This study aims at identifying the constraints and the opportunities of duck farming in Butembo town. For this end, surveys and observations were carried out with 81 duck breeders in Butembo. The results show that there are two duck breeding systems in Butembo: 1. the extensive family system with roaming ducks and 2. The extensive backyard family system with captivated ducks. Ducks weigh between 2.4 and 3 kg for females against to 4.2 to 5.1 kg for adult males. The price of duck varies between US $5 and US $17 with an average price of $12.9. The price per kg of live weight is around $5. The price of ducklings ranges between $4 and $6 with an average of $4.8±1.
The constraints encountered by duck breeders are of various nature, the two most important of which are the distrust of ducks in the community (70.3%) and the absence of a nearby water point for swimming (70.3%). Other constraints are the lack of comfortable space for breeding (65.4%), the high cost of protein ingredients (62.9%), the deplorable quality of breeding infrastructure (56.7%), and the absence of a well-organized trade sector (40.7%). Most breeders (91%) say they do not use veterinarians for animal care. Breeders consider that duck breeding constitutes a source of income (73.3%), its adaptation to environmental conditions being easy (72.3%). Raising ducks guarantees the supply of fertilizer for the garden (67.9%). For 49.3% of breeders, selling ducks is easy.
According to 75% of breeders, valleys are more suitable than hills for raising wandering ducks because of the availability of water for swimming and the abundance of grasses as well as the presence of worms as source of proteins for ducks in addition to a larger uncultivated space.
The purpose of this study is to identify and characterize different systems of guinea-pig breeding on farms in the town of Butembo. To achieve this objective, a survey was carried out among 60 breeders throughout the city. Results show that guinea pigs are raised on the floor in the kitchen, on the floor in a specific room and in cages. In many cases, guinea pig rearing is family-based. Carried out in the traditional way, family breeding is characterized by low animal numbers. Feeding is based almost exclusively on herbs and kitchen waste. With no management by the farmer and no external support in terms of training in modern breeding techniques, productivity is low. Factors leading to low productivity include mortality, overcrowding, lack of concentrated feed, disease, predators, and lack of organization. To improve the productivity of guinea pig breeding, it is important to increase knowledge of breeding systems and popularize improved breeding techniques. In addition, guinea-pig breeders should be supported and coached to encourage them to adopt commercial breeding.