Livestock

Livestock as one of the affected sectors

Climate change and its effects are becoming more and more real as suggested by physical evidence of changes in rainfall patterns and temperatures. It is therefore imperative to understand the vulnerability and challenges that the livestock sector faces to the changing climate and identify adaptations options for future vulnerabilities. Livestock is a key economic sector within agriculture that has implications on employment, domestic consumption, trade, and culture. therefore, Proper understanding of challenges and vulnerability requires extensive research and engagement with communities to deduce the vulnerability and impacts of changing climate on livestock.

 

Effects

Impacts

Adaptation Measures

Erratic Rainfall Patterns

Reduced forage availability due to to shifts in rainfall patterns, prolonged droughts.  This can result in insufficient feed for livestock, leading to poor animal health and decreased productivity.

Introduction of new diseases/water-borne diseases and pathogens due to heavy rains

Drier conditions can lead to water scarcity, making it difficult to provide adequate drinking water for livestock. This can lead to dehydration and reduced milk and meat production.

  • Promote the cultivation of drought-resistant forage crops and improve rangeland management to ensure a consistent source of feed for livestock. Agroforestry practices that incorporate trees and shrubs as sources of fodder can be beneficial.
  • Enhance feeding practices by supplementing diets with nutritional feed, particularly during periods of forage scarcity.

Droughts

Drier conditions can lead to water scarcity, making it difficult to provide adequate drinking water for livestock. This can lead to dehydration and reduced milk and meat production.

  • Implementing water management strategies, such as rainwater harvesting, water storage, and efficient irrigation, can help ensure a stable supply of water for livestock during dry periods.
  • Introduce or promote livestock breeds that are better adapted to the local climate, drought-resistant breeds.
  • There is a need to construct water points in rangelands to provide water for animals during the time of need and also to protect wetlands in Lesotho

Heat Stress

Rising temperatures can cause heat stress in livestock, leading to reduced productivity, decreased fertility, and even mortality, particularly in cattle.

Warmer temperatures can also increase the prevalence of some diseases.

  • Introduce or promote livestock breeds that are better adapted to the local climate, such as heat-tolerant breeds.
  • Provide shade and shelter for livestock to protect them from extreme heat and adverse weather conditions.
  • Implement disease monitoring and control measures to mitigate the increased risk of diseases due to climate change. This includes vaccination, vector control, and quarantine measures.

Low temperatures/ snow

Prolonged exposure to low temperatures can lead to cold stress in livestock. This can result in reduced feed intake, lower weight gain, and decreased milk production. In severe cases, it can lead to hypothermia and even death.

  • Use soil conservation practices like terracing and cover cropping.
  • Implement agroforestry to enhance soil health and stability.
  • Promote livestock insurance and other risk-mitigation strategies to protect farmers’ livelihoods in the face of climate-related losses.