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

Climate change has adversely affected the livestock industry generally as a result of rising temperature, variability in rainfall and pasture with great consequences on the value chain of the industry leading to serious impact on the livelihood of the different participants along the chain. A study was carried out to assess climate change risk factors and adaptation options among sheep and goat value chain activities in Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria with the view to introducing climate smart technologies and practices that improve and sustain the system. Primary data were collected from four value chain actors: input suppliers; producers; processors and marketers. Relevant data were collected using Key Informants Interview (KII) and Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) as well as field observations. Sixteen FGD sessions were held: four from each value chain actor group; and twelve KIIs: three from a given value chain actor group. Data obtained were statistically analyzed. Results revealed that change in rainfall pattern and high temperature were the climate risk factors affecting sheep and goat value chain activities in Borno and Yobe States. The consequences of these risk factors depend on the climate risk factor and the value chain activity under consideration. Adaptation strategies practiced by value chain actors under reduced rainfall include: pasture under irrigation during dry season; use of browsing plants; reduced quantity of processed products; and diversification of markets in sourcing the small ruminants among others. The proposed climate smart agriculture (CSA) options include: water harvesting; cross breeding of local sheep and goats with exotic ones; afforestation/reforestation, particularly, use of browsing plants (eg acacia and wild legumes) and use of modern ranches with all production facilities. The study concludes that climate change affect sheep and goat production in all its chain activities. The study recommends that the proposed CSA to be implemented by government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). Keywords: Climate Change, Risk Factors, Adaptation Strategies, Value Chain Actors, Borno and Yobe States, Nigeria