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Some of the pig sties that will be used for the project. All photos by Mike Rwothomio. By Mike Rwothomio Nebbi Caritas Nebbi Catholic diocese has boosted Nebbi single young mothers group with a mega piggery project, aimed at transforming their livelihoods. The
Some of the pig sties that will be used for the project. All photos by Mike Rwothomio.
By Mike Rwothomio
Nebbi
Caritas Nebbi Catholic diocese has boosted Nebbi single young mothers group with a mega piggery project, aimed at transforming their livelihoods.
The Faith based organization is optimistic that the enterprising project will provide the small scale subsistence farmers with a clear opportunity for increased household income.
Caritas Nebbi Diocese deems it fit to acquire the large white exotic breeds of piglets that its management does not require large areas of land. Apparently, a well-furnished pig sty has been erected for the group where the animals are being kept.
The young women association is called “Anyim Lac” Youth Women Group from Jupakenu village, Ayomu Parish, Jupangira Sub-County, Nebbi district.
The beneficiaries that comprises 20 young mothers, most of whom are living separately with their husbands and are shouldering responsibilities with their children solely.
Rev father Benedict Abiwekango Benson, the director Caritas Nebbi said that, the initiative is one of the key measures to restore hope and improve livelihoods of the young mothers.
“We got an opportunity from some supporters and well-wishers to help our single mothers, the young mothers who could have drop out of school because may be they found challenges with studying or some became pregnant not because of their own making but now, they need a second chance in life” Said Rev. Abiwekango
Rev father Benedict Abiwekango Benson, the director Caritas Nebbi.
Pigs are ideal business due to their fast growth rates and Ugandan good feed-to-meat conversion ratios gives piggery Projects a thump up.
Piggery Projects more often give hope for their caretakers since they usually breed twice a year, and produce between 8-12 piglets in a litter thus helping them fetch more money within a short stint.
Caritas Director Rev. Abiwekango is optimistic that if well maintained, the initiative will blossom and impact these young mothers’ lives.
“Caritas came to give them a second chance in life by giving them this piggery project which we believe when they take care and keep them well, it will help them raise some income to take care of their families and also take care of themselves,” he added.
The organization is hopeful that after some months, the project will expand to help other members of the community.
According to the latest National Livestock Census report released by Uganda Bureau of Statistics, about 2.2 million households in Uganda keep pigs majorly for commercial purposes.
Mildred Tekakwo, the chairperson Jupangira chapel said “we thank the church for this project, I carefully selected these single young mothers who are mainly products of failed marriage to benefit from this initiative, I know them one by one and I believe the project will transform their livelihoods.”
Scovia Anirwoth, another beneficiary while carrying her one- year-old baby girl at the back ecstatically noted that,” I would like to thank Caritas for this project, I’m sure that the project in future will help us pay fees, invest in business amongst others, but we pray that they train us how to effectively manage them.”
Over 4 Million out of the 7.1 Million pigs in Uganda are females and according to experts, notwithstanding the poor fertility conditions, a female pig is able to produce at-least 5 piglets.
Emmanuel Oyirwoth, a field officer at Caritas Nebbi believes if well maintained, the piglets will rapidly multiply thus impacting the lives of the beneficiaries.
Chris Mulindwa, a Pig Business Consultant in his recent interview with the independent magazine stated that, for a successful piggery Project operation, feed supply is a prerequisite since it accounts for about 80% of the production costs on a pig production enterprise.
In support of these subsistence young mothers, Caritas Nebbi on the day of the piglet’s delivery, also donated some Pig feeds compounded using maize and small grains and concentrates as a start-up package
The officials briefed the beneficiaries how to feed and operate a breeding or feeding unit for successful management and maintenance of the animals.
A recent study conducted by International Livestock Research Institute indicates that the per capita consumption of pork in Uganda is 3.5 kilograms, making it the biggest consumer of pork in Africa and second to China globally.
The raving demand and appetite for the pork therefore make its demand to keep sky-rocketing.
In related development, the Faith based organization also donated a number of wheelchairs for some Persons with disabilities across the Diocese, as part of the Christmas special package according to the director Rev father Benedict Abiwekango Benson.
Rev father Abiwekango Benedict Benson, the Director Caritas Nebbi said all their major projects are all aimed at restoring hope.
Caritas officials inspect a pigsty at Jupakenu village, Ayomu Parish, Jupangira Sub-County, Nebbi district. It’s where the young mothers will house their project.
Some of the wheelchairs loaded on Caritas Nebbi double cabin pick up.
Some of the wheelchairs acquired by the organization to be donated to a section of the PWDs member