The Impact of Climate Change on Livestock Production in Swaziland: The case of Mpolonjeni Area Development Programme

Abstract

This study sought to investigate the impact of climate change on livestock production at the Mpolonjeni Area Development Programme in Swaziland. Primary data were collected using an interview schedule from 323 sampled households. Climate data were collected from the Swaziland Meteorology Department and Livestock data were collected from the Ministry of Agriculture. Perceptions of households and climate data were used to establish climate patterns in Mpolonjeni Area Development Programme. The Recardian regression model and descriptive statistics were used to establish the impact of climate change on livestock production. A total of 99.4% of the respondents suggested that temperatures were increasing whilst 98% felt that rainfall patterns were erratic. About 95% of the respondents have experienced drought at some point in time. Results of the Ricardian model showed that goats net revenue was sensitive to winter temperature, winter temperature squared, winter rainfall and winter rainfall squared. The study concludes that climate change impacts negatively on livestock production and thus livestock owners need touseclimate change adaptation strategies, adapt especially when it comes to drinking water sources for the animals. In case of poor rainfall, farmers need to provide their animals with drinking water. Government should assist livestock farmers with reliable water sources such as canals and dams.