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

The study surveyed the perceived effect and adaptation of climate change on poultry production in Enugu-North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State. A questionnaire/interview schedule was used to collect information from 60 poultry farmers. 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

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

The study surveyed the perceived effect and adaptation of climate change on poultry production in Enugu-North Agricultural Zone of Enugu State. A questionnaire/interview schedule was used to collect information from 60 poultry farmers. 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

Health and Environmental Hazards Posed by Urban Livestock

Livestock’s contribution to climate change is now an established fact and closeness of livestock to human beings in urban areas portends many health and environmental implications. The study ascertained farmer’s perception of health and environmental hazards posed by livestock keeping in Enugu Urban, Nigeria and its implication for climate change mitigation. Seventy five heads of households were freely characterized and data were obtained through interview. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean. Majority of the farmers kept improved chicken under intensive system. All the respondents were aware of health and environmental implications of livestock keeping in urban areas, though only few (4.0%) indicated being aware that livestock could cause climate change. Other environmental issues identified by them included: destruction of crops (89.3%) filth in urban areas (89.3%); noise making (88.0%). The health issues included spreading of diseases (50.7%); causing of accidents (46.7%); bad smell (86.7%). The control measures as perceived by the respondents included proper disposal of waste (M=1.79), seeking veterinary services (M=1.85), cleaning shed regularly (M=1.80) and provision of extension services (M=1.85). It was recommended that urban agriculture should be integrated into urban health and environmental policies. Extension services should also raise awareness among urban livestock keepers of the impact of livestock on climate change and offer them useful advice on appropriate mitigation measures

Health and Environmental Hazards Posed by Urban Livestock

Livestock’s contribution to climate change is now an established fact and closeness of livestock to human beings in urban areas portends many health and environmental implications. The study ascertained farmer’s perception of health and environmental hazards posed by livestock keeping in Enugu Urban, Nigeria and its implication for climate change mitigation. Seventy five heads of households were freely characterized and data were obtained through interview. Data were analyzed using percentage and mean. Majority of the farmers kept improved chicken under intensive system. All the respondents were aware of health and environmental implications of livestock keeping in urban areas, though only few (4.0%) indicated being aware that livestock could cause climate change. Other environmental issues identified by them included: destruction of crops (89.3%) filth in urban areas (89.3%); noise making (88.0%). The health issues included spreading of diseases (50.7%); causing of accidents (46.7%); bad smell (86.7%). The control measures as perceived by the respondents included proper disposal of waste (M=1.79), seeking veterinary services (M=1.85), cleaning shed regularly (M=1.80) and provision of extension services (M=1.85). It was recommended that urban agriculture should be integrated into urban health and environmental policies. Extension services should also raise awareness among urban livestock keepers of the impact of livestock on climate change and offer them useful advice on appropriate mitigation measures

Farmer-cattle herder conflict: Possible mitigation and mediation strategies in Nigeria

The paper explored farmer-cattle herder conflict and possible preventable and management strategies to ameliorate the situation. The paper was based on desk review of available relevant literature. Information was accessed through web search, journals, newspapers, magazines, books and reports. The causes of the conflict were divided into two – immediate and remote causes. The immediate causes identified included: destruction of crops by cattle, contamination of drinking water sources and sexual harassment of women by herders. Also, the status of farmer-cattle herder conflict was discussed. The current status is worrisome as herders are now carrying sophisticated weapons and farmers are threatening to follow suit for self defence. The effects of the conflict included: loss of lives and property, reduction in output of farmers and herdsmen and displacement of farmers and herders. The strategies to prevent the conflict were: creation of awareness of climate change, tree planting campaign and use of improved technology. Furthermore, strategies to manage the conflict included: setting up of peace-building committee, establishment of open communication channels and payment of compensation. The paper concludes that there is overwhelming need for involvement of all stakeholders and the desirability of coexisting together. This can go a long way in preventing/managing farmer- cattle herder conflict in Nigeri

Assessment of ICT Utilization in Agriculture Across-Gender in Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study assessed ICT utilization in agriculture across gender in Enugu-Ezike agricultural zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety (90) rural farmers (across gender) were interviewed for the purpose of eliciting information. The respondents had high access to mobile phone ( x =1.90), radio sets ( x =1.92) and television ( x =1.18). Agricultural information on available farm inputs was obtained and shared through radio by men (30.0%), youth (26.7%) and women (23.3%) and through mobile phone by men (31.1%), youth (27.8%) and women (25.6%). More men than youth and women perceived factors faciltating the effective utilization of ICT in agriculture. However, out of 83.3% of the respondents who perceived that adequate power supply was one of the factors that could facilitate ICT utilization in agriculture, there were more women (28.9%) compared to men (27.8%) and youth (26.7%). The study recommended among other things appropriate policies that will enhance ICT utilization in agriculture such as ICT packages that are compatible with the culture of the people and adequate ICT infrastructure that will ensure availability of internet and network services at affordable rates

Assessment of ICT Utilization in Agriculture Across-Gender in Enugu-Ezike Agricultural Zone of Enugu State, Nigeria

The study assessed ICT utilization in agriculture across gender in Enugu-Ezike agricultural zone of Enugu State, Nigeria. Ninety (90) rural farmers (across gender) were interviewed for the purpose of eliciting information. The respondents had high access to mobile phone ( x =1.90), radio sets ( x =1.92) and television ( x =1.18). Agricultural information on available farm inputs was obtained and shared through radio by men (30.0%), youth (26.7%) and women (23.3%) and through mobile phone by men (31.1%), youth (27.8%) and women (25.6%). More men than youth and women perceived factors faciltating the effective utilization of ICT in agriculture. However, out of 83.3% of the respondents who perceived that adequate power supply was one of the factors that could facilitate ICT utilization in agriculture, there were more women (28.9%) compared to men (27.8%) and youth (26.7%). The study recommended among other things appropriate policies that will enhance ICT utilization in agriculture such as ICT packages that are compatible with the culture of the people and adequate ICT infrastructure that will ensure availability of internet and network services at affordable rates