How KALRO’s breeding program is reshaping livelihoods in Kenya

“I used to think pigs were dirty and unprofitable. Now, I earn more from pigs than I ever did from maize,” says Eunice Wamaitha, a farmer from Nyandarua County.

Her transformation from a subsistence crop grower to a thriving pig farmer is emblematic of a broader shift taking place across Kenya’s agricultural landscape, driven by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).

KALRO, through its Dairy Training Institute (DTI) in Naivasha, has intensified pig breeding efforts to meet the growing demand for pork and piglets in the country. This initiative is not only enhancing food security but also providing sustainable livelihoods for smallholder farmers.

The rising demand for pork in Kenya

Kenya’s agriculture sector is a cornerstone of the economy, contributing about 30% to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and employing 80% of the rural population. Within this sector, livestock plays a significant role, accounting for approximately 12% of the national GDP and about 42% of the agricultural GDP.

In recent years, the demand for pork has been on the rise. Data from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Development, and Fisheries indicates that in 2023, Kenya produced 40,055 tonnes of pork from 840,160 pigs, generating revenue of KSh 19.5 billion. Projections suggest that pork consumption will reach 17,100 metric tons by 2026, growing at a rate of 1% annually since 2021.

Despite this growth, pork consumption in Kenya remains relatively low, estimated at 0.4 kilograms per person annually. However, changing dietary preferences, urbanization, and increased awareness of pork’s nutritional value are contributing to its rising popularity.

KALRO’s role in enhancing pig breeding

To address the growing demand and improve productivity, KALRO, through its Dairy Training Institute in Naivasha, has focused on developing and disseminating superior pig breeds. The institute has identified four main breeds suitable for Kenyan farmers:

• Large White (Yorkshire): Known for high-quality meat production.
• Landrace: Recognized for their large size and meat yield.
• Duroc: Valued for rapid growth and high meat yield per animal.
• Hampshire: A hardy breed with strong adaptability.

According to McDonald Githinji, head of the pig rearing section at DTI Naivasha, these breeds mature in 4-6 months, reaching approximately 130 kilograms, compared to earlier breeds that took up to nine months to mature. This accelerated growth translates to quicker returns for farmers.

“With proper feeding, a mature pig can fetch between KSh 15,000 to 20,000 in the market. After deducting production costs, a farmer can make up to KSh 7,000 per pig,” says Githinji.

Empowering farmers through training and support

KALRO’s initiative extends beyond breeding to include comprehensive training for farmers. Through field days and workshops, farmers learn about best practices in pig rearing, including housing, feeding, disease control, and marketing.

The training emphasizes the importance of proper feeding to ensure pigs attain the desired market weight, enhancing financial returns. Farmers are also encouraged to produce homegrown feed supplements to reduce reliance on expensive commercial feeds.

Addressing challenges in pig farming

Despite the opportunities, pig farmers face challenges, particularly the high cost of feeds. Scarcity of feed-making raw materials in the local market has led to increased reliance on imports, driving up costs. Some farmers resort to feeding low-nutritional materials or street rearing, which lowers returns and exposes animals to diseases.

To mitigate this, KALRO advises farmers on producing homegrown supplements that combine key nutritional feed ingredients. The improved breeds developed by KALRO consume less feed, and feeding them at the right time with the right quantity can lower production costs.

Expanding pig breeding capacity

To meet the growing demand for piglets, KALRO plans to expand its pig breeding facility at DTI Naivasha. The goal is to increase production from the current 80 piglets to 200 per month, targeting the supply of 2,000 piglets by the end of the year.

This expansion aims to provide farmers with access to quality piglets, enabling them to start or scale up their pig farming ventures.

Transforming communities through pig farming

The impact of KALRO’s pig breeding initiative is evident in communities across Kenya. Farmers who have adopted improved breeds and best practices report increased incomes and improved livelihoods.

In central regions, Nairobi, Nakuru, and Kiambu, the growing markets for pork have led to booming businesses in pork products. Pig farming is becoming a profitable venture that the youth are encouraged to embrace, especially as demand for pork and its products continues to rise among urban dwellers.

Githinji explains that pig farming does not require large spaces, allowing farmers to utilize small areas at the back of their houses. The intensive system of rearing pigs in controlled environments enables farmers to maximize production in small spaces, leading to higher returns.

KALRO’s intensified pig breeding initiative is transforming Kenya’s agricultural sector by providing farmers with access to superior breeds, training, and support. By addressing challenges and promoting best practices, KALRO is empowering farmers to meet the growing demand for pork, enhance food security, and improve their livelihoods.

As more farmers like Eunice Mamo embrace pig farming, the ripple effects are felt across communities, contributing to economic growth and sustainable development.

For more information on KALRO’s pig breeding program and training opportunities, visit their official website at www.kalro.org.