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By: Wilmot Konah
After 9 years of dedication to piggery farming, Leo Katakpah, a determined farmer, has transformed a modest pig farm into a thriving business that not only sustains his family but also contributes significantly to the local economy in Suakoko District, Bong County. He urged other farmers to consider pig farming as a gainful agriculture practice and a major source of income generation.
Leo Katakpah began his piggery venture in 2015 with just two pigs and a small patch of land. Faced with the challenges typical of small-scale farming—limited access to resources, market fluctuations, and the constant threat of disease—he persevered, driven by a vision of a better life.
Leo’s inspiration for pig farming came as a result of interaction with some Chinese nationals who suggested that he venture into piggery to earn a better livelihood nine years ago. “Starting was tough,” he recalls. “There were days when I thought of giving up, but the thought of what this farm could become kept me going.”
He referenced a shop built by him, payment of grade school and university tuition for his children, and feeding among other basic social needs the piggery has provided for his family. He described the piggery as his major source of income.
“From this pig farm, I was able to build a small provision shop. I send my children to school; some are in college and some are in grade school. This farm helps me a lot, we feed ourselves from it. I’m not working with anybody, I’m not working with the government, I’m not working with any NGO even company. I’m not working but this is what I take care of my family in” Leo Katakpah told our reporter.
Over the years, Leo Katakpah faced numerous obstacles, including inadequate access to veterinary services and the high cost of feed. However, his commitment to learning and improving his farming practices paid off. He sought advice from agricultural extension officers, attended local workshops, and networked with other farmers to share knowledge and experiences.
“One of the key turning points was when I learned about proper feeding techniques and disease management,” he says. “It made a huge difference in the health and growth of my pigs.”
According to Katakpah, he is not willing to work with any institution for $USD250 citing that his piggery provides said amount in less than a month. “Some Chinese called me for a job in Nimba and I asked them how much they could pay me a month and I was told two hundred fifty USD. I turned the offer down because I prefer staying here and managing my pigs. That amount cannot take care of my family’s needs but my pigs can provide them for me” he asserted.
Katakpah wants Liberians to invest in agro-business including piggery and vegetable gardening among others. He believed when that is done, it will promote financial independence and increase food production. He also cautions Liberians against the act of blaming the government for not doing much for their life enhancement while they are healthy and doing nothing with a call for citizens to invest in agriculture.
Meanwhile, the productive Suakoko piggery farmer called on the government of Liberia to provide agricultural grants to empower smallholder farmers to increase food production and promote self-reliance.
Leo Katakpah’s journey from a struggling smallholder to a successful piggery farmer is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and community support. His story serves as an inspiration to other farmers, showing that with the right mindset and resources, smallholder farming can be a viable and rewarding enterprise.
