkable however. A better alternative could be to promote the use of domesticated P. monodon broods.
The blue revolution in Asia: Upgrading and governance in aquaculture value chains
(Journal Article, 2014-12) Ponte, S.; Kelling, I.; Jespersen, K.S.; Kruijssen, Froukje
In this article, we examine the upgrading trajectories of selected aquaculture value chains in four Asian countries and the links between upgrading and three factors of value chain governance: coordination mechanisms; types of drivers; and domestic regulation. We find instances of improving products, processes, and value chain coordination—while “moving up” the value chain is rare. We also find that the type of value chain driver and the quality of the domestic regulatory framework are main facilitators of upgrading. We conclude by highlighting lessons on the potential, limits and risks of upgrading the “blue revolution” in Asia.
Value chain analysis of the aquaculture feed sector in Egypt
(Journal Article, 2015-02) El-Sayed, A.F.M.; Dickson, M.W.; El-Naggar, G.O.
This study was carried out to evaluate the value chain performance of the aquaculture feed sector in Egypt, in terms of value addition, employment and profitability. The strengths and weaknesses of each link of the value chain were assessed and appropriate upgrading, management and development strategies were suggested. Quantitative data were collected for each link in the value-chain through structured questionnaires that were drafted and distributed to the key players in the sector; 25 fish feed mills and 34 fish farms covering different geographical and production regions. The results indicated that the Egyptian aquafeed value-chain is relatively simple; including only four main stakeholder groups. These are feed input suppliers, aquafeed producers, aquafeed marketers and traders and fish farmers. Between 50 and 99% of feed ingredients used in aquafeed production in Egypt are imported. About 90% of Egyptian aquafeeds are produced by the private sector in the form of conventionally pressed, pelleted feeds (80–85%) and extruded feeds (15–20%). About 85% of those producers sell their feeds directly to farmers with payment either in cash or on credit, while the remaining 15% sell through intermediaries such as traders. State-owned mills produced only 10% of total commercial fish feed production in 2012, exclusively in the form of pressed, pelleted feeds. Employment generation in private sector feed mills was 29.2 full-time equivalent (FTE) jobs per mill, with an average of 3.9 jobs per 1000 tonnes of feed produced. Employment generation in state-owned mills was much higher; with an average of 90.3 FTE per mill. Males represented 90% of the full-time employment in the state-owned mills and 96.6% in the private sector. Feed costs represent 75–90% of the total operating costs of the fish farms. The major factors impacting on the performance of the value-chain relate to inputs, to feed production, to fish farmers and to marketing and financial services. The study recommends actions to mitigate these issues including the local production of more feed raw materials, strengthening quality control and inspection, providing training for feed mills, better organization of fish farmers and improving the legal and policy environment.
Technical characteristics and economic performance of commercial tilapia hatcheries applying different management systems in Egypt
(Journal Article, 2014-04) Nasr-Allah, A.M.; Dickson, M.W.; Al-Kenawy, D.A.R.; Ahmed, M.F.M.; El-Naggar, G.O.
This study was carried out in order to understand the technical and economic characteristics of different Egyptian Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) hatchery systems. Hatchery operators at fifty tilapia hatcheries in four governorates were interviewed and four focus group discussions were held with 61 participants in March 2012. Technical characteristics and economic performance data were obtained for three tilapia hatchery systems: hapa-based in earthen ponds (hapa), hapa-based in greenhouse tunnels (greenhouse) and concrete tanks in greenhouse tunnels with water heating (heated greenhouse). The study showed that the average tilapia hatchery production was 9.92 million seed per year (5.82 million, 12.17 million and 12.25 million for hapa, greenhouse and heated greenhouse systems, respectively) while the average employment level was 4.5 full-time equivalents (FTE). On average 95.8% of hatchery production was sold as fry, while only 4.3% of seed production was sold as fingerlings. Both total costs and total revenues were highest in heated greenhouse hatcheries, followed by greenhouse-based and lowest in hapa-based systems. Net profits were highest in greenhouse-based systems (45.1% of sales), compared to both heated greenhouse (33.2% of sales) and hapa-based systems (37.6% of sales). Focus group discussions showed that hatchery operators currently face many critical factors: shortages of good quality brood fish; poor water quality and shortages of water; high fuel costs; lack of access to affordable finance; a ban on fry transport between governorates; and limited knowledge of best management practices. The study concluded that greenhouse-based hatcheries are more profitable than heated greenhouse systems which produce more but face additional costs and hapa-based hatcheries which are low-cost but have a shorter production period. Greenhouse-based hatcheries are also more likely to remain profitable when faced with financial shocks.
Indirect genetic effects and inbreeding: Consequences of BLUP selection for socially affected traits on rate of inbreeding
(Journal Article, 2014) Hooi Ling Khaw; Ponzoni, R.W.; Bijma, P.
Background Social interactions often occur among living organisms, including aquatic animals. There is empirical evidence showing that social interactions may genetically affect phenotypes of individuals and their group mates. In this context, the heritable effect of an individual on the phenotype of another individual is known as an Indirect Genetic Effect (IGE). Selection for socially affected traits may increase response to artificial selection, but also affect rate of inbreeding. Methods A simulation study was conducted to examine the effect of Best Linear Unbiased Prediction (BLUP) selection for socially affected traits on the rate of inbreeding. A base scenario without IGE and three alternative scenarios with different magnitudes of IGE were simulated. In each generation, 25 sires and 50 dams were mated, producing eight progeny per dam. The population was selected for 20 generations using BLUP. Individuals were randomly assigned to groups of eight members in each generation, with two families per group, each contributing four individuals. “Heritabilities” (for both direct and indirect genetic effects) were equal to 0.1, 0.3 or 0.5, and direct–indirect genetic correlations were −0.8, −0.4, 0, 0.4, or 0.8. The rate of inbreeding was calculated from generation 10 to 20. Results For the base scenario, the rates of inbreeding were 4.09, 2.80 and 1.95% for “heritabilities” of 0.1, 0.3 and 0.5, respectively. Overall, rates of inbreeding for the three scenarios with IGE ranged from 2.21 to 5.76% and were greater than for the base scenarios. The results show that social interaction within groups of two families increases the resemblance between estimated breeding values of relatives, which, in turn, increases the rate of inbreeding. Conclusion BLUP selection for socially affected traits increased the rate of inbreeding. To maintain inbreeding at an acceptable rate, a selection algorithm that restricts the increase in mean kinship, such as optimum contribution selection, is required.
Genetic parameters and correlated responses in female reproductive traits in the GIFT strain
(Journal Article, 2016-05) Hamzah, A.; Nguyen Hong Nguyen; Mekkawy, Wagdy; Hooi Ling Khaw; Hoong Yip Yee; Abu Bakar, Khairul Rizal; Ponzoni, R.W.; Mohd Nor, S.A.
The effect of selection for greater growth rate in the GIFT strain on traits related to female reproduction (weight at spawning, number of eggs, number of fry, total weight of fry and number of dead fry) was studied. Available records comprised 10 generations of data from a total of 935 breeding females with known pedigree. Female body weight at spawning was 255 g, whereas the averages for number of eggs, number of live fry at hatching, number of dead fry and total fry weight per spawning were 1444, 908, 64.90, and 7.24 g respectively. Heritabilities for reproductive traits were low to moderate (0.20 for number of eggs, 0.16 for number of hatched fry and 0.11 for fry weight per female at spawning). The genetic correlations between female body weight at spawning and reproductive traits were very low to low (0.01 to 0.31) and not significantly different from zero. The genetic correlations among reproductive traits (i.e. number of eggs, number of hatched fry and fry weight) were high (0.75 to 0.92). Phenotypic correlations were consistent with the genetic correlations, ranging from 0.56 to 0.85. Correlated responses in reproductive traits measured as differences in least squares means between Selection and Control lines were positive and significant (except for the number of dead fry) when age of females at spawning was fitted as a covariate. However, there were no significant differences in all studied traits when body weight of the female at spawning was fitted as a covariate within lines. This indicates that the greater reproductive rate was due to the greater size of females in the Selection line, but the efficiency of reproduction per unit weight of female did not change as a consequence of selection for growth.
Governance of global value chains in response to food safety and certification standards: the case of shrimp from Vietnam
(Journal Article, 2013-05) NhuongTran; Bailey, Conner; Wilson, Norbert L.W.; Phillips, Michael
We use global value chain (GVC) theory to understand governance of Vietnam’s shrimp farming industry. We describe this GVC as buyer-driven with important food safety standards imposed by governments of importing countries and new certification systems promoted by nongovernmental organizations (NGOs). Governance relations are clear between governments in importing countries and Vietnam, and between importers and NGOs. Governance relations become more fragmented further down the chain where large numbers of small-scale producers and traders operate. This fragmentation may adversely affect access to the most lucrative markets and have the unanticipated effect of marginalizing small-scale farmers and traders.
Participatory assessment of animal health and husbandry practices in smallholder pig production systems in three high poverty districts in Uganda
(Journal Article, 2014-12-01) Dione, Michel M.; Ouma, Emily A.; Roesel, Kristina; Kungu, J.; Lule, Peter M.; Pezo, Danilo A.
While animal health constraints have been identified as a major limiting factor in smallholder pig production in Uganda, researchers and policy makers lack information on the relative incidence of diseases and their impacts on pig production. This study aimed to assess animal health and management practices, constraints and opportunities for intervention in smallholder pig value chains in three high poverty districts of Uganda. Semi-qualitative interview checklists through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were administered to 340 pig farmers in 35 villages in Masaka, Kamuli and Mukono districts. Quantitative data was obtained during the exercise through group consensus. Results of FGDs were further triangulated with secondary data and information obtained from key informant interviews. Findings show that pig keeping systems are dominated by tethering and scavenging in rural areas. In peri-urban and urban areas, intensive production systems are more practiced, with pigs confined in pens. The main constraints identified by farmers include high disease burden such as African swine fever (ASF) and parasites, poor housing and feeding practices, poor veterinary services, ineffective drugs and a general lack of knowledge on piggery management. According to farmers, ASF is the primary cause of pig mortality with epidemics occurring mainly during the dry season. Worms and ectoparasites namely; mange, lice and flies are endemic leading to stunted growth which reduces the market value of pigs. Diarrhoea and malnutrition are common in piglets. Ninety-three percent of farmers say they practice deworming, 37% practice ectoparasite spraying and 77% castrate their boars. Indigenous curative treatments include the application of human urine and concoctions of local herbs for ASF control and use of old engine oil or tobacco extracts to control ectoparasites. There is a need for better technical services to assist farmers with these problems.

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