Smallholder pig production in Boma (Democratic Republic of the Congo): Technoeconomic constraints, local feed resources and opportunities for sustainable intensification

Publication Date : 12/08/2026

DOI: 10.59228/rcst.026.v5.i3.322

Author(s) :

Jean Mbuangi Khuelo , Arthur Kapesa Amisi, Alexandre Tona Tona , Gaëtan Bolokango Kalala.

Volume/Issue :

Volume 5

Issue 3

(08 - 2026)

Abstract :

Smallholder pig production plays an important role in food security and rural livelihoods in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). However, productivity remains constrained by persistent technical, economic and animal health challenges that limit the sector's sustainability, particularly in peri-urban areas such as Boma. This review synthesizes current evidence on pig production systems in Boma, with emphasis on production constraints, the potential of locally available feed resources and strategies for sustainable intensification. A structured literature review was conducted using peer-reviewed publications, institutional reports and technical documents published between 2000 and 2026. The available evidence was critically analyzed to assess production systems, feeding practices, animal health, biosecurity, economic performance and opportunities for resource valorization. The literature indicates that pig production in Boma is dominated by traditional and semi-intensive smallholder systems characterized by inadequate feeding practices, limited veterinary support, weak biosecurity and restricted access to credit and extension services. Feed represents the largest production cost, accounting for approximately 60–75% of total production expenses. Locally available resources, including cassava products, brewery by-products, plantain residues, legume biomass and insect-derived proteins, offer considerable potential to reduce feeding costs and improve resource-use efficiency within circular bioeconomy frameworks. Overall, improving feeding strategies, strengthening animal health services, promoting farmer training and supporting evidence-based policies are key priorities for enhancing the productivity, resilience and sustainability of pig production in Boma. Future research should prioritize integrated techno-economic evaluations and field validation of locally adapted feeding systems.