Land scarcity poses a significant challenge in urban areas, where available space for traditional farming and livestock rearing is limited.
However, amidst these challenges, some resourceful residents have taken it upon themselves to contribute to modern agriculture and livestock farming through various innovative initiatives.
Joseph Ndung’u stands out as a prime example of such urban farmers.
A native of Z-Corner in Ruiru, Kiambu County, located just a stone’s throw away from the bustling Thika Superhighway, Joseph Ndung’u has carved a niche for himself as a skilled pig farmer.
His journey into pig farming, though, was not the conventional path he initially set out on.
“I used to be a tomato and onion farmer in Nakuru County, but it didn’t lead me to the success I had hoped for,” Ndung’u hints at the twists and turns that often shape a farmer’s journey.
Before venturing into pig farming, Joseph had worked as a tuk tuk driver, a profession he held until the urban farming bug bit him.
His determination and adaptability soon led him down the path of urban pig farming.
Joseph’s livestock compound is strategically positioned on a plot of land measuring 40 by 50 meters. The compound is thoughtfully divided into five sections, with each enclosure measuring 3 by 3 meters.
These enclosures serve as homes to a sow and her piglets – the offspring of a single litter.
The infrastructure in place is designed for both practicality and cost-effectiveness. The roof, shielded from the elements, is covered with corrugated iron sheets.
The walls, constructed using timber, provide a secure and comfortable environment for the pigs.
On the floor, a slight incline ensures proper drainage, and it is made of concrete for durability.
Ndung’u reveals that the total cost for all these structures amounted to Ksh 50,000, a testament to his resourcefulness.
Starting with just two pigs, each costing Ksh 3,000, Joseph has expanded his pig farming venture significantly over the past three years.
At present, he proudly manages a herd of no fewer than ten pigs, one of which is a boar. His clientele comes from Nairobi County, Kiambu, and Murang’a, with the majority being fellow pig farmers primarily motivated by the prospect of profitable business.
Pigs have a specific reproductive cycle, with a gestation period lasting three months, three weeks, and three days.
Typically, a sow gives birth to litters ranging from 7 to 15 piglets. As the piglets grow, Joseph finds that they reach a suitable age for sale at around two months, fetching a price of more than Ksh 3,000 each.
However, those fully mature and ready for slaughter command a significantly higher price, not less than Ksh 29,000 per pig.
The demand is so high that buyers insist he can’t keep up with their orders.
The challenge of rising livestock feed prices in the country has been a persistent concern for pig farmers like Joseph.
In response, he has opted to purchase his feed from Farmers Choice, a trusted supplier.
A 50-kilogram bag of pig feed now costs Ksh 1,500, reflecting the increase in costs from the previous price of Ksh 1,200.
Joseph feeds his pigs once a day, carefully managing their nutrition.
To further reduce costs, he has adopted a sustainable approach by incorporating food leftovers from various restaurants and hotels in Ruiru, along with fresh farm produce.
