Podcast: Huge potential for pig production in Africa

The 16th episode of the Real P3 podcast unravels some of the unique challenges in pig production in Africa. But, with every challenge comes an opportunity, and in Africa, the opportunities are vast.

The Real P3 podcast series is an initiative where pork professionals from around the world are interviewed about challenges and solutions in their day-to-day work. In this episode, Dr Casey Bradley speaks to South African farmer, Steven Payne.

After completing his master’s degree in poultry nutrition, Payne went on to work with pre-mix company, DSM nutritional products, and serviced the Sub-Saharan African territory as an account manager. Here he gained plenty of experience and exposure to the challenges, opportunities and potential in farming on the African continent.

The Real P3 · Understanding the pork industry in Africa - Steven Payne

Farmer trapped in Johannesburg

After 6 years with DSM, he set out on his own and in 2009 began Urban Farmer (inspired from him being “an aspiring farmer trapped within the urban jungle of Johannesburg”) with the intention of better servicing farmers throughout Africa. At the company’s core is animal feed and nutrition.

Utilising what is available is very important, he says, noting that there are numerous challenges. It would be a mistake to look at Africa and treat it with a blanket approach, he warns. Each country has its own unique challenges.

In this podcast, Payne discusses some of the challenges, including input availability and costs, poor demand for pork on the continent, and a lack of infrastructure, expertise and support services.

Regardless, he is encouraged by the huge potential for the continent in terms of production, and the hunger for knowledge by many young farmers.