Improving the productivity of the smallholder swine raising in San Simon, Pampanga, Philippines using an ecohealth approach: the importance of a communication plan

Smallholder raisers dominate pig production in the Philippines but financial setbacks due to increasing costs of living affect their income and interest in pursuing the livelihood. Using a combination of EcoHealth and participatory approaches, this study aimed to develop a communication plan that will help address problems in smallholder swine raising in San Simon, Pampanga. The main problems of the stakeholders in the municipality, which can be addressed through improved communication, were determined using the data gathered from a baseline survey, interviews, focus group discussions, and observations. Smallholder swine raisers (SSR), field implementers (i.e. provincial veterinarians, municipal agricultural technicians and barangay/village livestock coordinators), and agrivet store personnel were initially identified as the initial stakeholder groups. Sub-optimal husbandry and treatment practices, non-compliance to biosecurity protocols, lack of animal records and an opportunistic trading arrangement were identified as the main problems of the SSR. Lack of coordination within the barangay and limited information, knowledge and skills of field implementers are also problems that need to be addressed. Limitations in distributing educational materials by agrivet store personnel among SSR were identified. Strategic communication objectives, appropriate communication materials and activities will be developed at the next stage of the project to help address these problems.