The main goal of PigSmart is to strengthen veterinary and extension support by providing farmers with timely.

Uganda is taking a significant step towards digitising its agricultural advisory services with the launch of PigSmart, a mobile messaging platform designed to support smallholder pig farmers

Rolled out by the Ministry of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries (MAAIF) in September 2025, the initiative is supported by the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the CGIAR Initiative on Sustainable Animal Productivity.

The main goal of PigSmart is to strengthen veterinary and extension support by providing farmers with timely, practical information tailored to their needs. The platform uses a combination of voice messages and printed materials to deliver knowledge in a user-friendly and accessible way.

The pilot phase began in late 2024 across four central districts—Mpigi, Masaka, Mukono, and Wakiso. Over 1,200 farmers from 55 farmer groups participated. They received audio skits in Luganda, covering essential pig farming topics such as feeding, breeding, health care, manure management, and coping with heat stress. These messages were reinforced with printed brochures and a comprehensive herd health manual.

An evaluation carried out in November 2024 showed clear results: farmers who used PigSmart demonstrated significantly better understanding and adoption of good farming practices. In fact, the platform became the main source of information for 30–50% of users, even outperforming traditional advice channels such as peer-to-peer knowledge sharing, extension agents, and printed leaflets.

In April 2025, the pilot expanded to Kalangala District, an island in Lake Victoria where fishing has long been the dominant livelihood. As part of a shift towards farming, 12 veterinary extension officers were trained to use PigSmart’s multimedia tools to help islanders make the transition to pig production.

This work led to a broader government initiative in July 2025, where 500 farmers—including 393 women and 107 men—received two piglets each. The aim was to support household incomes and promote food security, building on the practical knowledge shared via the PigSmart platform.

The early success of PigSmart shows strong promise for expanding the service nationally. With digital tools becoming increasingly vital for rural development, Uganda is setting an example of how simple, localised technology can transform agricultural support systems and improve livelihoods.

The initiative aims to support local farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry.

The Livestock Productivity and Resilience Support (L-PRES) Project, supported by the World Bank, is stepping up efforts to reduce the impact of livestock diseases in Taraba State

The initiative aims to support local farmers raising cattle, sheep, goats, and poultry by building stronger disease prevention and control systems.

At a recent training session held in Jalingo for veterinary officers and animal health technologists, Hananiah Albert, the State Project Coordinator, explained that the project focuses on early disease detection, quicker reporting, and coordinated response.

“Livestock diseases such as Anthrax, Contagious Bovine Pleuropneumonia (CBPP), Hemorrhagic Septicemia, and African Swine Fever continue to disrupt production and trade in Taraba, significantly affecting farmers’ livelihoods and threatening food security,” Albert said.

He pointed out that delays in identifying outbreaks and gaps in communication between field officers make the situation worse.

His words: “What makes these outbreaks more devastating is the delay in detection and the gaps in reporting and coordination among field officers and response systems. This is why L-PRES is working to build a collaborative platform where all stakeholders can work together for effective surveillance and control.”

Albert added that L-PRES is not only focused on controlling diseases but also on strengthening Nigeria’s emergency response and making livestock farming more commercially viable.

Speaking at the event, Taraba State’s Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Nicholas Namessan, affirmed the government’s support for the programme. He stressed the need for partnerships between the public and private sectors.

“Disease control should not be left to the government alone. We need continued collaboration with private animal health professionals, community leaders, and farmers to build a more resilient and productive livestock sector,” Namessan said.

FAO-led PPR Global Eradication Programme (GEP) provided updates on disease prevalence and control progress.

Lusaka, Zambia, hosted a crucial three-day meeting to develop a coordinated regional buffer zone to protect the Southern African Development Community (SADC) from Peste des Petits Ruminants (PPR)—a highly contagious viral disease affecting sheep and goats

Taking place from August 25 to 27, 2025, the meeting brings together SADC veterinary authorities, the EU Representative to Zambia, AU-IBAR, and technical experts from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) and FAO. It is part of the EU-funded PPR Eradication Programme (2023–2026) aimed at eliminating the disease across Africa.

Opening the event, Zambia’s Minister of Livestock, Honourable Kapala, stressed that livestock are more than food sources—they represent dignity, wealth, and social cohesion in African communities. He reaffirmed Zambia’s commitment to investing in cross-border surveillance and buffer zones, but acknowledged ongoing challenges such as limited funding and overstretched veterinary systems. “Eradication is only possible if we work together—sharing best practices, harmonising our approaches, and supporting one another with the necessary resources,” he stated.

The FAO-led PPR Global Eradication Programme (GEP) provided updates on disease prevalence and control progress. Despite notable gains, PPR still affects more than 70 countries in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, impacting over 300 million smallholder farmers. Global losses range from US$1.5 to US$2.1 billion annually, making eradication a critical part of achieving SDG 1 (No Poverty) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger).

Southern Africa has made strides. Five SADC countries and one zone in Namibia are already recognised as PPR-free by WOAH. Most member states have developed National Strategic Plans aligned with global and continental frameworks. However, proximity to PPR-endemic zones in East Africa and porous borders present ongoing threats, especially in communal grazing areas.

Across the three days, participants are focusing on regional risk mapping, surveillance strategies, vaccination logistics, and harmonised control of animal movement. The goal is to validate a Regional Action Plan, establish a SADC buffer zone map, and mobilise financial support.

The EU, a key funding partner, has pledged EUR 8 million through AU-IBAR and is considering a further EUR 50 million in grants and EUR 40 million in blended finance, conditional on strong political engagement from African governments.

This Lusaka meeting marks a turning point. It reinforces regional ownership of the fight against PPR and the importance of aligning with global eradication targets by 2030. The results will not only shield Southern Africa from future outbreaks but contribute to global food security, rural development, and livestock resilience.

Both MECs recognised the industry’s challenges but expressed optimism about its future

KwaZulu-Natal is moving forward with plans to revitalise its beef industry, following a high-level meeting involving government officials, agricultural specialists, and academics

Francois Rodgers, MEC for finance welcomed the session, which brought together Agriculture and Rural Development MEC Thembeni kaMadlopha-Mthethwa, private sector experts, and the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s School of Agriculture.

The focus was on boosting beef production, drawing in investment, and supporting rural economic growth. Critical concerns addressed included foot-and-mouth disease, increasing production costs, and the lack of financial access for emerging farmers.

Rodgers highlighted the vital role the industry plays in the province’s economy. “At least 45% of all beef in the province is located in rural areas and sustains thousands of livelihoods. This is a key industry that requires significant investment in line with our quest to develop an ethical and capable state,” he said. He added that beef farming contributes between 5–6% of KZN’s GDP, with strong potential for expansion and job creation.

Both MECs recognised the industry’s challenges but expressed optimism about its future. They committed to hosting a provincial beef industry indaba by the end of the year to align stakeholders around disease control, economic development, and rural upliftment.

The discussions will also include plans to assist the AmaZulu Royal House in becoming self-sufficient through beef farming. A framework for the indaba is currently being drafted, with more information to follow soon.