Small-Scale Pig Farmers' Biosecurity Challenges

The recent outbreak of African swine fever in South African pig herds has raised concerns over the ability of small-scale pig farmers to implement biosecurity measures. Research conducted by Melissa Cupido at Stellenbosch University details farming practices in these communities and highlights shortfalls in biosecurity and nutrition.

- Lindi Botha

What is the scale of the informal pig farming industry in South Africa?

Pigs require less space for rearing than ruminants do, which makes them easier to work with in communal farming areas. But this system has its own challenges, such as providing the pigs with quality feed, health control, and proper housing. According to the latest available figures (2016) provided by the South African Pork Producers’ Organisation, there are approximately 250 registered commercial pig producers, who collectively own about 110 000 sows, in South Africa. The number of smallscale pig farmers is unknown, but is estimated at between 1 500 and 3 000. They own an estimated 16 000 sows in total.

The demographics of small-scale pig farmers and their social circumstances affect the way in which they produce and market pigs. For example, men are dominant in the industry, the average age is over 40, and their education level is generally low, which tends to limit their knowledge of pig management practices.

However, I found in my study that the higher the level of education, the greater the likelihood of these farmers improving their production, adapting to new technology and farming methods, and becoming more economically efficient.

Some 37% of farmers had never gone for training, and the results from the study indicated an urgent need for workshops to be held.

It is therefore recommended that regular and consistent training on pig rearing be provided.

Which factors significantly affect the production of small-scale pig farmers?