Climate change and livestock production in Africa

Özet

Climate change presents severe global challenges, with regions like Africa experiencing long-term shifts in temperature, precipitation, and wind patterns. Over the past two decades, rising surface temperatures and sea levels have been key indicators of this change, significantly affecting livestock production, a vital sector for rural livelihoods. Livestock farming, which relies on climate and natural resources, is particularly vulnerable, with rural farmers facing considerable risks despite its crucial role in food security and income.  Studies on climate change’s effects on livestock productivity emphasise the importance of temperature and precipitation, noting that higher temperatures typically reduce productivity, while droughts caused by reduced rainfall further exacerbate the challenges. On the other hand, increased rainfall benefits livestock by improving water availability and forage growth. Recent studies indicate that climate change negatively impacts livestock at the microeconomic level. However, the complexities of these effects, particularly the influence of socioeconomic factors such as market volatility, population growth, and conflicts, have not been thoroughly explored. As the climate crisis escalates, reliable data and effective adaptation strategies become increasingly important to mitigate these risks and ensure the long-term sustainability of livestock farming in Africa. Therefore, this study aims to study climate change and African livestock production. It is essential to expand research to include underrepresented livestock regions. Effective responses to climate change must be context-specific and holistic, with a more diversified focus addressing the impacts on non-ruminant livestock. It is crucial to conduct more research on the effects of climate change on livestock in some detail to develop practical solutions that support the resilience of rural livestock communities in Africa.