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Author
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Chikonyora, Flaviano
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Title
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An investigation into the influence of climate change on dairy feed resource availability and utilization: Case study of Seke District, Zimbabwe.
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Abstract
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Climate change poses significant challenges to the dairy sector in Zimbabwe, particularly in Seke District. The objectives of the research sought to examine how climate change affects the availability, quality, and utilization of dairy feed resources in Seke District, Zimbabwe, by assessing current feed systems, evaluating farmer challenges and adaptation practices, and proposing strategies to enhance resilience and sustainability of the dairy sector. Primary data were collected using structured questionnaires from 38 dairy farmers, 4 extension officers, and 2 pasture specialists, complemented by in-depth interviews with the extension officers and pasture specialists. The increasing costs of supplementary feed and unpredictable effects of climate change have made it difficult for farmers to sustain their operations. In Seke District, natural pastures and improved pastures are unreliable, leading to reliance on costly processed and conventional feeds. Adaptation strategies to climate change disaster risks such as diversifying forage species and using agroforestry practices are being employed to address these challenges. Dairy farming in Seke District is primarily sustained by natural pastures, improved pastures, crop residues, and agro-industrial by-products. However, over-reliance on rain-fed natural grazing systems presents challenges, as these pastures are highly vulnerable to climate change impacts. Adaptation strategies include improved storage and feed preservation techniques, diversifying feed sources, improving water management techniques, altering feeding schedules, and using climate smart agriculture practices. Mitigation strategies include improved storage and feed preservation techniques, diversifying feed sources, improving water management techniques, altering feeding schedules, and using climate smart agriculture practices. However, challenges include financial constraints, lack of machinery, and fear of failure in repayment periods. The study found that 94% of farmers anticipate decreased availability of dairy feed resources in the next ten years due to climate change-induced disasters like drought. Farmers in Seke District grow forage crops like Brachiaria species, star grass, velvet beans, lab-lab, Sunhemp, lucerne, rye grass, forage oats, and sunflower for their drought tolerance and as protein and energy sources. Infrastructure limitations, such as inadequate storage facilities and transportation challenges, hinder efficient feed utilization. The study concludes that dairy farmers in Seke District are increasingly vulnerable to climate change impacts, particularly with respect to feed resource availability. Traditional reliance on rain-fed natural pastures is no longer sufficient to meet the nutritional needs of livestock.
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Date
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November 2024
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Publisher
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BUSE
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Keywords
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Climate Change
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Dairy Feed
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Supervisor
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Dr. N. Chanza
Chikonyora, Flaviano.pdf