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By Delisa Magagula
Eswatini has reached a significant milestone in its agricultural sector, celebrating six consecutive years of pig self-sufficiency.
This achievement has not only bolstered the nation’s food security but has also led to over E1 million in export-oriented sales, marking a notable success for the country’s livestock industry.
This was announced by the Ministry of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka. He said over the past six years, Eswatini has focused on developing a robust pig farming industry. This initiative aimed to reduce reliance on imported pork products and strengthen the local economy.
He further mentioned that, the government’s support, coupled with the dedication of local farmers, has been instrumental in achieving self-sufficiency in pig production.
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“The Ministry of Agriculture implemented various programs to support pig farmers, including training sessions on best practices in animal husbandry, disease control, and sustainable farming methods.
These efforts have led to improved productivity and quality in pig farming across the country,” said the Minister.
The pig industry’s growth has had a positive impact on Eswatini’s economy. With the country now producing enough pork to meet domestic demand, surplus products have been exported to neighboring countries, generating over E1 million in sales.
According to Tshawuka this export growth has provided new income streams for local farmers and contributed to the nation’s GDP.
The success of the pig industry has also created employment opportunities in rural areas, helping to alleviate poverty and improve living standards.
The development of related industries, such as feed production and meat processing, has further stimulated economic growth.
Despite the achievements, the pig industry in Eswatini faces ongoing challenges. Issues such as fluctuating feed prices, disease outbreaks, and access to markets continue to pose risks to the sector’s sustainability.
The government and stakeholders are working collaboratively to address these challenges through research, policy development, and infrastructure investment.
Looking ahead, Eswatini aims to expand its pig industry by exploring new markets and enhancing value-added processing capabilities.
By continuing to invest in this sector, the country hopes to maintain its self-sufficiency and further increase its export potential.
“Eswatini’s pig industry has reached a significant milestone, achieving six years of self-sufficiency in pork production as of April 2025. This means that since April 2019, the country has met its pork demand entirely through local production, eliminating the need for imports,” said the Minister.
To further support and grow this sector, the government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, inaugurated the Nucleus Farm in April 2025.
This new facility, an extension of the Mpisi Farm Pig Breeding Centre, aims to boost pig breeding across the country by supplying high-quality breeding stock to farmers nationwide.
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The upgraded Mpisi Pig Breeding Station has expanded its capacity to produce 450 premium breeding gilts and 2,250 semen doses annually through its new artificial insemination center.
The Minister of Agriculture emphasized the natural advantages of pig farming, such as their fast reproduction cycle and early maturity. He has encouraged stakeholders in the pork value chain to invest in agro-processing and value addition to transform small-scale efforts into profitable commercial ventures.
Key aspects of the pig industry in Eswatini:
1. Self-Sufficiency: Eswatini has been self-sufficient in pork production since April 2019.
2. Government Support: The Ministry of Agriculture actively promotes pig production through initiatives like the Nucleus Farm and the Pig Industry Enhancement Project.
3. Mpisi Farm: This facility is a central hub for pig breeding and the distribution of high-quality breeding stock and artificial insemination services.
4. Smallholder Farmers: Pig production is significantly carried out by smallholder farmers who use it as a source of food and income.
5. Market Channels: Pork is sold through both formal channels (butcheries, retailers, Swaziland Meat Industries) and informal channels (direct sales at the farm gate).
6. Economic Contribution: The pig industry contributes to the country’s GDP and provides livelihoods for many, including women and youth.
Opportunities:
1. Growing Demand: Pork is a widely accepted meat product in Eswatini, leading to increased demand and opportunities for expansion.
2. Value Addition: There is potential for growth in agro-processing and the production of value-added pork products like ham, bacon, and sausages.
3. Local Feed Production: Increasing local production of pig feed inputs like soya and yellow maize could reduce costs and create jobs.
4. Market Linkages: Strengthening linkages between farmers and pork wholesalers through contracts can stabilize the market.
Challenges:
1. High Feed Costs: The rising cost of pig feed is a significant challenge for farmers, potentially reducing profitability.
2. Access to Capital and Land: Aspiring pig farmers often face hurdles in accessing startup capital and suitable farmland.
3. Disease Management: Ensuring proper animal health and preventing diseases are crucial for successful pig farming.
4. Market Competition: Increased production capacity could lead to greater market competition.
Worth mentioning is that, Eswatini government, in collaboration with partners like the Taiwan Technical Mission, is actively working to enhance the pig industry through various projects, including improving breeding systems, providing training, and establishing traceability systems.
These efforts aim to increase productivity, improve the livelihoods of farmers, and ensure the long-term sustainability of the pig industry in Eswatini.
