Ruminant farmers’ measures for tackling the impacts of climate change on herd health in Anambra State, Nigeria

Abstract

Globally, increasing morbidity and mortality in farm animals have been linked to climate change. In developing countries which are already overwhelmed by institutional inefficiencies, tackling the impacts of climate change on herd health has become a great concern. This is because, ensuring herd health is quintessential to food security, food safety and sustainable livelihoods under extreme climatic events and environmental uncertainties. Anambra State has been experiencing persistent climate anomalies especially increasing spates of destructive flooding and erosion. These not only impact humans directly but also the health and welfare of farm animals thereby jeopardizing food security. The study assessed measures taken by ruminant farmers in tackling the impact of climate change on herd health in Enugu State Nigeria. One hundred and twenty respondents were sampled. Descriptive (percentage, mean scores), and inferential statistics (regression) were used in data analysis. From the results, all (100%) of the respondents were adapting to the impacts. The effective adaptation practices were provision of shade (x̄ = 3.95; SD = 0.315), increased water intake (x̄ = 3.88; SD = 0.487), providing bedding material during cold (x̄ = 3.87; SD = 0.459) among others. There are challenges encountered in taking the measures including: poor awareness of effective adaptation practices (x̄ = 3.91; SD = 0.343), inadequate extension services (x̄ = 3.89; 0.464), inadequate finance (x̄ = 3.84; SD = 0.485) among others. Agricultural extension should emphasize sustainable ruminant production which ensures that production systems do not further entrench climate change Efforts should be intensified at providing extension agents with relevant information on effective herd health management strategies under the changing climate. Alternative ruminant species could be adopted. Climate change frontliners should prioritize appropriate financing mechanisms for ruminant farmers.