Constraints of Pig Production in Nigeria: A Case Study of Edo Central Agricultural Zone of Edo State

The study examined constraints of pig production in Edo Central Agricultural Zone of Edo State. Data were collected through interview schedule administered to forty one (41) private pig farmers in the study area. Descriptive statistics and multiple regression were used to analyse data for the study. Results showed that majority (85.4%) of the pig producers were male. The stock kept ranged between 1 and 50 pigs for small scale producers who formed 58.4% of surveyed farms, 51-100 pigs for medium scale producers (15%) and above 100 pigs for large scale producers (26.6%). Major obstacles identified among pig producers in the study area were difficulties in securing institutional loans (61.0%), high cost of feed and feed ingredients (46.3%). Flock size (t = 3.313; p = 0.002) had a significant effect on returns accruing to farmers in pig production. Institutional loan scheme to promote pig production should be established and properly managed by government and stakeholders in the livestock industry in Edo State.