Sanou, A, Kerr, JM, Hodbod, J orcid.org/0000-0001-8899-6583 et al. (1 more author) (2022) Perception and adaptation to higher temperatures among poultry farmers in Nigeria. Environment, Development and Sustainability, 24 (12). pp. 13917-13936. ISSN 1387-585X
Abstract
The poultry sector is large and expanding in the global South, playing a central role in providing increased protein to a rapidly growing base of consumers. The sector includes small backyard farms, small commercial operations, and very large, complex enterprises. Although there is substantial literature on climate adaptation by crop farmers and large livestock farmers, such information is limited for poultry. This study focuses on the effects of higher temperatures on commercial poultry farms in southwest Nigeria and their adaptation strategies. We use a rich set of in-depth interviews to describe how poultry farmers are adapting to higher temperatures and their reasons for adopting particular practices. In general, interviewees are aware that temperatures have increased over time and that heat stress reduces poultry productivity in terms of weight gain and laying capacity. They are knowledgeable and are not passively enduring the adverse effects of higher temperatures as they have adopted a range of adaptation practices. This study identified three main adaptation strategies: (i) keeping drinking water cool, (ii) keeping the building cool and increasing ventilation, and (iii) giving birds medicines and supplements that help them cope with increased heat. Small farms tend to adopt simple and low-cost practices, and large farms tend to adopt more sophisticated and expensive approaches, in line with the nature of their respective operations. The paper’s findings can help address gaps in strategies aiming to help this critically important sector of the food system be robust to future environmental change.
Metadata
Item Type: | Article |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Keywords: | Climate change, Adaptation, Perception, Sub-Saharan Africa, Poultry, Livestock |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Leeds |
Academic Units: | The University of Leeds > Faculty of Environment (Leeds) > School of Earth and Environment (Leeds) > Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) (Leeds) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Publications |
Date Deposited: | 12 Jun 2023 11:35 |
Last Modified: | 12 Jun 2023 11:35 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Springer |
Identification Number: | 10.1007/s10668-021-02017-4 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:200294 |