On Monday, May 6, 2024, Gudie Leisure Farm hosted the Piggery Cottage Industry Conference, aimed at advancing sustainable piggery farming in Uganda and enhancing the value chains that influence its operations. The event began at 8 AM with the arrival of guests, presenters, and participating Youth Agripreneur Champions (YACs).
Purpose of the Conference
The primary goal of the conference was to spotlight the Youth Agripreneur Champions in Uganda who are driving socio-economic transformation in their communities through piggery cottage industry initiatives. Additionally, the conference sought to expose Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) in the piggery industry and related value chains to the existing and emerging business development opportunities in the marketplace.
Opening Remarks by Dr. Gudula Naiga Basaza
Dr. Gudula Naiga Basaza, Managing Director of Gudie Leisure Farm, welcomed attendees and introduced the cottage managers from various districts within the Gudie Leisure Farm Network. “We are operating in all regions of Uganda in 873 parishes across 33 districts,” she stated. Dr. Gudula emphasized the farm’s extensive network of piggery inseminators and the youth’s commitment to improving the quality of pig breeds.
She presented a position paper highlighting the National Census Livestock trends and common reasons for engaging in piggery farming, such as:
- Zero waste management on farms
- High breeding potential
- Rapid growth rate
- Global demand for pork
- Health benefits of pork consumption
- Various valuable pig products
Presentations and Discussions
Advancements in Piggery Industry – Mr. Lumu Richard, NARO
Mr. Lumu Richard from NARO presented on the advancements in Uganda’s piggery industry. He emphasized the importance of genetics, environment, management, health, and nutrition for successful pig production. He highlighted commercial pig breeds in Uganda and the benefits of artificial insemination, such as introducing superior genetics, cost-effectiveness, and better herd health.
Trends in Uganda’s Pork Industry – Mr. Mugisha James Frank
Mr. Mugisha James Frank discussed the trends in Uganda’s pork industry, noting Uganda’s high per capita pork consumption within East Africa. He addressed issues like backyard slaughter and the division of the pork value chain into production, trade, and consumption nodes. He also spoke about the industry’s future, including increased processing capacity and export opportunities, alongside the challenges of African Swine Fever outbreaks, biosecurity gaps, inbreeding, and limited access to quality resources.
Textile Opportunities in Piggery – Agnes Netunze, CEO of Arise Kollection
Agnes Netunze shared insights into the textile opportunities in the piggery sector, specifically pig skin leather. She highlighted the global leather goods market’s growth and the advantages and disadvantages of pig skin leather.
Animal Feed Ingredients – Badru Wasaggo, Uganda Country Director, Lionpro Group
Badru Wasaggo discussed the benefits of using animal proteins in pig feed, including high biological value, digestibility, palatability, nutrient density, and improved growth rates.
Best Practices in Piggery Farming – Mr. Philip Borel
Mr. Philip Borel shared best practices for achieving high productivity, profitability, and competitiveness in piggery farming. He detailed his farm’s production cycle and highlighted the importance of the right breed, balanced feed, adequate housing, good health status, and effective management.
Success Stories from Cottage Managers
Cottage managers like Jane Namele and Gonzaga Lule shared their success stories in the piggery value chain, inspiring other attendees with their achievements and innovative practices.
Conclusion
The Piggery Cottage Industry Conference successfully highlighted the potential of piggery farming in Uganda and the various opportunities available for MSEs and YACs. The event fostered valuable discussions, knowledge sharing, and networking, all aimed at promoting sustainable practices and enhancing the productivity and profitability of the piggery industry in Uganda.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from Gudie Leisure Farm as we continue to support the sustainable advancement of agriculture in Uganda.