Caritas Nebbi, the Catholic diocese’s charitable arm, has launched a significant initiative to support single mothers in Nebbi with a piggery project aimed at transforming their livelihoods.
The faith-based organisation is hopeful that this project will provide small-scale subsistence farmers with an opportunity to increase their household income.
The initiative focuses on the “Anyim Lac” Youth Women Group, based in Jupakenu village, Ayomu Parish, Jupangira Sub-County, Nebbi District. This group consists of 20 young mothers, most of whom are raising children alone due to separations from their husbands.
The project includes the provision of large white exotic breed piglets, which require minimal land and space, and a well-equipped pigsty to house the animals.
Caritas Nebbi’s director, Rev. Father Benedict Abiwekango Benson, explained that this initiative is part of a broader effort to restore hope and improve the livelihoods of young mothers who may have dropped out of school due to pregnancy or other challenges.
“We have received support from various well-wishers to help these single mothers, who often face difficult circumstances. This piggery project provides them with a second chance in life,” said Rev. Abiwekango.
Piggery farming is seen as an ideal business due to pigs’ fast growth rates and excellent feed-to-meat conversion ratios. Pigs breed twice a year and can produce between 8-12 piglets per litter, which enables farmers to generate income quickly.
Rev. Abiwekango is optimistic that, if well managed, the project will greatly impact the young mothers’ lives by providing them with income to support their families.
“If they take care of the pigs, it will help them raise money to take care of themselves and their children,” he added.
The organisation hopes that, in time, the project will expand to benefit more members of the community.
According to the latest National Livestock Census report by the Uganda Bureau of Statistics, approximately 2.2 million households in Uganda keep pigs, mostly for commercial purposes.
Beneficiaries React
Mildred Tekakwo, chairperson of Jupangira Chapel, expressed gratitude to Caritas for the initiative. “I carefully selected these young mothers, many of whom come from broken marriages, to benefit from this project. I believe it will greatly improve their livelihoods.”
Scovia Anirwoth, a beneficiary, shared her excitement: “Thank you to Caritas for this project. I am confident it will help us pay school fees and invest in other businesses. We also hope to receive training on how to manage the pigs effectively.”
Emmanuel Oyirwoth, a field officer at Caritas Nebbi, believes that with proper care, the piglets will multiply rapidly, further improving the beneficiaries’ lives. Pig business consultant Chris Mulindwa also highlighted the importance of proper feed management, as feed costs make up about 80% of production costs in pig farming.
To support the project, Caritas Nebbi provided pig feed made from maize, small grains, and concentrates as part of the start-up package. Caritas officials also trained the beneficiaries on how to properly feed and manage their breeding units to ensure the project’s success.
Increased Demand for Pork
A recent study by the International Livestock Research Institute found that Uganda has the highest per capita consumption of pork in Africa, at 3.5 kg, and is second only to China globally. This growing demand for pork presents a significant market opportunity for the beneficiaries.
Wheelchair Donation to PWDs
In addition to the piggery project, Caritas Nebbi also donated wheelchairs to persons with disabilities (PWDs) across the diocese, as part of its Christmas special package. Rev. Father Abiwekango emphasised that all of Caritas’ major projects are aimed at restoring hope and improving the lives of the most vulnerable.
Caritas officials visited the pigsty in Jupakenu village to inspect the project and ensure it is properly set up for the young mothers’ success.
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