Securing rural livelihoods through improved smallholder pig production in Mozambique and Tanzania (SLIPP)

project summary

The SLIPP project aims to improve community food security in Mozambique and Tanzania by fostering optimal smallholder pig production model systems. The project is an extension of previous Danish-funded projects in the two countries which informed that smallholder pig production is mainly a women's occupation or a way for the elderly to maintain a pension. It is characterised by extreme low productivity mainly due to poor husbandry practices, African Swine Fever and cysticercosis, which lead to low birth and growth rates, high mortality, and no or low market prices. Simple farmer-based solutions to increase productivity and avoid economic ruin due to ASF and health and economic consequences of cysticercosis will contribute to secure protein foods, improve farmers' livelihoods and contribute to poverty alleviation. The project therefore proposes to develop and assess, through applied research, evidence-based, safe, humane and profitable smallholder pig production model systems using locally available resources, involving private entrepreneurs to supply tools, and providing training and education from farm to university level. Research and capacity building will be based on support of Post-Doctoral researchers and PhD and Master students at local universities under supervision of both South and North senior scientists. Research findings will be disseminated to key local stakeholders and internationally via publications, presentations, educational materials and policy briefs.