Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm Drives Breakthrough Research to Transform Pig Farming in the Eastern Cape

Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm has launched a major research initiative in the Sarah Baartman District, Eastern Cape, focused on assessing pig farming conditions, tackling challenges, and identifying growth opportunities. The aim is to help local producers improve efficiency while reducing the high mortality rates that have long limited productivity.

The research centers on Siyavuma Piggery, a small-scale farm in Kruisfontein. In 2023, the farm faced an 80 percent piglet mortality rate, threatening its viability and discouraging pork production in the region. With support from Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, Siyavuma Piggery received critical upgrades, including a new farrowing house, improved gestation facilities, and ongoing training for staff. Mentorship emphasized animal care, nutrition, and facility management, providing practical guidance to strengthen operations.

By September 2025, mortality rates had dropped from 80 percent to 10 percent, a reduction of 70 percentage points, moving the farm closer to the industry-standard target of 8 percent. This improvement highlights the impact of targeted infrastructure investment and skills development in rural farming.

Marvin Witbooi, chairperson of Siyavuma Piggery, said the support has transformed planning and growth prospects. “Thanks to the support, we are now in a better position to plan for growth. Going forward, we aim to expand our herd, improve our breeding management, and increase the amount of pork we can supply to local markets. The support has given us a stronger and more stable foundation to build on.”

Agriculture remains a key economic sector in the Sarah Baartman District, and pig farming is seen as a promising subsector that can drive rural enterprise growth and diversification. Witbooi noted that high mortality previously resulted from inadequate infrastructure and limited technical knowledge. “With this and the high mortality rate of pigs in the area, largely due to inadequate infrastructure, we have prioritised support for local piggeries through infrastructure investment, skills development, and collaboration with relevant stakeholders,” he said.

Nonini Makhothe, economic development specialist at Jeffreys Bay Wind Farm, highlighted the broader impact, explaining that the initiative supports meaningful rural enterprise growth and diversification. Recent efforts included renovating a pig enclosure to enhance animal welfare and production efficiency, reducing stress on animals and improving growth rates.

The ongoing study will map key factors affecting pig farming success, including housing, breeding cycles, feed quality, disease risks, and market access. Its findings are expected to guide farmers and stakeholders in building a more sustainable pork value chain.

The initiative aims to strengthen local supply chains, create jobs, enhance food security, and build a network of capable suppliers. Siyavuma Piggery serves as a model for what rural agripreneurs can achieve with long-term, targeted support. With improved operations and growing confidence, the farm demonstrates the potential for more thriving piggeries, stronger rural economies, and a sustainable local pork industry.