Staff Writer 
SOARING feed costs are threatening the survival of Zimbabwe’s pig farming sector, with farmers struggling to balance rising production expenses and stagnant market prices.
The Pig Industry Board (PIB) has warned that this escalating crisis could disrupt supply chains, drive up pork prices, and jeopardise food security.
Speaking to The Financial Gazette, the director of the PIB, Erica Takaendesa, described the situation as a “critical challenge” for the industry.
“The disparity between production costs and selling prices represents a significant challenge for pig farmers,” said Takaendesa.
“The combination of high input costs and low market prices is constricting profit margins, making it increasingly difficult for farmers to sustain their operations.”
This development comes as livestock farmers in the country continue to grapple with the lingering effects of the El Niño-induced drought.
“The El Niño-induced drought has worsened the situation, with a number of farmers resorting to culling their pigs to maintain manageable herd sizes,” explained Takaendesa.
“This has led to market flooding and a further erosion of pork prices.”
The PIB highlighted that market access and competition remain pressing issues for the industry, as domestic producers contend with intense rivalry from imported pork products.
“These imports often come at lower prices, making it challenging for local producers to compete effectively,” said Takaendesa.
She underscored that the influx of cheaper foreign pork undermines the market position of local farmers and raises concerns about the long-term sustainability of the domestic industry.
Zimbabwe’s pig industry is predominantly characterised by small- to medium-scale farming systems, with only a limited number of large-scale commercial farms.
The PIB has also identified lack of access to finance as a critical issue, stressing the need for enhanced support to facilitate affordable financing options.
Limited access to financial resources, the board argues, hampers farmers’ ability to invest in essential infrastructure, technology, and operations.
“The recent decline in the viability of pig farming is deterring investment in the sector, thereby obstructing its growth and development,” said Takaendesa.
She warned that if this trend continues, the decline of the pig industry could pose a threat to food security.
The Livestock and Meat Advisory Council’s Reneth Mano expressed support for the PIB’s concerns. He highlighted the increasing compliance costs faced by pig producers, particularly following the removal of the 15 percent VAT exemption on pork products, which are now subject to standard VAT rates. By Elton Manguwo
Staff Writer
newsdesk@fingaz.co.zw
