Africa-Press – Uganda. More than 100,000 people across the Kigezi sub-region are benefiting from a large-scale piggery project spearheaded by the Rukungiri Producer Cooperative Union in partnership with the Microfinance Support Centre (MSC).
The model farm, located in Nyakagyeme, Kasoroza Parish, Rukungiri District in Rujumbura Constituency, has evolved into a regional hub for improved pig breeding, farmer training, soil restoration, and household income generation.
Speaking at the farm, Dr. Sam Akankwasa, Chairperson of the Rukungiri Producer Cooperative Union and overseer of the MSC model farm, said the cooperative was founded with a clear mission to reverse declining agricultural productivity caused by soil degradation.
“Rukungiri Producer Cooperative Union was initiated twelve years ago as an active production cooperative. Our key goal was to address the challenge of depleted soils,” Dr. Akankwasa said.
“Initially, we were mainly cattle keepers, but population pressure and migration led to severe soil exhaustion. We then adopted the science of using animal waste—especially pig manure—as a sustainable solution.”
Transition to Piggery and MSC Partnership
Dr. Akankwasa explained that following a partnership with the Microfinance Support Centre in 2020, the cooperative strategically transitioned into piggery—an enterprise capable of restoring soil fertility while generating quick income for farmers with limited land.
“When MSC found us, we were operating in only one county. With their support to raise pigs in large numbers, we are now reaching six districts. All our members receive pigs from this farm free of charge as seed capital,” he said.
The project introduced improved pig breeds previously unavailable in the region, including Kambrov and crossbreeds such as Rajwhite, Rajbrak, and Duroc.
“In the entire region, there were no improved pig breeds. Now we have the latest breeds, and we even breed internally using improved genetics,” he noted.
Innovative Feeding and High Returns
To reduce production costs—particularly feeding, which accounts for up to 80% of piggery expenses—the cooperative has adopted innovative feeding methods.
“We use pastures normally fed to cows and process them for pigs. We cut and chop the grass and feed it to the pigs,” Dr. Akankwasa said.
“We also use cow milk to feed piglets, which has significantly reduced piglet mortality and overall costs.”
He described piggery as one of the most profitable enterprises for low-income households.
“From one pig, you can get up to 130 pigs in one year. That makes piggery one of the safest and most profitable ventures for low-income earners,” he said.
Beyond household income, the project has created employment and expanded local trade.
“At the demonstration centre alone, we employ over 40 people. Indirectly, thousands are engaged in pig trading, pork vending, transport, and farm labour,” he added.
The cooperative currently has close to 10,000 direct members who have benefited from receiving pigs and projects growth to 50,000 members.
“In the districts where we operate, we have nearly 100,000 indirect beneficiaries, including traders, pork sellers, and families supported through this programme,” Dr. Akankwasa said.
MSC’s Role in Scaling the Project
Lydia Namara, Operations Officer at the Microfinance Support Centre, said the partnership was driven by the need to uplift communities grappling with land fragmentation, food insecurity, and lack of cash crops.
“The cooperative approached us saying land sizes were small, food production was low, and people lacked reliable income sources,” Namara said.
“Their research showed that pigs generate more income than any other enterprise on small plots of land.”
MSC formalised the partnership through a memorandum of understanding and provided the initial seed pigs.
“We started with just 100 pigs. That was the beginning. The cooperative managed them very well, and the pigs have multiplied tremendously,” she said.
Namara revealed that MSC has since supported hundreds of farmer groups across Kigezi and beyond.
“We have given pigs to 264 groups and identified 149 more groups to benefit. The pigs have multiplied to over 2,000, with more than 1,000 still at the farm ready for distribution,” she said.
MSC prioritises organised and hardworking groups to ensure sustainability.
“We support active poor people who are already united and saving. Together with the cooperative, we train them, sensitise them on best farming practices, and then provide pigs,” Namara explained.
She added that the benefits extend beyond pig sales.
“Families are paying school fees, improving coffee and banana yields using pig manure, and creating employment for youth and women,” she said.
“At the farm alone, more than 30 youths are employed, with many more jobs created in the surrounding communities.”
Beneficiaries Share Success Stories
Beneficiaries from districts such as Kanungu and Rukungiri say the project has transformed their livelihoods.
Edison Ahurira, a resident of Nyaruguru Cell in Buyanga Sub-county, is one such beneficiary. Formerly a spare parts trader in Kampala, Ahurira says high taxes and the pressures of city life pushed him to consider returning home—though he lacked a viable livelihood.
“I was surviving under constant pressure from high taxes in Kampala. When Dr. Akankwasa told me about the MSC support, I gave it serious thought,” Ahurira said.
“After receiving training and pigs as seed capital, my life changed completely.”
He revealed that although his group initially received only two pigs, the impact has been substantial.
“From just two pigs, we multiplied. On my farm alone, I now have twelve pigs,” he said.
“I thank President Museveni and the Microfinance Support Centre for this project. It gave me a reason to leave Kampala and rebuild my life back home.”
Another beneficiary, Jolly Kemiruka, a former nurse and resident of Rusoroza A Cell in Rwerere Town Council, Rukungiri District, has demonstrated that piggery can thrive even in urban settings.
Kemiruka operates a modern integrated farm on a small plot of land within town, keeping pigs, cows, goats, and chickens. Milk from her cows is used to feed piglets, cutting feeding costs.
“Before receiving MSC seed capital, I kept cows and goats, but they took long to give returns,” she said.
“The two pigs I received changed everything. They multiplied quickly, and I earned income while also getting manure for my plantations.”
She said piggery provides fast and reliable income.
“When a pig produces about nine piglets, you can sell some and retain others. In just six months, you can earn good money,” Kemiruka explained.
“Recently, I sold three male pigs at one million shillings each and five pigs at eight hundred thousand shillings each.”
She added that the income has strengthened group savings and collective development.
“This money has helped our group save and support one another,” she said.
“I thank MSC for supporting us, and we appeal for more pigs because this project truly works.”
Beneficiaries say the MSC-supported piggery project has boosted household incomes, improved food security, encouraged urban-to-rural return, and demonstrated that small-scale livestock farming can be a sustainable pathway out of poverty in western Uganda.
Source: Nilepost News
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