Abstract:
The main objective for this study was to find out the contribution of Pig Livestock to poverty reducing in
Rwanda especially in Ngororero District. The research was guided by the following specific objectives; to
assess the status of pigs farming in Ngororero District; to analyse the contribution of pig livestock farming
to reduce poverty of households farmers in Ngororero District; to find challenges faced by pig livestock
farmers in Ngororero District and to set sustainable strategies for overcoming problems of piggery
farming.
A sample size was 400 pigs farmers but the study worked with 384 pigs farmers since 16 questionnaires
were not returned. The study used cluster sampling; researcher divide a population into smaller groups
known as clusters. Thereafter, Piggery farmers were selected randomly while officials were chosen
purposively. Primary data was gathered using questionnaires and interview. Secondary data collected used
documentantion. Data for the study were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Frequency
count, percentage and mean scores were used to summarize data, while factor analysis was used to
ascertain constraints to pig production. The findings revealed that Pig industry in Ngororero District is an
important aspect among the livestock sub-sector in the overall agricultural sector. This is because pigs
have high feed conversion efficiency, early maturity, short generation interval and relatively small space
requirement. Also, they are multipurpose animals providing about 40% of meat in the world market. Pig’s
dung serves as a good source of organic manure for enriching poor soils and provision of biogas
(methane) for cooking. Increased pig production has however been hampered due to economic, poor
management and socio-cultural constraints. These constraints can be removed through the adoption of
strategies that enhance pig production such as establishment of functional market for pig and pig products;
subsidy for pigs housing and equipments, adoption of improved pig production technologies; provision of
transport facilities; improved extension services for pig farmers; special credit scheme for pig farmers and
public enlightenment on the nutritional value of pigs. It is recommended that education on pig production
should be extended to all pig keepers so as to improve pig keeping husbandry and pig keepers livelihood
outcomes in general.
