This qualitative study was conducted to evaluate the current status of the pig value chain, identify key challenges, and recommend interventions that would lead to a sustainable increase in incomes, food and nutrition security of pig farmers and other chain actors. The study was conducted in five (5) districts consisting of Bo, Port Loko, Bombali, Tonkolili and Western Rural. A total of twenty-five communities were selected from all the districts with a total of 83 respondents, including 48 farmers, 15 butcher/retailers, 2 market sellers, 10 local authorities, 2 veterinary staff, and 10 consumers were purposefully selected for face-to-face in-depth interviews, key informant interviews, and field observations. Pig farmers practice a traditional subsistence production system and typically have stock stocks of 2 to 54 pigs. Most of the farmers also work as butchers or retailers. However, pig housing is generally poor and feeding is dependent on the seasonal availability of crop residues. Marketing channels are localized as production and consumption levels are low. Value addition is limited to curing and smoking by a few butchers when fresh pork sales are poor. Veterinary services are scarce and most farmers cannot afford drugs, so they rely on native herbs to cure diseases. Most farmers and the general population do not rely on pork as a commodity due to religious reasons. There was no evidence of pig farmers or butchers having access to credit facilities from financial institutions. The government and NGOs’ involvement in pig husbandry and value addition for farmers lacks continuity. Therefore, there is a need for training in pig husbandry and value addition for farmers and butchers. Additionally, it is crucial to create awareness of the nutritional benefits of pork consumption to increase its consumption. The increase in pork consumption will lead to higher demand, ultimately resulting in increased production and incomes of pig farmers and other chain actors.

Keywords: Pig Value Chain, Pig farmers, Rural Communities, Livelihood, Pork Consumers,