Effects of Climate Change Adaptation Strategies on Technical Efficiency of Poultry Production in Benue State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study determined the effects of climate change adaptation strategies on technical efficiency of poultry production in Benue State, Nigeria. The population of the study consist of all poultry farmers in Benue State. A sample size of 198 was selected using multistage sampling technique. Data for the study were collected from primary source using a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequencies distribution, percentages and mean as well as inferential statistics such as Stochastic frontier production function. Farmers' perceived intensity of climate change as very high temperature, excessive rainfall, drought, irregular relative humidity, excessive sunshine and long period of harmattan with almost all variables exceeding the cut-off mean of 2.0. Majority of the respondents used adaptation strategies to cope with climate change. The result of the stochastic frontier analysis showing the climate change adaptation strategies influencing inefficiency of poultry output showed that, raising of broods and sell, tree planting around poultry house, more water served were found to reduce farmers' economic inefficiency of poultry output at 10% level of significance. The study hence, revealed that climate change adaptation strategies had significant relationship with economic inefficiency of poultry production in the study area. Therefore, the study recommended the need to improve on farmers' access to information on climate change and appropriate adaptation strategies as well as providing credit facilities to help improve farmers' capacity to adapt to climate change.

2023 Annual Trends & Outlook Report (ATOR)

“…The intent is to make livestock production as sustainable as possible to achieve bidirectional benefits in improving food and nutrition security and enhancing planetary health. Strategies such as seasonal migration of livestock into areas with natural forage and water abundance (pastoralism) (Koura et al 2015), forage preservation for utilization in off-seasons (Jimoh et al 2021), feed formulation from alternative feedstocks to minimize overexploitation of pasturelands and forestlands, livestock breeding programs to improve livestock resistance and productivity (Wilson 2018;Mohamed-Brahmi et al 2022), and increased livestock health strategies such as live vaccination (Ezihe, Ochima, and Iorlamen 2020;Koura et al 2015) are prominent bioeconomy strategies for improving sustainable livestock production in African regions. For instance, Benin, Nigeria, and Senegal are facilitating robust livestock vaccination campaigns to improve animal health and enhance production yield and quality.…”

Climate-Smart Agriculture in African Countries: A Review of Strategies and Impacts on Smallholder Farmers

“…These actions work by maximizing feed resource use efficiencies which would increase livestock productivity and decrease emissions per unit of product. Adaptation activities due to extended dry periods include seasonal migration in search of fresh forage and water by pastoralists, which is common with handlers of cattle, sheep and goats [149], forage preservation as fodder for off-season utilization [150], feed formulation with alternative feed resources [151] and use of resistant breeds, increased spacing and routine vaccination [152].…”