Farming systems perspectives: lessons for managing health risks in

smallholder pig systems

Danilo A. Pezo and Charles Waiswa

Managing Risks in Emerging Pork Markets: An International South – South Symposium

Hanoi, 23- 25 April 2012

Makerere University

Contents

1. Actors in the value chain

2. The farm system

3. Smallholder pig production systems

4. Managing health risks in smallholder pig systems

ACTORS IN A TYPICAL PORK VALUE CHAIN

The Farm System

A generalized Crop-Animal

Farming Systems Model

Free movement around the homestead, to collect feed. Sometimes supplemented with kitchen refusals and crop residues

Conflicts with neighbors because of damages to crops and environment

Exposed to adverse climatic conditions and predatorsHigh incidence of diseases and mortalityLocal breeds commonly usedLow investment and low output (poor growth rates)“Savings account” or “insurance policy” household

strategy

FREE RANGE SCAVENGING PIGS

Restricted movement prevents damage to cropsNoise and odor could disturb the owners and neighborsExposed to adverse climatic conditions and predatorsRope may cause injures to the pigsHigh incidence of diseases and mortalityRequire more labor than free range scavenging

systems Low investment and low output (poor growth rates) “Savings account” or “insurance policy” household

strategy

TETHERED PIGS

Confined to a limited space (pen)Feeds have to be provided Exposed to adverse climatic conditions, although

could have a simple shade to reduce heat stressFloor usually muddy and dirtyDrainage and management of excreta usually a

problemHigh incidence of diseasesCrossbred animals could be usedDemand low financial inputs, but more labor and

technical knowledge are required

Semi-intensive pig systems

Confined to a limited space (pen) Feeds have to be sourced by the farmer Well protected from extreme environmental conditions Better hygiene and sanitation Excreta could be better managed (biogas, manure

collection) Lower incidence of diseases Crossbred and purebred animals are the choice Better animal performance Higher investment in corrals, and higher demands for labor

(management and feeding) and technical knowledge A high input/high output system Requires regular and easy access to markets

INTENSIVE PIG SYSTEMS

COMMON CONSTRAINTS IN SMALLHOLDER PIG SYSTEMS IN THE DEVELOPING WORLD

Common constraints in smallholder pig systems in the developing world

HEALTH RISK MANAGEMENT IN SMALLHOLDER PIG SYSTEMS

Participatory assessment of health risks Participatory design and implementation

of a health risk management strategyAvoid free range scavenging systems, by

promoting partial/total confinementHygiene control in pig corrals Implement a basic disease prevention

program (vaccination, deworming, etc.)Promote latrine construction and utilization

Continues …

INTERVENTIONS AT FARM LEVEL

… Cont.

Increase awareness on: Impact of diseases on productivity and

economic performance of pig farming How proper management practices could

contribute to reduce/control food-borne diseases

Potential impacts of zoonotic diseases at the farm household, as well as at other levels of the value chain

Policies and regulations on food safety, emphasizing on surveillance and reporting

Interventions at Farm Level

International Livestock Research InstituteBetter lives through livestock

Animal agriculture to reduce poverty, hunger and environmental degradation in developing countries

ILRI  www.ilri.org

Makerere University