Climate Change and Livestock Production in Nigeria: Issues and Concerns

Abstract

The article reviewed the major issues concerning climate change and livestock production in Nigeria. The mechanism of the greenhouse effect (GHE) of the earth’s atmosphere as well as the relative importance of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in terms of greenhouse effect (GHE) and global warming potential (GWP) are presented. The probable changes in global climate as a result of atmospheric enrichment with greenhouse gases from results of simulated changes in atmospheric greenhouse gases are also presented. Emission scenarios and climate change models, atmospheric enrichment with GHGs were shown to have a net negative impact on global climate leading to global warming, more variable and unpredictable climatic and weather patterns (including tendencies for extreme events), net decrease in yield of grain, forage and pasture crops for livestock as well as changes in the epidemiology and dynamics of livestock diseases, pests and vectors. These stressors meant greater challenges on livestock production in terms of well being, reproduction and performance. A number of adaptation schemes which include environmental modification, selective breeding and modifications in the nutritional environment of animals were suggested. The integration of these adaptive measures in livestock production systems in Nigeria will minimize and/or forestall the negative impacts of climatic change and climate variability on livestock production in Nigeria.