Rural Solutions SA is managing a project for the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research aimed at improving the standard of living for our developing neighbours in West Timor.

The project is focussing on providing better market integration of smallholder commercial pig production in Nusa Tengarra Timor.

In this region pigs have been identified as the most important livestock type for smallholder farms because of the high percentage of households that farm pigs and the relatively quick rate of cash flow pigs can generate.

Principal Consultant with Rural Solutions SA Craig Johns is using his expertise in demand driven value chain improvements to ensure that any changes are sustainable locally over the long term.

Caption
A traditional farm in Nusa Tengarra Timor

There is a changing market and supply dynamic due to smallholder investment in a growing domestic market.

However Craig said the major reason for smallholder pig ownership is not to maximise production and profitability, but to have pigs available for ceremonies and to fulfil social and family obligations, as well as being a critical source of protein for domestic consumption.

These social demands influence not only the way pigs are managed but also the types of pigs bred.

The project has gathered critical information on pig production systems used in the key areas of Nusa Tengarra Timor and determined the commonalities and limitations between different sized pig farms and how the end product fits with consumer demand.

There is further information on trade in pigs, input farming crops, consumption figures and general market and consumer preferences and specifications.

Further analysis of the pig industry chain and market will lead to the development of strategies of better market integration for smallholder pig producers.

Importantly for the smallholder the project will assess how improved efficiencies, profitability and product quality from the farmer right through to the end consumer can be achieved by providing training in pig husbandry, nutrition, and supply chain management while still catering for the traditional needs of the local society.

Further information contact Craig Johns.

 Terry Price asked Rural Solutions SA Principal Consultant Craig Johns how the project assisted living standards for Timorese people?

Date of release 21 November