Assessing Management Constraints Faced by Farmers in Swine Production: A Case Study in Dasse, Kori, and Kowa Chiefdoms, Southern Sierra Leone

Swine production is a vital source of livelihood and food security for smallholder farmers in Sierra Leone's Moyamba District. This study assessed the critical management constraints in feeding, housing, and health practices faced by pig farmers in the Dasse, Kori, and Kowa chiefdoms. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 120 participants, and data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed significant deficiencies across all management domains: feeding practices were predominantly inadequate, with 50.8% of farmers relying on free-range foraging and 88.3% lacking structured feeding plans. Housing conditions were suboptimal, characterized by open-air systems (48.3%) and severe overcrowding, with 94.1% of farmers providing less than 10 square feet per pig. Health management was particularly precarious, marked by limited veterinary access (68.3%), high reports of nutrition-linked health issues (65%), and low vaccination rates (52.5% never vaccinate). These interconnected constraints: poor nutrition, insufficient housing, and inadequate veterinary care severely hinder productivity and profitability. The study recommends integrated interventions, including farmer education on balanced feeding, financial support for improved housing, and the establishment of robust veterinary extension services. Addressing these challenges is essential to enhance swine productivity, improve smallholder livelihoods, and strengthen regional food security.