At just 25 years old, Antonia Dasylva, a young entrepreneur in The Gambia, has built a thriving piggery business after losing her job during the COVID-19 pandemic. A member and assistant secretary of the Gambia Piggery Association, Antonia has turned her passion for animal rearing into a growing enterprise, overcoming numerous challenges along the way.
From Passion to Profession
When asked by Just4WomenAfrica what inspired her to start pig farming, Antonia shared that her interest began in childhood. Watching her elder brother rear animals sparked a lifelong passion. After losing her job due to the pandemic, she decided to pursue her interest and started her piggery farm on her grandfather’s land. As the business expanded, her brother secured a leased plot for her, where she now operates a larger and more structured farm.
Overcoming Initial Challenges
Antonia admitted that her lack of training in pig farming posed significant challenges initially. For instance, she learned the hard way that pigs are highly prolific, with females becoming ready to reproduce within just six months. “You need to buy a lot of feed and medicine,” she noted, describing the high costs of maintaining the pigs as her biggest challenge.
Starting with just five pigs (three females and two males), her herd has grown to over 40 pigs in just a few years. Antonia follows a strict schedule, selling her pigs every six months rather than keeping them long-term. Her primary customers are locals in her community and Chinese buyers, but she also sells to clients from neighboring countries like Senegal and Guinea-Bissau, who often transport the pigs back for resale.
Operating in a Predominantly Muslim Country
Running a piggery in a predominantly Muslim country, where pork is largely avoided, has not been without its difficulties. Antonia recounted a heartbreaking incident when five of her pigs were killed by neighbors who opposed her business. “I went home and told my mom I wanted to stop,” she recalled. However, her mother encouraged her to persevere, reminding her that every business comes with challenges.
Ensuring High Standards
Antonia has made significant improvements to her farm, especially in the diet and care of her pigs. Initially feeding them leftovers, she discovered that this was not ideal for their health. On the advice of her mentor in Ghana, she switched to feeding her pigs rice and fish, which has resulted in healthier and more productive animals.
Female pigs on Antonia’s farm are typically ready to reproduce at six months, with a gestation period of three months and three weeks. However, she allows her pigs to mature to eight months before breeding, ensuring better offspring. To prevent disease, she maintains a rigorous cleaning schedule, ensuring the farm is thoroughly cleaned every Saturday.
Adapting to Global Warming
Global warming has presented new challenges for pig farming. Rising temperatures affect the pigs’ comfort and health, and Antonia often has to pour water over them to keep them cool during extreme heat. This proactive care helps maintain the pigs’ well-being and productivity.
Inspiring Figures
Despite her challenges, Antonia’s story is one of resilience and growth. She started her business with just 5 pigs, and within a short time, her herd has expanded to over 40 pigs, with demand from both local and international markets. Her dedication to improving her pigs’ diet and maintaining high hygiene standards has made her a model pig farmer in The Gambia.
Antonia’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, adaptability, and passion. For young African entrepreneurs, she is an inspiring figure showing that success can be built even in the most challenging environments.
