THE REEMERGENCE of African Swine Fever (ASF) poses a threat to small-scale farmers. As a vital component of Iloilo’s agricultural backbone, backyard hog raisers face the daunting task of protecting their livelihoods against this disease. The need for robust support mechanisms has never been more apparent.
Iloilo’s current measures provide a foundation, but there is ample room for improvement and innovation in support structures.
In response to ASF threats, Iloilo’s Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) has ramped up biosecurity measures and implemented strategic protocols to safeguard local agriculture. But while essential, these primarily cater to containment and prevention. Small-scale farmers need more than just prevention — they require comprehensive support that spans financial assistance, education, and resources to rebuild and sustain their operations through crises.
The provincial government’s allocation of over P4 million for a sentineling program in designated “pink zones” is a good step towards restarting pig farming in affected areas. This aims to provide 357 farmers with the necessary support to reinvigorate their swine herds. However, the scale of funding and the scope of coverage beg a critical review. Are these funds sufficient to meet the needs of all impacted farmers, or do they merely scratch the surface of the required support?
Backyard hog raisers often operate with minimal profit margins and limited access to the resources needed to implement sophisticated biosecurity measures. The financial burden of upgrading facilities to meet heightened biosecurity standards can be prohibitive without significant subsidies or grants.
Also, the knowledge gap in understanding and implementing these measures can be an additional barrier, which calls for enhanced educational programs tailored to these small-scale operations.
To genuinely support our small farmers, Iloilo must expand its funding models and incorporate more comprehensive educational outreach programs. These should not only focus on crisis management but also on sustainable farming practices that enhance resilience against future outbreaks. Partnerships with agricultural experts, universities, and non-governmental organizations could be instrumental in delivering these educational programs effectively.
Additionally, there is a pressing need for a more structured support system that provides immediate and long-term assistance during outbreaks. This could include emergency funding, supply of biosecurity materials, and a rapid response team to help farmers implement necessary measures swiftly.
Supporting small farmers with holistic and robust mechanisms is a strategic investment in Iloilo Province’s economic stability and food security. Let us ensure that support for the small farmer goes beyond the immediacy of crisis response.
