WOMEN EMPOWERMENT PROJECTS AND HOUSEHOLDS SOCIO-ECONOMIC WELFARE IN NYAMASHEKE DISTRICT A CASE STUDY OF WORLD RELIEF RWANDA TUZAMURANE PROJECT IN SHANGI SECTOR

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.