Livestock keeping in a changing climate

National and international attempts to mitigate and adapt to climate change are among the highest political priorities globally. Unfortunately, little data exists on greenhouse gas emissions from livestock systems in tropical regions, especially for extensive systems in Africa. These systems are vulnerable to and largely affected by the consequences of ongoing climate change.

This project will undertake in vivo animal experiments to generate localized scientific evidence and data on the greenhouse gas emissions of small ruminants in livestock systems in sub-Saharan Africa. The project will also generate fundamental data on greenhouse gas emissions arising from manure management interventions, livestock health, and the suitability of using feed plants that are rich in secondary compounds as a methane mitigation measure.

The results of this study will provide a first look at the relationship between greenhouse gas emissions from livestock systems in tropical regions and climate change. Insights will be gained by acquiring localized scientific data about factors such as nematode infection (roundworms), methane emissions from enteric fermentation, and greenhouse gas emissions (methane and nitrous oxide) from manure in sub-Saharan Africa. Simultaneously, the project will provide evidence for potential climate-smart interventions, including improved feeding and manure management practices.