Botswana's Wendy Piggery integrates manure processing into farming model

Botswana-based Wendy Piggery is establishing a novel approach to pig production, focusing on maximizing value from all farm outputs. The company aims to create a resource-efficient and sustainable agricultural system beyond just selling pigs.

Founded in 2023 by Wendy Therisanyo Keabetswe, the business identified a significant gap in the local market where demand for pork outstrips supply. Botswana's annual pork demand is approximately 5,000 tonnes, while local farmers produce around 1,800 tonnes. Wendy Piggery seeks to address this deficit while emphasizing a sustainable production model.

The company's strategy involves processing pig manure into fertilizer. This fertilizer is sold externally and also used on the farm to cultivate crops that contribute to the farm's own feed requirements. This dual approach reduces production costs and creates an additional revenue stream. Keabetswe aims to connect livestock production, waste management, and crop cultivation within a single integrated system.

Wendy Piggery faces challenges including substantial initial capital investment and animal disease restrictions that affect product movement. The company has received support from the Standard Chartered Foundation's Women in Tech Accelerator program, which provided not only funding but also mentorship and business development training.