Pigs and Purpose: How Kawaki Elders Are Building Wealth Through Pig Farming
Pig farming may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of luxury investments, but the Kawaki Elders Self-Help Group (SHG) is tapping into pig farming, transforming it into a sustainable and profitable business.
This Self-Help Group was formed in 2019 with a clear goal: to uplift each of its 10 members economically. They began with a merry-go-round and later transitioned into table banking. In 2024, following HopeCore’s expansion into Imenti South sub-county in Meru County, the group became one of the first beneficiaries of the Micro Enterprise Program in the Igoji area.
The group first received a soft loan of Ksh. 60,000 ($469), boosting their table banking kitty. After successfully repaying the loan, the group approached HopeCore with a bigger dream — to venture into pig farming, a more sustainable source of income.
The group received a new loan from HopeCore of Ksh. 960,000 ($7,500) to help bring their dream into reality. The pig farming initiative qualified as a special project, and HopeCore allocated substantial funding to support it. Eight members purchased pigs and feed, while two other members chose to invest in dairy cows.
Beyond financial support, HopeCore also provided specialized pig farming training and financial management, equipping the group members with the resources and knowledge needed to succeed.
Why Pig Farming Is a Smart Investment
Daniel Mutwiri, the group’s secretary and an experienced pig farmer with 35 pigs, shares why they chose pig farming.
“Pigs are easier to manage,” he says. “They’re less prone to diseases, can feed on a variety of crops and kitchen scraps, and their waste makes rich manure that improves soil fertility and boosts crop yields.”
He adds that pigs are not only cost-effective to rear but also incredibly resilient, making pig farming a smart investment. They require minimal space, adapt well to various environments, and mature quickly. Their reproductive rate is impressive — one sow can give birth to 8 to 15 piglets at once. At just one month old, each piglet can be sold for Ksh. 4,000 ($31), offering a quick and rewarding return on your investment.
“There’s a growing demand for pork and a reliable local market, making pig farming not only sustainable but also a profitable venture for our group,” Mutwiri notes.
Looking Ahead: Bigger Dreams, Better Business
With pork becoming a preferred white meat in many households and eateries, the group is well-positioned to tap into this growing market. Mutwiri envisions expanding his herd to over 100 pigs, aiming to sell at least 12 pigs each month.
Looking ahead, the group plans to open its own butcher shop to sell pork directly to consumers. They also intend to venture into value addition by producing pork products such as sausages — a move that will not only increase their earnings but also eliminate middlemen, significantly boosting their profit margins.
HopeCore is proud to support groups like the Kawaki Elders SHG, helping community members take bold steps toward economic independence and sustainable growth — one pig at a time.
Check out this video of this project!
