Intensity of adaptations to heat stress in poultry farms: A behavioural analysis of farmers in Ondo state, Nigeria

Abstract

The detrimental consequences of heat stress due to high ambient temperatures, particularly in the poultry industry, have led to the invention of several adaptation strategies. However, there is still limited information on the intensity of adaptations and the likely behavioural factors that influence farmers' decisions. Thus, understanding the practical adaptation behaviours of poultry farmers would improve our knowledge of the fundamental mechanisms for developing effective interventions. To fill this void, using a count data model, the study empirically examines the farmers' behavioural factors and the intensity of heat stress adaptation strategies’ adoption among poultry farmers in Ondo State, Nigeria. The data were drawn from a survey of 150 poultry farmers using a multistage sampling procedure. The empirical results show that the majority of the farmers perceived an increase in temperature, frequently experienced heat stress, and believed that heat stress is induced by climate change. An average of six adaptation strategies were simultaneously adopted to mitigate heat stress in the area. The results of the count regression model reveal that farm-level factors such as permanent water sources, the quantity of feed, and bird stock density exert a significant effect on the intensity of adaptations. Climate-related factors such as access to climate information, training participation, perceived increases in temperature, attitudes toward climate change, and motives for adoption have a significant behavioural effect on the intensity of adaptations. Likewise, variables such as poultry farming experience, educational status, and access to credit are accounted for as socioeconomic behavioural factors that influence the intensity of adopting heat stress adaptation strategies in the area. This concludes that behavioural factors are crucial in addressing heat stress adaptations and assisting in improving environmental management, which would form a key variable in the policy interventions.