The Uganda Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries (MAAIF) has launched PigSmart, a digital messaging platform designed to strengthen veterinary and extension support for smallholder pig farmers across the country.
Developed with backing from the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Animal Productivity, PigSmart delivers timely, tailored multimedia messages on pig management directly to farmers, helping them improve productivity and resilience.
From Fishing to Farming in Kalangala
The platform is currently being piloted in Kalangala District, a Lake Victoria island where communities historically reliant on fishing have been encouraged to diversify into pig farming. Considered a low-capital, land-efficient enterprise, piggery offers families a sustainable livelihood alternative.
In April 2025, twelve veterinary extension officers in Kalangala were trained using PigSmart’s tools, which cover feeding, herd health, improved genetics, manure handling, and heat stress management. The initiative is part of a broader livelihood project launched in July, through which 500 farmers—393 women and 107 men—each received two piglets to kick-start or expand their pig enterprises.
Proven Success from Central Uganda
PigSmart was first trialed in late 2024 in central Uganda districts, including Mpigi, Masaka, Mukono, and Wakiso. Over 1,200 farmers in 55 farmer groups received advisory messages in Luganda via audio skits, brochures, and herd health manuals tailored to different pig growth stages.
An independent survey found that farmers who received PigSmart content demonstrated significantly better knowledge and adoption of best practices than those without access. For many, PigSmart became the primary source of production advice—accounting for 30–50% of all information on pig innovations, surpassing peer-to-peer networks and even traditional extension visits.
Towards National Scale-Up
The strong results from central Uganda and early signs of impact in Kalangala are setting the stage for PigSmart to be scaled up nationwide. Officials envision digital advisory platforms like PigSmart being integrated into Uganda’s national extension system, making extension support more accessible, cost-effective, and farmer-focused.
By combining digital tools with hands-on training and livestock distribution, MAAIF and its partners hope to not only boost pig productivity but also improve household incomes, food security, and rural livelihoods.
