IMPACT OF CLIMATE CHANGE ON LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION IN NIGERIA A REVIEW

Abstract

There is growing concern over climate and global warming issues and Nigeria is no exception. Reports from Nigeria Meteorological Agency (NiMet) have shown that there are signals of warming both in the Northern and Southern parts of Nigeria. Maximum and Minimum temperature are increasing in the regions of Nigeria. There are increased incidences of floods and erosion in Northern, Eastern and Southern States. In addition, dry spells and drought is on the increase in different parts of the country. These anomalies in weather conditions have negatively impacted livestock production in Nigeria resulting to heat stress, water scarcity, shortage of animal feed (grains and fodder), increased disease incidences as well as high morbidity and
mortality rates. To combat these occurrences, it is important to construct livestock houses/pens with cross ventilation and supplement with vitamin C in water during periods of elevated temperature/ heat stress as well as increase the use of clean energy. Also, an appropriate climate change awareness campaign should be carried out.