MANZINI – The Pig Production Workshop, which commenced at the Manzini Library on 27 January 2025, was attended by over 150 existing and aspiring pig farmers. Hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture, in collaboration with Feedmaster and other stakeholders, the event aimed to foster a sustainable pig farming sector by bringing together experts, farmers, and stakeholders for an intensive, knowledge-packed session.

Nhlakanipho Dlamini, Pig Extension Officer in the Ministry of Agriculture, highlighted several challenges faced by pig farmers, including disease outbreaks, fluctuating market prices, and limited access to finance, which motivated the Ministry to embark on training programmes with its partners. “We want to empower pig farmers to thrive in this fast-growing industry,” he said.

Dlamini provided a comprehensive overview of the workshop’s objectives, emphasizing the importance of effective pig farming practices and risk management strategies. With a focus on increasing productivity and profitability, the workshop underscored how these key sessions could shape the future of pig farming in Eswatini.

A critical aspect of pig production discussed during the workshop was the creation of an environment conducive to healthy pig growth. The Pig Production Officer elaborated on the importance of selecting the right farm location and the necessity of proper housing. Participants gained insights into optimal housing conditions, including ventilation, temperature control, and space requirements. This foundational knowledge is crucial for ensuring the well-being of pigs and maximizing production efficiency.

The first day of the workshop focused on risk management, farm siting, proper housing, and heat detection. Ndumiso Tsabedze from Lidwala Insurance delivered a compelling presentation on the importance of insurance in agriculture and mitigating agribusiness risks through effective farm management practices, insurance coverage, and financial planning.

Dlamini stressed the importance of identifying signs and methods for detecting when pigs are in heat, which is critical for scheduling breeding and improving reproductive efficiency. By understanding these natural cycles, farmers can enhance their breeding programs and ultimately increase piglet production on their farms.

One of the participants, Samukelisiwe Mavuso, a young pig farmer from Zombodze under Mdzimba, shared her inspiring journey into pig farming. She was introduced to the business by a relative and now sells her pigs at Umbuluzi Valley Sales. Mavuso purchases piglets, raises them for five months, and slaughters them at the pig abattoir in Sidvokodvo. Currently, she is able to rear 15 pigs at a time but aims to expand her business by breeding with 25 sows. “The workshop has encouraged me to explore funding opportunities from the Youth Enterprise Revolving Fund (YERF),” she said, expressing her appreciation for the Ministry’s training programs.

The second day of the training will focus on key topics such as pig biosecurity, marketing strategies, and proper nutrition. Additionally, a session on econometrics will provide participants with valuable insights into financial planning and business sustainability.

The Pig Production Workshop serves as a significant platform for equipping Eswatini’s pig farmers with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in the evolving agricultural landscape. Through such collaborative efforts, the sector is poised for growth, ensuring food security and economic benefits for all stakeholders involved.