October 8, 2024

Rwanda steps up efforts to boost swine farming amid growing pork demand

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Board (RAB) has intensified its efforts to increase productivity in swine farming, aiming to meet the growing demand for pork in the country, The New Times reported.

According to Claire Hirwa d'Andre, Senior Monogastric Researcher at RAB, Rwanda plans to raise swine production from 22,839 tonnes in 2023 to 31,144 tonnes by 2029, marking a projected 36% increase. Hirwa noted that the adoption of artificial insemination technology has played a crucial role in improving pig breeds and productivity, with 65% of pig farmers in Rwanda now using this technology.

The push to enhance pork production stems from a government initiative launched in 2021. Hirwa explained that, until 2022, only traditional swine breeds were used in Rwanda. However, modern farming techniques, including genetic improvements, have since transformed the industry.

The Rwandan government allocates approximately RWF 150 million (US$110,000) per fiscal year to modernise pig farming. This funding covers boar management, the purchase of consumables for semen production, training of technicians, and artificial insemination procedures. Feeds, which represent 75% of these efforts, are also included in the budget.

Data from RAB indicates that Rwanda imported 7,706 swine in 2021, which increased to 10,941 in 2022. By 2023, the number had reduced to 8,729 swine, as the country shifts towards modern farming practices.

RAB's long-term goal is to modernise 85% of the swine farming sector by 2029, a significant increase from the 20% recorded in 2021. Rwanda's swine population, which stood at 1.4 million in 2018, has since decreased to 1.2 million in 2024 as farmers transition from traditional to modern practices.

Alex Mbaraga, vice chairperson of the Rwanda Pig Farmers Association, highlighted the expanding market for pork, noting that the development of modern butcheries and slaughterhouses is creating lucrative opportunities for farmers.

-      The New Times