天美传媒

Climate change; Livestock farming; Adaptation strategies; Smallholder farmers; Sub-Saharan Africa; Drought resilience; Agro-pastoral systems; Livelihood security; Climate-smart agriculture; Resource management

Introduction

Climate change poses a serious and escalating threat to agricultural livelihoods in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), particularly for small-scale livestock farmers who depend heavily on rain-fed systems and natural rangelands. Increased temperature variability, prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, and degradation of grazing lands have severely affected livestock productivity, animal health, and rural food security [1-5]. Unlike large-scale commercial operations, smallholder livestock farmers in SSA often lack the financial resources, infrastructure, and institutional support needed to respond to climate-related shocks. Therefore, identifying and implementing feasible, community-driven adaptation strategies is critical to enhancing their resilience and sustaining their livelihoods. This paper explores the adaptation techniques currently employed by small-scale livestock farmers in various parts of SSA and evaluates their effectiveness in coping with the adverse impacts of climate variability [6-10].

Discussion

A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data from 220 households across four countries—Kenya, Ethiopia, Niger, and Uganda—representing diverse agro-ecological zones. Key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and household surveys captured information on climate awareness, risk perception, and adaptation responses. The most commonly reported climate impacts included reduced pasture availability, increased livestock mortality during dry seasons, water scarcity, and declining milk and meat yields.

In response to these challenges, farmers employed a range of traditional and innovative adaptation strategies. Rotational grazing and transhumance (seasonal movement of livestock) were widely practiced to optimize pasture use and prevent land degradation. Diversification of livestock species, such as incorporating drought-resistant goats and camels alongside cattle, helped reduce losses during extreme weather events. Water harvesting techniques like constructing earth dams and underground tanks were adopted in regions with erratic rainfall patterns, while fodder preservation and haymaking were promoted to address seasonal feed shortages.

Another key adaptation involved agro-pastoral integration, where crop residues from small-scale farming were used as supplementary livestock feed, and livestock manure enhanced soil fertility for crops. In some regions, community-based early warning systems and weather forecasting tools—often disseminated via mobile phones—enabled farmers to plan grazing routes and vaccination schedules more effectively.

Additionally, participatory breeding programs that promoted indigenous breeds with greater heat tolerance and disease resistance showed promise in improving herd resilience. Capacity building through NGOs and government extension services played a major role in training farmers on best practices, although access to such programs remained uneven across communities.

Despite these efforts, farmers identified several constraints: lack of veterinary services, limited access to credit or insurance, and weak infrastructure (e.g., roads and markets) hindered full adaptation. Social networks, traditional knowledge sharing, and collective action helped bridge some gaps, especially where formal systems were lacking.

Conclusion

Small-scale livestock farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly adopting a combination of indigenous knowledge and modern practices to adapt to the impacts of climate change. Key strategies—such as species diversification, water and pasture management, fodder storage, and agro-pastoral integration—have proven effective in improving resilience and securing livelihoods. However, to enhance the adaptive capacity of these vulnerable communities, greater investment is needed in rural infrastructure, veterinary and extension services, financial inclusion, and climate information systems. Policymakers and development agencies must prioritize locally-led, culturally appropriate solutions that align with ecological realities and empower farmers to manage climate risks sustainably. Strengthening these systems is vital not just for livestock survival but for the broader socio-economic stability of rural Sub-Saharan Africa in an era of growing climate uncertainty

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