Browsing by Author "Aol, Lucy Akwero"

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    AFRICAN SWINE FEVER IN SMALLHOLDER PIG FARMS CONTROL, COST AND PERCEIVED IMPACT OF OUTBREAKS IN AGAGO DISTRICT
    (Gulu University, 2026-10) Aol, Lucy Akwero
    Smallholder pig farmers are challenged with pig production constraints associated with diseases such as African swine fever (ASF). African swine fever disease reportedly escalates into outbreaks due to low investment in biosecurity. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of control measures of ASF, the associated costs of control and the perceived impact of ASF outbreaks in smallholder pig farms in Agago District. The study used cross-sectional design. A total of 303 small holders pig farmers were purposively selected from three high pig populated sub-counties of Adilang, Lira Palwo and Wol Sub-county. Data were collected using face to face semi-structured questionnaire. Data was coded and analysed using of SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistical tests - frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation and standard error to the mean, as inferential statistical tests – chi-square, student t-tests and correlational analysis were run. Most smallholder pig farmers (88.8%) had limited knowledge of AFS and its control and management practices, with only 2.3%, 12.5%, 21.5% and 28.4% of farmers knew the cause of ASF, its control of ASF, how it is transmitted, and how to identify its clinical signs respectively. As a result, there was limited use of ASF control and management practices among most smallholder pig farmers (90.8%). However, knowledge of ASF control and management practice was positively correlated with the use of these practices (r = 0.225, p < 0.001). The results further show that most (91.1%) smallholder farmers perceived that the cost of controlling and managing ASF is low, with farmers incurring on average UGX 39,140. However, farmers with limited knowledge incurred significantly (p > 0.05) higher expenditure (Ugx.40, 053) in supportive-treatment than those with higher knowledge (Ugx. 32806). Most smallholder pig farmers (96.7%) perceived ASF to have had a high impact on their livelihoods. This was mainly due to loss of pigs (99.7%) and loss of income (99.7%), failure to meet home basic needs (97.7%), and high cost of replacing new stock (95.7%). These findings indicate that increasing awareness and investment in biosecurity practices is essential to reduce disease outbreaks and associated economic impact among smallholder pig farmers in Agago District.