Challenges in commercial pig production in Botswana.

Abstract

The major challenges facing commercial pig production in Botswana was discussed in this paper. Pig production in Botswana has not grown over time due a myriad of challenges. In Botswana, commercial pig production can be categorized into small-scale, medium-scale commercial and large-scale, with small-scale commercial being predominant. The semiintensive system of production predominates. Local pork production is estimated to be 29.1% and imports 61.8%. Low production value shows that the contribution of the industry to the world pig population is insignificant. Pig farming faces many challenges including high feed costs, inadequate slaughter facilities, unorganized marketing, poor breeding stock, transboundary diseases and inadequate extension service. It, however, appears inadequate slaughter facilities and high feed costs are the top two major challenges. For production to be raised, these challenges need to be addressed collectively by stakeholders through collaborative efforts.