Pig Cooperative #5



The Pig Cooperative #5 (Muru Cooperative) is located in the village of Kitovu, just 25 km outside of Kampala in Uganda. Uganda is one of the poorest countries in Africa and was the epicenter of the HIV/AIDS epidemic as it unfolded in sub-Saharan Africa in the mid eighties. The 18 cooperative members are made up of 12 women and 6 men from western Uganda, the local area and Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Some are refugees from DRC due to the instability there and others who fled because of the volcanic eruption in Goma. There are altogether 70 children and other dependents (orphans that are living with them or elderly relatives) being supported by these group members.

The goal of the Muru Cooperative is to improve the economic status of the very poor members and their families. They have chosen to farm pigs, because pork is very expensive in the village and in neighboring Kampala and there is enough demand to make it profitable. The plan is to sell 70% of pigs born at the farm in Kampala, after processing them and the other 30% will be used to raise pigs that will be sold to other farmers. Muru Cooperative will pay 50% of the loan they are given back to the Pilot Light Foundation for future support of cooperatives in Uganda.

Budget: 8,235.00