Abstract:
Free-range pig farming is common amongst the small-scale farmers in western Kenya. In order
to determine the characteristics of this type of production system, a cross-sectional questionnaire
survey on farm characteristics and management was collected from 182 farmers in Busia
District. The mean farm size was one acre, while the mean number of pigs per farm was 3.6. Pigs
were mainly kept as a source of income (98%) and majority were of cross breed variety (64%).
The production systems included farrow to weaner (12%), porker to finisher (36%), and mixed
(46%). Sixty five percent (65%) of the pigs were tethered and housing was not provided in 61%
of the farms. Most of the feeds were sourced locally. Lack of castration and delayed weaning of
pigs was observed on 49% and 30% of the farms, respectively. The main production constraints
included pig diseases (81%) and high cost or lack of feed (81%). Haematopinus suis infestations
and worm infections were considered to be the most important diseases by 71% and 55% of the
farmers, respectively. Farmers had moderate knowledge on parasitic disease diagnosis with 31%
and 62% not having a history of either deworming or spraying pigs with acaricides, respectively.
Marketing constraints were common amongst the farmers and included poor prices and
inadequate market information. In conclusion, the production system was characterized as lowinput
with an income objective. Future research and development approaches should focus on the
integration of free-range farmers into the country’s market chains through access to extension
services.
