Ebruphiyo Theresa AKPOGUMA

As at 2020, there were approximately 769.05 million pigs worldwide, where China produced about 51.85 million metric tons (USDA, 2021). Nigeria has the second-largest population of pigs in Africa, and its accounts for about 4 %of the total meat supply in the country (Rahman et al., 2008) with men and women actively participating in its production and marketing. Pig production has also been seenasasource of protein. Their fast growth rate which is only slightly exceeded by thebest, carefully managed broilers, their proliferation which is unsurpassed by that of any other animal species except the birds, their very good efficiency of feed utilization which brings better returns per units of inputs than most animals and quality of theirmeat which is both tender and more nutritive in terms of the contents of proteinandthe B-vitamins than those of other animals (Ogunniyi and Omoteso, 2011). Dietze(2011) stated that pigs provide income for women, strengthening their role in families as well as in local communities.

In the agricultural economy of Edo State, Nigeria, women play a pivotal yet often under-documented role in the livestock sector. This study investigates the participation of women in pig and pork marketing in Benin City, exploring their impact on local food security and the urban economy. Methodology & Scope Using a combination of structured surveys and field observations across major meat hubs such as Santana, Oliha, and New Benin markets, the research analyzes the demographics, scale of operations, and profitability of female-led pork enterprises. Key Findings * Value Chain Positioning: While men dominate the production (far ing) and slaughtering stages, women hold a near-monopoly on retail marketing, processing (grilling/frying), and the distribution of pork products.