Farmer perceptions of classical swine fever outbreak in communal pig production systems of South Africa

Abstract

After the outbreak of classical swine fever (CSF) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa, policy
makers are expected to make decisions on the restocking of pigs. The objective of this study was to
investigate farmers’ perceptions of CSF outbreak in coastal and inland communal production systems
because of their differences in harbouring pathogens. Data were collected from 288 farmers in two CSF
affected areas (one on the coast, one inland) and one unaffected coastal area. The majority of farmers in
affected inland (73%) and coastal (89%) areas kept local pigs and non-descript crosses with imported
pigs on backyard production system. Significantly, more pigs were culled in the affected coastal area
than inland area. In both areas, the culling of pigs affected pork availability and income generation.
Household heads that were residing on the farms that are educated, mature and located inland were
less likely to experience disease challenges. To facilitate restocking and conservation of local pig
genetic resources, farmers requested the government and stakeholders to assist with loans, breeding
stock, proper housing structures and improved extension services. Farmers in both coastal and inland
areas perceived CSF as destructive to pigs, thereby jeopardising their source of livelihoods.