Possibilities of establishing a smallholder pig identification and traceability system in Kenya

Abstract

Consumers have a right to safer foods, and traceability is one approach to meeting their expectations. Kenya does not have an operational animal traceability system, and while a few initiatives have been piloted, these have only focused on the beef value chain. In this paper, we begin a discussion on traceability in the pig value chain, with an initial focus on smallholder systems of Western Kenya. First, a background to local pig production is given, and a description of animal identification and traceability options applicable to these systems is explained. Based on this, a "butcher-to-farm" traceability system, with health, production and food safety as objectives, is discussed. Requirements for establishing such a system (including actor incentives) are additionally discussed. The proposed approach can be piloted in the field and findings used to inform the design of a larger pilot and possibly pave way for implementation of a national traceability system, in line with the guidelines provided by the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE). Organized systems in the area (including commercial producer and trader groups) would offer a useful starting point.

Keywords

Smallholder pig systems; Animal identification; Traceability; Disease surveillance; Food safety; Welfare

Published in

Tropical Animal Health and Production
2020, Volume: 52, number: 2, pages: 859-870 Publisher: SPRINGER

SLU Authors

• Lindahl, Johanna

  • Department of Clinical Sciences, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI)
  • Uppsala University

Sustainable Development Goals

SDG2 Zero hunger


UKÄ Subject classification

Animal and Dairy Science


Publication identifier

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11250-019-02077-9

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/105199