Pig Manure Management Practices in Fako Division, Southwest Region of Cameroon: Implications for Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Abstract

Aims: To investigate pig manure management techniques employed by pig farmers in Fako Division, to identify the socio-economic factors influencing these practices, and to assess their environmental implications, particularly regarding greenhouse gas emissions and pollution risks. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey design to collect data from pig farmers in Fako Division. It applied quantitative methods to assess manure management practices, environmental impacts, and the role of socio-demographic factors in adopting eco-friendly methods. Place and Duration of Study: Fako Division, South West region of Cameroon, between January and May 2024. Methodology: The study used purposive sampling to select 120 pig farms across five Sub Divisions in Fako Division, focusing on farms with over 10 pigs. Data on manure management and farmer socio-economic profiles were collected through checklists, interviews, and structured questionnaires. Participation was voluntary, supported by promised veterinary follow-up. Data were analyzed using Excel, MINITAB 19, and SPSS 21, with descriptive statistics and binary logistic regression used to identify factors influencing eco-friendly waste management practices. Results: Results revealed that 66.4% of farms produce solid waste, with 59.1% storing it for less than a week. However, only 4.5% of farms compost manure and 3.6% use biogas, while the majority (44.5%) dump waste on land and 32.7% into streams, posing serious environmental risks and contributing to GHG emissions. Socio-demographic factors significantly influenced sustainable practices. Male farmers were more likely to adopt eco-friendly methods than females (p = 0.027). Higher education levels (p = 0.034), higher income (p = 0.042), farmers' experience (p=0.044), and distance to waste disposal site (0.015) had a positive impact on the likelihood of a pig farmer engaging in eco-friendly pig waste management practices. Conclusion: Most pig farms in Fako Division poorly manage manure, with minimal use of composting and biogas; adoption of sustainable practices depends on farmers’ socio-economic factors.