Assessment of the Effects of Climate Change on Livestock Husbandry and Practices in Jigawa State, Nigeria

Abstract

The investigation of the effects of climate change on livestock husbandry and practices in Jigawa State, Nigeria, was aimed at assessing the level of awareness of climate change by nomads and also determine the effect of climate change on livestock husbandry and practices. Using random sampling method, data were collected from 105 livestock nomads in seven nomadic communities covering seven Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Jigawa State. Data were collected by the use of questionnaire and observation. Data were analyzed by the use of frequency, percentage, and weighted means. About 98% of nomads understood what was meant by climate change and also 94.3% observed variations in their environment as a result of climate change. Majority of respondents (76.2%) observed and experienced the effect of climate change since 5-20 years ago; while 7.6% observed and experienced the effects of climate change for over 20 years back. Ranking of effects of climate change on livestock husbandry and practices showed reduced feed intake (1st), reduced growth rate (2nd), increased frequency of abortion (3rd), reduced birth rate (4th), increased disease condition (5th), increased incidence of parasites (6th) and increased mortality rate (7th) as major effects. It was recommended that animal production/veterinary services should be stepped up, diversify their production to include crops and other sources of income generation and establish more gazing reserves.