Climate Change and Sustainable Agriculture

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    EFFECT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION: ADAPTATIVE STRATEGIES IN TELTELLE DISTRICT OF BORANA ZONE, SOUTHERN ETHIOPIA
    (Hawassa University college of Agriculture, 2019) GALMA HALAKE HUKA
    This study focused on effects of climate change on livestock production and adaptation strategies practiced by the pastoralists in Teltelle district. The specific objectives of the study were to analyze trends of rainfall and temperature data, to assess effects of climatic factors on livestock production, rangeland condition and adaptation strategies practiced by pastoralists of the district. The study was based on a cross-sectional survey of 185 sample households, six focus group discussions (each focus group discussions had 8 individual members), and 13 key informants. Primary data were collected using surveys, interviews and focus group discussions. Secondary data were obtained from Ethiopia National Meteorological Agency, Addis Ababa, and District Livestock Resource Development Office. Data were analyzed using both descriptive and inferential statistics. Long term trends of rainfall and temperature data were analyzed by linear trend analysis. Standard Precipitation index and Coefficient of Variation were used to analyze rainfall deficit and variability. Relationship between climate data and livestock population were analyzed by regression and correlation analysis. Climatic factors that affect livestock production and rangeland condition were analyzed using rank index method. Multinomial logit model was also used to analyze determinants of adaptation choice of herders. 90.9% and 87.9% of household respondents perceived decreasing trend of rainfall and increasing of temperature respectively. Thirty six years trend of annual rainfall decreasing by -0.7639mm per annual and mean annual minimum temperature increasing by 0.01680C. The 18 years of annual rainfall were below average (507.81+103.73mm) while 14 years categorized as drought years. Coefficient of Variation of main rainy season (31.97%) and short rainy season (33.9%) were highly variable but annual rainfall (20.43%) was moderately variable. The highest correlation values of livestock population were with the main rainy season (r = 0.855). Major factors affected livestock productions in the district were shortage of feeds, shortage of water and recurrent drought, while variability of rainfall, bush encroachment and flood affected availability and quality of feeds. 92.5% of sample households practiced adaptive strategies while 7.5% did not. Livestock mobility, livestock diversification, area enclosures and hay making were major adaptation strategies practiced by herders. The basic barriers to climate change adaptation were lack of capital, lack of information and reduction in number of livestock per households. In conclusion, rainfall variability and high drought frequency in the district affected livestock production, feed availability and quality, and reduced effectiveness of adaptation strategies practiced by pastoralists. Therefore, future policy better focus on improving water source management, improving livestock management, improving rangeland management, and encouraging the adaptation strategies applied by pastoralists.