Assessing The Environmental Impact Of Intensive Pig Farming: A Case Study From Southeast Asia

Abstract

This research aims to assess the effects of intensive pig farming on the environment in Southeast Asia in terms of air quality, water quality, soil quality, and biodiversity. Using field surveys, interviews, and secondary data collected from selected farms in Vietnam and Thailand, the study assesses the impact of typical pig farming practices. Some of the findings include high levels of ammonia (NH₃) and methane (CH₄) emissions, high nutrient pollution in water bodies, and low soil pH and nutrient content in fields that use pig manure. An analysis of the impacts of intensive pig farms on the environment reveals that there is a reduction in the species of animals and plants in the areas that are within the vicinity of the farms, as compared to the reference areas. The paper also considers the current environmental laws and the extent of compliance, the gaps in the enforcement of the laws, and the effectiveness of the existing laws. Based on these results, it can be concluded that there is a necessity to enhance the appropriate ways of managing manure and simultaneously enhance the quality of laws that govern the influence of pig farming on the environment. Further research is required to be conducted in other areas, and additional indicators need to be used to have a clearer picture. The study is applicable in the evaluation of the impact of large-scale pig farming and even in promoting environmentally friendly agriculture.