Poultry farmers’ adaptation to climate change in Enugu North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

Abstract

The study surveyed the perceived effect and adaptation of climate change on poultry production in Enugu-North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State. Aquestionnaire/interview schedule was used to collect information from 60 poultryfarmers. Percentage and mean score were used to analyze the data. Reduced body weight (M=3.1); reduced fertility (M=3.3) and reduced feed intake (M=3.1) were perceived by farmers as effects of climate change on poultry. Coping strategies used by farmers included keeping of resistant varieties (56.5%); adapting extensive poultry management (65.8%) and keeping other livestock (53.8%). Respondents perceived climate change as excessive sunshine (90%); excessive rainfall (80%) and increased incidence of drought (66%). The perceived causes of climate change included burning of fossil fuels from industries (M=4.2); burning of firewood (M=4.0) and deforestation (M=3.7). Sources of information available to the farmers were radio (33.3%); farmers’ meeting (28.3%), and friends (26.7%). Technical innovations (adaptation measures) should be made available to farmers to enable them cope with the challenges of climate change.