Gendered effects of pig farming on livelihoods of Peri-Urban Households in Luweero district.

Abstract

This study examined the gendered effects of pig farming on the livelihoods of peri-urban households in Luweero District. Specifically, it focused on three areas: participation and decision making,profitability, and household nutrition.A descriptive cross-sectional designwasemployed, using both quantitative and qualitative approaches. Data were collected from 90 pig farming households through structured questionnaires and interviews, and analyzed using descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation,and Spearman’s rank correlation. The results revealed that women were the primary actors in daily piggery operations, including feeding (38.9%), cleaning (34.4%), and marketing (54.4%). Women also held significant control over decision-making on income use (50%), and 55.6% reported greater financial independence, highlighting piggery’s role in women’s empowerment. The data also showed that pig farming significantly contributes to household income and profitability, with farmers earning an average total revenue of Ugx 4,275,411 and a net profit of Ugx 3,070,100. About 82% of farmers reported increased income since adopting piggery, although profitability varied widely due to factors such asproduction costs, disease outbreaks, and market access. In terms of nutrition, 84.44% of households indicated that piggery positively impacted their dietary wellbeing, with 60 % reporting an increase in meal frequency. However, statistical analysis did not reveal a strong link between piggery income and measurable dietary changes, as most households purchased pork from markets rather than consuming pigs they reared. This study also assessed the marginal effects of age, gender, pig income, enhance and education on household nutrition among pig farmers. Findings revealed that higher education andincomemarginallyincrease the likelihood of improved nutrition, while women face persistent disadvantages.Targeted interventions to improve education and gender The study concludes that pig farming plays a critical role in strengthening household incomes, promoting women’s empowerment, and enhancing perceived nutrition. However, challenges such as inconsistent profitability, heavy workloads for women, and limited nutritional translation remain. It recommends improving education promoting gender equity,improving market linkages, enhancing production efficiency, and integrating nutrition education to maximize the benefits of pig farming for rural households.