Climate Change Risk Factors and Adaptation toward Increasing Resilience for Cattle Value Chain Activities in Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria

The study assessed climate change risk factors and adaptation among cattle value chain activities in Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria. Lot of studies were conducted on climate risk factors on crop production; however, limited researches were commissioned on livestock, particularly, on cattle value chain activities in the study area. Primary data were collected from four value chain actor’s groups, representing input supply; production; processing; and marketing. Data were collected using Key Informants Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Sixteen FGD sessions were held: four from each value chain actor group; and twelve KIIs: three from a given value chain actor group were held. Result revealed that change in rainfall pattern and high temperature were the climate risk factors affecting cattle value chain activities in the study area. The consequences of these risk factors depend on the climate risk factor and the value chain activity under consideration. Result on the adaptation strategies practiced by value chain actors under reduced rainfall pattern include: pasture under irrigation during dry season; use of browsing plants; reduced quantity of processed products; and diversification of markets in sourcing cattle among others. The proposed climate smart agriculture (CSA) options include: water harvesting; cross breeding of Hambala with local breeds of cattle; afforestation/reforestation, particularly, use of browsing plants (eg acacia and wild legumes) and use of modern cattle ranges with all production facilities. The study concludes that climate change affect cattle production in all its chain activities. The study recommends that the proposed CSA to be implemented by government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Keywords: Climate Change, Risk Factors, Adaptation Strategies, Value Chain Actors, Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria