Profitability Analyses of Pig Production in Nkanu-West Local Government Area, Enugu State, Nigeria.

Abstract

The profitability of pig production in Nkanu-West L.G.A. of Enugu State, Nigeria was studied due to the lack of adequate and comprehensive demographic records of pig farmers in the area. This study aimed to identify the breeds of pigs grown in the area, estimate the profitability of pig production, and describe the major problems of the pig farmers. Data was collected from ninety (90) pig farmers using a combination of purposive and random sampling techniques and a structured questionnaire. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the collected data. The results showed that the majority of the pig farmers were male (81.1%), with a mean age of 38 years and an average household size of 8 persons. Furthermore, 84.5% of the pig farmers could read and write, with most of them (42.2%) relying on cooperative societies as their major source of capital. Large White was the dominant breed in the area, with an average of forty-three (43) pigs per farmer per production cycle. The profit margin was 58% and the benefit-cost ratio was 2.36. High cost of feed was identified as the major problem faced in the business, and farm experience, level of education, access to credit, and household size were found to have a positive and significant effect on the profit. It was recommended that easy access to credit facilities and improved breeds of pig be provided to farmers