Short communication. Constraints and development pathways of rabbit farming in the Southern Philippines: a socioeconomic perspective

Rabbit farming is emerging as an alternative livestock enterprise in the Philippines, particularly in response to the pork supply deficit caused by African Swine Fever. Despite its technical viability and low production cost, rabbit farming systems in the Philippines remain largely informal and face multiple socioeconomic and market-related constraints. Using a Rapid Rural Appraisal approach, this study engaged 290 rabbit farmers across five provinces to identify key barriers and potential development pathways. Findings revealed that most respondents were smallholder farmers with limited experience, integrating rabbit raising as a supplementary livelihood. The sector is male-dominated, with men older, more experienced and earning significantly higher household income than female raisers. While both sexes tended to raise similar rabbit breeds, males have more rabbits kept and derive income primarily from farming, whereas females are more engaged in non-farming income sources. Major constraints included limited market access, high breeder stock costs, inadequate veterinary and technical services and the absence of structured training programmes. Market-side issues such as low consumer acceptance and the limited availability of rabbit meat in public markets further hindered viability. Despite these challenges, farmers identified practical solutions, including the need for technical training, cooperative marketing, access to starter kits (cages, breeding stock, feeds), and local feed development. These insights underscore the critical need for an integrated support mechanism. Value chain enhancement, market integration and consumer education are essential to promote the growth and sustainability of the rabbit farming sector in the region.