Value Chain Analysis of Pig (Sus scrota) in a Highland, Indigenous Community: The Case of Sablan, Benguet, Philippines

Abstract

Swine production is a booming industry in the Philippines, albeit  majority are into backyard raising. Experts recommended the  enhancement of the marketing aspect to parallel the development  in production, thus, the need for baseline studies like value chain  analysis. Few value chain studies have been conducted on lowland  communities but none in highland indigenous communities. This  study analyzed the value chain of swine production in Sablan,  Benguet using Micheal Porter’s generic value chain model  and field observations. Results showed that the value chain of  swine in Sablan consists of small scale holders. The important  chain actors are the pig producers, traders, meat vendors, meat  processors and consumers. The traders had the highest value added per unit while the pig raisers were the least efficient. The value  chain in the area is distinct from other value chain studies in  the country in lacking lechon actors. Sablan has potential to  supply the market demand of pork in its neighbouring city and  municipalities. With proper management and wider market outlet,  it can result to a better profit efficiency and economic growth  in the future. Moreover, the key actors should be given more  opportunity and knowledge on their own operation to maximize  the  potential  and  opportunity  of  the  pig  market.