Factors affecting marketing of pigs in Sironko district, Busiita sub-county

Abstract

livestock industry provides employment to many millions of people all over the world, and especially in the undeveloped and developing countries. pig farming has been also significant in the development and economic growth in different developed countries. Marketing ensures that small-scale farmers are integrated into mainstream markets (Coetzee, Montshwe & Jooste, 2005). Marketing provides an opportunity for livestock farmers to earn an income and contribute to poverty reduction efforts. Over the past years, studies have focused on pig production and productivity, however, the literature on marketing challenges faced by piggery farmers in participating in the mainstream markets is still limited (Musemwa et al., 2007). And therefore, the researcher studied on the factors affecting marketing of pigs in Busiita Sub County. Qualitative survey together with observation was used. The research design used was the cross-sectional survey design was by survey was used to select sample of 50 farmers that reared pigs in six parishes of bugibugi, kyimasa, bugwa, busmugwedi, Kyilali and Bumadyemu in Busiita sub-county, Sironko district. As based on the results of the study, males (54%) participated more on sheep rearing than females and the most productive age bracket of farmers that reared pigs were in 4049 years (32%) and 30-39years old (22%). Farmers who reached primary level (36%) were majority who rears pigs. The landrace pigs were the major reared breed (46%). Most of the farmers sell their pigs on the farm (66%). The common selling price of pigs was below 150,000(62%). The majority of the producers’ market their animals on ‘eye-ball’ estimation basing on body condition (46%) The major challenges of pigs marketing are Excessive tax, and price fluctuations each having 16% and followed by brokers with 14% and it is rated as a primary marketing problem. The major copying mechanisms to the challenges were suggested by farmers were reducing taxes (22%) in the market, (14%) direct linkage between farmers and buyers. The conclusion therefore is that sheep marketing is constrained with a lot of challenges that needs to be addressed. The recommendation made was that farmers should be availed with the necessary information of pigs rearing about the challenges of marketing, the solutions to the challenges, in order for the enterprise to profit the farmers through awareness of all the necessary information of pigs rearing and marketing.