Project
Research on Securing Livelihoods of the Kawra Pig-Rearing Community of South-west Bangladesh
Period of research:
- August 2015 to June 2016
Funded by:
- Blue Gold (Netherlands Embassy)
Objectives:
- to conduct participatory action research on pig farming;
- to establish a model hygienic pig farm to help improve the livelihood of the Kawra pig-rearing community;
- to improve pig treatment and personal hygienic of pig rearers;
- to investigate the causes of social barriers to the adoption of pig laws; and
- to promote the Kawrapig-rearing community nationally, linking it with government services.
Activities:
- constructing a demonstration pig farm and setting up 10 household pig-farming systems in one Blue Gold working polder which produce healthy pigs and provide a decent income to farmers;
- developing the curriculum and setting up ten field schools for pig farmers;
- holding discussions with policy makers and the government department of livestock on extending state veterinary services to include pig rearing;
- establishing links between the Kawracommunity and the Batiagata upazila livestock officer; and
- preparing a research report with recommendations, disseminated to the donors and interested stakeholders.
Outcomes:
- innovative solutions to the formerly-hidden pig-rearing activities of the Kawra community, improving pig husbandry through the demonstration farm and training on hygienic management, veterinary practice, feeding and growth development, reproductive effectiveness, and market development.
- Engaging national and local government in the affairs of the community and its pig-rearing activities.
