A review on health and environmental aspects of current manure management practices in pig production systems in Uganda

A review on health and environmental aspects of current manure management practices in pig production systems in Uganda Summary Pig production in Uganda has increased over the past two decades and is projected to grow further due to the rising demand for pork.Pig production creates substantial amounts of manure and, if not handled well, can be a source of greenhouse gas (GHG) and ammonia (NH3) emissions, as well as nutrient leaching, resulting in acidification of rainwater and eutrophication of water bodies.Furthermore, pig manure can be both host and vector for diseases.To manage pig manure in a way that is both climate smart (i.e.helps to mitigate climate change) and sanitary, it is essential to have a detailed understanding of manure management systems that comprises animal feeds (diets), production systems, storage and handling, treatment, manure use and disposal.This report presents the results of a literature review conducted to assess current pig production systems and associated manure management in Uganda, while also referring to literature from elsewhere where no information for Uganda was available.We specifically focused on the environmental (GHG emissions) and health (disease transmission) aspects of pig manure in Uganda.We found that pig production systems in Uganda can be categorized as either extensive, semi-intensive (tethering) and intensive.However, literature on pig manure management in Uganda is very scarce as most of the studies done in the country only characterized production systems but did not provide any information on how manure is managed.Across the country, pig manure is perceived as waste and its management and usefulness in improving soil fertility is not included in the Uganda fertilizer policy.However, given the growth of pig production, there is need to carry out studies to establish how manure is managed in different production systems, which can eventually guide the development of smart management practices that are environmentally friendly, assure high fertilizer quality and reduce animal and human health risks.Such studies could be instrumental in guiding policy advocacy and development in Uganda.The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) works to improve food and nutritional security and reduce poverty in developing countries through research for efficient, safe and sustainable use of livestock.Co-hosted by Kenya and Ethiopia, it has regional or country offices and projects in East, South and Southeast Asia as well as Central, East, Southern and West Africa.ilri.orgCGIAR is a global agricultural research partnership for a food-secure future.Its research is carried out by 15 research centres in collaboration with hundreds of partner organizations.cgiar.org