How did you get started with pig farming?
If someone had told me years ago that pig farming would change my life, I probably wouldn’t have believed them. Like many young people, I dreamed of financial independence, but I had no clear path. That changed in 2019 when I visited a friend’s farm and saw firsthand how pigs could generate consistent income. That day, I made a decision I was going to start my own pig farm.
What was your starting point, and what challenges did you face?
I started with 3 piglets, little savings, and no experience. I built a small wooden pen in my backyard and fed the pigs with whatever I could afford. I had no proper feeding plan, no knowledge of disease prevention, and no idea how to scale up. But I was determined. The first two years were filled with challenges. I made many mistakes using low-quality feed, improper housing, and poor hygiene which led to slow growth and frequent illnesses. At one point, a disease outbreak wiped out almost all my pigs, leaving me devastated and nearly bankrupt.
How did you feel during that difficult period?
I thought about quitting. But instead of giving up, I decided to learn from my mistakes.
How did you overcome those challenges?
I joined pig farming groups, watched countless tutorials, attended seminars, and visited successful pig farmers to understand what I was doing wrong. I realized that proper feeding, hygiene, and breeding techniques were key to success.
What changes did you make, and what were the results?
With my new knowledge, I started improving my farm. I built better housing, invested in quality feed, and practiced proper waste management. The results were almost immediate – my pigs grew faster, stayed healthier, and my production rate increased. I reinvested every profit back into the business, buying more piglets and expanding my space.
How has your business grown since then?
Before I knew it, my small backyard operation turned into a full-scale pig farm. Orders started coming in, and I was no longer struggling to sell my pigs. Restaurants, meat vendors, and wholesalers sought my products because of their quality. Today, I supply high-quality pork to major markets in Nigeria and plan to export internationally to the USA and Europe when the time comes. My farm has grown from just 3 piglets to hundreds of pigs, and I now employ some young people who help run the business with me.
What is the most rewarding part of your journey?
Beyond making money, my biggest joy is inspiring others to see agriculture as a profitable venture.
What advice would you give to aspiring farmers?
My advice is to never stop learning. Reinvest in your business, and embrace challenges. Every failure is a lesson, and persistence leads to success.
What is your goal for the future?
My goal is to continue expanding, create more jobs, and encourage African youth to embrace farming. I’m grateful I didn’t give up on pig farming – it’s transformed my life, and I believe it can do the same for others.