Abstract:
Limpopo is a very important area for pig production in terms of animal populations and
contributions to transboundary animal disease spread. Emerging small-scale pig farmers
(ESSPF) are being encouraged to establish operations and spread in South Africa; however,
for these farmers to perform optimally, they need to understand the basics of animal
agriculture and contribute to enhancing biosecurity and efficient production systems. In the
present study, the limitations to efficient production amongst ESSPF were evaluated and
some improvements were suggested. It was found that the ESSPF are dominated by males
and include a large percentage of older persons. A total of 26.54% of these farmers have postmatriculation
qualifications. Undefined and indigenous breeds still dominate their animal
genetics. The animal health technicians are the preferred channels by which farmers report
diseases to the authorities (52.47%) and only one out of five (20.37%) will preferably report
a disease situation direct to a veterinarian. These farmers do not vaccinate their stock, and
knowledge of biosecurity is poor. Antimicrobials, especially tetracyclines, are abused. Animals
that are slaughtered within the community or sold at local sale points, pension pay stations
and auction markets are likely candidates for disease spread. It is recommended that the
younger generations are retained and incentivised in animal agriculture. Improved training
on management, health, biosecurity and better market access must be provided for the ESSPF,
whilst efforts should made to consolidate these farmers into small cooperatives. The current
government agricultural support system will need to be reworked to benefit the resource-poor
farmers. Collaborative efforts in disease reporting and management among veterinarians,
animal health technicians and extension officers will become necessary. Finally, the creation
of a progressive quality grading system for ESSPF should be planned by the industry and
this should be attached to a reward system that will encourage these farmers to target good
farming practice.
