CLIMATE CHANGE AND ITS IMPACT ON LIVESTOCK FEED AVAILABILITY: STRATEGIES FOR GOATS, SHEEP, AND CATTLE FARMING

Abstract

This study investigates the impact of climate change on livestock feed availability, focusing on goats, sheep, and cattle farming systems in regions vulnerable to climate variability. Climate data collected over the past three decades indicate significant increases in temperature and erratic rainfall patterns, which have led to a marked decline in pasture productivity, ranging from 10% to 18% across the study areas. Surveys conducted with farmers reveal that 70% to 90% of respondents reported feed shortages, with drought and temperature rise identified as the primary drivers. Adaptive strategies employed by farmers include the use of drought-resistant forage varieties (up to 60% adoption), alternative feed sources such as agro-industrial byproducts (40-50%), and improved grazing management practices (40-65%). The success of these strategies relies heavily on regional support structures because inadequate policy backing and technical assistance persists mainly within Sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia. Climate-induced feed shortages in arid regions create major economic harm to livestock health and milk production and meat production because they negatively affect animal well-being. Based on these findings it becomes essential to establish strong policy frameworks linked to increased technical resource access and expanded community-based initiatives for resilience development. The research adds to climate change-livestock feed availability studies by highlighting the necessity of unified adaptation approaches for sustaining livestock agriculture.