Profitability of Pig Farm Enterprises under Intensive System for Economic Recovery among Farmers in Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study analysed the profitability of pig farms in Enugu State, Nigeria. Three research questions and two hypotheses were formulated based on the specific purposes of the study. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The study covered the registered pig farms in the study area. The population for the study was 519 respondents comprising 162 rural pig farmers, 135 urban pig farmers and 222 agricultural extension workers in Enugu State. Purposive sampling of 55 pig farms was carried out and used to answer research question 1. Data was collected using structured questionnaire, pig performance recording sheets, and available farm records. The data collected was analysed using mean scores to answer the research questions while t-test statistic was used in testing the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. It was found that pig production business was highly profitable in the study area with mean profit margin of N3, 689, 267.98 per farm per year. The productivity constraints such as diseases and parasites attack, high cost of animal feeds and veterinary drugs were identified. Strategies for improving profitability of pig farms were ascertained such as sound livestock extension services and farmer education for pig farmers and employment of skilled and proficient pig farm managers and attendants. It is concluded that pig production in Enugu State is highly profitable. It is recommended that pig farmers and stakeholders in pig production should be assisted by the Ministry of Agriculture, philanthropists and non-governmental organizations with technical, financial and material aids.