Livestock Farming Constraints in Developing Countries—From Adaptation to Mitigation in Ruminant Production Systems

Abstract

The livestock sector's relationship with climate change is complex. The sector is a major contributor to agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, whereas it is subject to climate change and must adapt to ensure its survival. The diverse range of livestock farming systems worldwide provides a range of greenhouse gas emission mitigation options. Moreover, livestock production contributes to a significant and increasing extent to food systems and to agricultural systems in developing countries (manure, transportation, savings, and income). In this sense, their integration in climate-smart agricultural systems is essential, especially since these regions are undergoing major changes in their demographic, environmental and consumption patterns. Livestock farming is thus a crucial adaptation mechanism for poor and vulnerable people living in changing environments who are subject to a range of risks. (Résumé d'auteur)