1.1 Background Information
Livestock is one of the fastest growing agricultural sub sectors in developing countries with Agricultural Gross Domestic Product of 33 per cent and is rapidly increasing. Livestock products contribute 17 per cent to kilocalorie (a non S.I unit of energy equal to 100 calories) consumption and 33 per cent to protein consumption globally, but there is large discrepancy between rich and poor countries (Rosegrant et al. 2009). According to World Bank (2009), livestock systems is said to have both positive and negative effects on public health, social equity, natural resources and economic growth. This growth is attributed to the increasing demand for livestock products, as a result of population growth, urbanization and increasing incomes in developing countries (Delgado 2010). The total meat production in the developing world tripled between 1980 and 2002, from 45 to 134 million tons (World Bank, 2009). Livestock production and products in industrialized countries account for 53 per cent of agricultural gross domestic product (World Bank, 2009). Ezeibe (2014) also noted that pig industry in Nigeria is an important arm of livestock subsector in the overall agricultural sector which derives from the fact that pigs possess high fecundity; high feed to meat conversion efficiency, early maturity, short gestation period, cooking fats and bristle.
Hedegepath (2008).Pig production is widely scattered across the globe. The estimated global pig inventory of over eight hundred and one million in 2002 was a slight increase over the global pig inventory estimate of over seven hundred and eighty two million in (2006). The countries of Asia have the largest inventory of pig in the world, accounting for over 62% of the total global inventory in 2002. The countries of European Union account for nearly 15% of the global inventory followed by North America with approximately 10%. Pigs are produced primarily in regions of the world with available natural resource including arable land, cereal grains and water. (Hedegepath, 2008)
With increasing human population in Nigeria and virtually static agriculture productivity, the animal protein consumption among Nigerians has worsened in the past few years (Okpor, 2009). Many Nigerians feed mainly on carbohydrate, as a result of the inability of an average man to afford the cost of animal protein which is richer in amino acid. The deficiency of animal protein in the diet of so many people is often attributed to the low number of livestock (cattle, pigs, poultry, goats, sheep and their products), and the activities connected with their production which are insufficient.
Ugwu (2006) observed that animal protein apart from its palatability is essential for normal physical and mental development of man, thus its deficiency in the diet exerts adverse effects in terms of reduced human productivity due to abnormal development. He also noted that animal protein energy deficiency causes high incidence of infant mortality, pronounced malnutrition and exposure to disease. Many Nigerians feed on carbohydrate diets which comprises of cereals or starchy food and tuber crops which have relatively low protein. Due to remoteness and inaccessibility, the rural area farmers had evolved a self-sustainable local resource based production system in which pigs are mainly dependent on local vegetable crop residues and kitchen waste (Moanaro et all; 2011). Pigs thus serve as an avenue for additional income and employment that can improve the livelihood in a sustainable manner (Petruset al; 2011). The livestock however, remain one of the fastest growing parts of the agricultural economy driven by income growth and supported by technological and structural advancement. The growth and transformation of the sector offers opportunity for agricultural development, reduction in poverty and food security gain. Pig production among others has high potential to contributing to high economic gain (FAO, 2009).
Pigs have some unique advantages over all other livestock animals which include its ability to multiply extensively, to combat protein deficiency, their fast growth rate attaining market size at 6-9 months, short gestation period of three months, three weeks and three days(114days), high prolificacy and high fecundity which surpasses any other animal species (Ezeibe, 2010). Pigs are very efficient in feed utilization, thus has high feed to meat conversion rate which brings better return to the farmer per unit of input than most other animals. The quality of their meat is tender and more nutritive in protein and B-vitamin than other animals. Pig production has not fully developed in Nigeria compared to ruminants and poultry production (Ogunji and Omoteso, 2011). Agubiade (2011) reveals that the neglect or slow growth of the piggery industry can be attributed to acceptability and management problems. The tendency of some entrepreneurs leaving pig business can be attributed to the educational level of the operators, absence of good breeds, cost of feed, cost of production and access to research and extension services (Onumere, 2008). There is inadequate baseline information regarding pig production in the commercial nerve center of Anambra State and thus, the reason of thisresearch is to bridge the gap in knowledge.
1.2 Problem Statement
Pig production and its products has various economic advantage which ranges from pork serving as a good source of protein to every individual and a viable avenue of revenue to both the nation and the citizens of that country The hides used for making leather bags, bristle used in making brushes etc. Despite this tremendous economic importance of piggery production, the business is faced with several constraints among which are disease outbreak, lack of finance, lack of good breeds, high cost of feed, lack of access to credit facilities, un availability of veterinary health care system poor transportation and religious bias. If these problems are not well addressed, it will lead to hinder the development of piggery production. Consequent upon this, it is pertinent to examine the economics of piggery production in Ihiala Local Government Area. The following research questions guided the study;
1.3 Objectives of the Study
The broad objective of the study is to examine the economics of piggery production in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State.
The Specific Objectives of the Study are to:
There is no significant relationship between the socio-economic characteristics of piggery producers and their output
1.5 Justification
The findings from this research will be useful for farmers in Ihiala Local farmers and consumers within the study area. This research will help farmers within Anambra State to know the various systems of rearing pigs which will assist in increasing the volume of output (meat)consumption and other products for industrial use. This study will also help the consumer in the same area to know the best hygienic place to purchase their meat and other livestock products. This research will also help policy makers, researchers, farm managers, farmers in agriculture to reshape and mould policy making in agriculture through its recommendation.