For ages, pigs, which are domesticated versions of wild boars, have been known for their intelligence. They’re smart creatures who need ample space and engaging activities to stay mentally active and occupied.
Violet Akinyi is a visionary farmer who runs one of Kiambu County’s largest pig farms at Ruiru Baptist College in Ruiru. Since 2013, she’s been in the pig farming business and can comfortably attest to financial success, having made millions over the years from the venture.
She named her pig farm ‘Piggery Palace’. Similar to sanitation measures for livestock and poultry, Violet ensures that the farm gates are locked and individuals with access use water baths to reduce bacteria they could potentially carry to the pigs.
Violet explained that many Baptist pastors train for ministry work at the college. In addition to their regular training, they also learn about farming, either animals or crops. At her piggery, she has 6 sows and 1 boar.
“The piggery is meant to boost fees for the pastors. We had so many pastors who after training, did not know what to do because they didn’t have cash. This encourages them, that as much as they preach, they can also do farming so that they don’t depend on the flock,” she said.
She explained that pig farming is very profitable, especially when the female pigs are well cared for during pregnancy. A single female pig can have up to 10 litters, and in just 6 months, the piglets can reach maturity.
With proper feeding and care, each piglet can weigh up to 90 kilograms. Considering the current market price of Sh. 450 per kilogram, which means one can earn at least Sh. 400,000 from piglets born to a single mother.
“The pastor can cater for himself, pay his bills and can tithe. We’re trying to show them that they can depend on the word, but meanwhile, they can be doing something,” the woman explained.
I started farming when Covid closed my business, now I make a fortune from exports
“This is money that is enough to sustain a church and can sponsor people going to do evangelism. You don’t need to depend on the Christians.”
Violet continued sharing nuggets of wisdom, stating that their choice of the pig business was due to its relatively quick returns. She also noted that pigs don’t require a lot of space to rear, which makes them a practical choice for smallholder farmers.
Apart from their high reproductive potential, Violet also praised the intelligence of pigs.
“With the pigs, you only have to teach them. What you teach them is what they do.”
Violet said pigs drink lots of water and eat a lot of food daily. She explained that a pig being fattened for meat can eat up to 3 kilograms of food each day. However, for female pigs are close to giving birth, they require less feed.
Reducing the feeds given to pigs during pregnancy helps prevent difficult births, which might need surgery. This lowers the risk of losing piglets, the sow, or both during delivery. It’s a preventive measure to ensure smooth deliveries and healthy outcomes for both the sow and her piglets.
The woman encouraged people to consider pig farming as it is rapidly growing due to increasing awareness about the benefits of white meat consumption. She advised aspiring pig farmers to choose the right breed, provide proper feed, and get the right pigman.
Violet faces challenges such as the high cost of feed and the risk of diseases in the industry. However, despite these challenges, pig farming remains a highly profitable business.
“Whatsoever you get your hands to do, do it to your best. Life is a chain. I’m here taking care of my pigs on the farm, which could be feeding millions. If I lazy in the farm, I’ll be killing the chain,” Violet Akinyi concluded.