Factors influencing the supply of hogs In Kenya

Abstract

This study was carried out from January to June 1988-with an-objective of determining the nature of influence that expected (futures), producer and feed prices, seasonality, time and the number of sows available for breeding have on the supply of hogs. Hog supply has not been meeting demand. As a result, Kenya has changed from a net exporter of hog products to an importer of hogs to satisfy the demand. Farmers realise less income when they supply fewer hogs. According to ·the findings, futures and producer price variab1es have the largest influence on the number of hogs supplied. The producer prices of hogs have not been meeting farmers' expectations and that partly explains the declining trend in production. The domestic production and marketing environments have not been encouraging supply of hogs either. Input costs and unreliability of some marketing channels have pushed several farmers out of the industry. To rectify the situation, it is necessary to restructure the pricing and payment system. Higher producer prices based on live weight of the hog should be given to the farmers. In this regard, the farmers Should come to get the rand form co - operatives so that they can be in a better bargaining position for better prices. Policy makers should give due consideration to the live8tock industry while reviewing producer prices for cereals if the hog industry is to stabilize. Cereals are important inputs in hog farming.