| dc.description.abstract | The characteristics of markets for free-range pigs in Busia District, Kenya were determined using
retrospective analysis of veterinary records, key informant interviews and questionnaire survey. A
total of 8,377 pigs were slaughtered between 2001 and 2005, which accounted for 27% of all the
livestock slaughtered and inspected by the government officers. Loss of fetuses was recorded for 13%
of slaughtered pigs and the loss was attributed to ignorance on pregnancy diagnosis. Although most
of the money (82%) generated by the veterinary department arose from meat inspection fees,
constraints including limited personnel and lack of enough vehicles were observed. TIle marketing
system comprised of farmers, middlemen, slaughter-slab owners and butchers, while the government
played the role of meat inspection. Majority of the butchers were males (94%) with a mean age of 39
(range: 21-74) years. The majority (63%) had a primary school level of education. The average net
income per annum for each butcher was 887 USD and the profit earned per pig was 3.8 USD. The
major constraints which affected the butchery business included conflicts with regulatory authorities,
high government levies, erratic number of slaughter pigs mainly due to African :~wine Fever (ASF)
and poor mode of transportation. There is a need to address these constraints especially the control of
ASF, reduction in levies and provision of incentives to improve pig trade in Busia District. | en |
