Pig farming in Kenya has gained prominence as a profitable agribusiness venture, with pork accounting for a significant portion of global meat production. One individual who has embraced pig farming wholeheartedly is Benson Wirigi, a passionate high school Math teacher from Meru.
What started as a venture to secure his financial future has now blossomed into a successful enterprise known as Gritty Pigs, where he rears and sells pigs.
In this article, WoK delves into his inspiring journey as he shares insights into his pig farming success.
Starting from Scratch
Three years ago, Benson made the bold decision to explore pig farming as a means of sustainable income even beyond his teaching career.
With determination and enthusiasm, he invested approximately Ksh400,000 to set up his farm and acquire his first batch of pig stock.
“I saw great potential in pig farming and decided to take the plunge. Though challenging at first, I never gave up on my dream,” Benson recalled.
Starting Small, Breeding and Growth
Benson began his pig farming journey by purchasing five weaners, two-month-old pigs, from Meru. After rearing them for about six months, he sold four to a local slaughterhouse and retained two as breeding stock.
“I started with five pigs which I bought somewhere in Meru. They were weaners, two months old. I reared them for about six months and sold four to a local slaughter. I preserved the remaining two as my breeding stock and bought a boar to serve them.”
To further expand his farm, he introduced Landrace pigs to the breeding program, which proved highly prolific.
“The Landrace breed is exceptional in terms of reproduction and adaptability to the local climate. This significantly boosted my pig population,” Benson explains.
The Landrace breed, known for producing 14-15 piglets per litter, became the backbone of Gritty Pigs. Benson now sells piglets to novice pig farmers and local slaughterhouses, contributing to the industry’s growth.
Pig Farming during COVID-19
The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges, including job loss due to the closure of schools. However, Benson found solace in his pig farming venture, dedicating himself fully to the business during the lockdown period.
“Amidst the uncertainty, the demand for pork remained steady, and I was able to support my family through pig farming,” Benson shared as reported by the Kenya Climate Innovation Center.
The venture not only sustained him financially but also allowed him to hire a farm manager to ensure proper care for the pigs. Furthermore, he provided free training to aspiring pig farmers, fostering the growth of the industry amidst adversity.
Success Factors and Future Plans
Benson attributes his success in pig farming to various factors. He emphasizes the importance of selecting the right breed, citing his plan to transition to the Duroc Jersey breed for enhanced productivity.
“I have researched extensively and found that the Duroc Jersey breed is highly efficient in converting feed to meat. This will undoubtedly boost my profits,” Benson explains.
Additionally, he stresses the significance of proper housing, feeding practices, and disease management for optimal results. To address the costly feed expenses, he has taken the initiative to produce his own feeds at home, demonstrating resourcefulness and financial efficiency.
Looking Ahead
His optimism for the future shines through as he shares his aspirations for Gritty Pigs. He aims to collaborate with established companies like Farmers Choice, offering a reliable market for his products.
Furthermore, the partnership with the Kenya Climate Innovation Centre under the AgriBiz program holds the promise of expanding his stock and supply, creating employment opportunities for the local community.
“I envision Gritty Pigs becoming a key player in the pork supply chain, creating job opportunities and contributing to the local economy,” Benson Warigi states confidently.
