Abstract

This study examined farmers’ perceived effects of climate change on poultry production in Osun State, Nigeria. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select one hundred and fifty poultry farmers as sample for this study. Data were collected with the aid of structured interview schedule. Frequencies means and percentages, and ranking were used to analyze and describe the data. Adaptation Strategy Used Index (ASUI) was adopted to rank the most frequently used adaptation strategies to climate change. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used in hypothesis testing. Major perceived effects of climate change included; reduction in poultry farmers’ income (Mean= 2.53) ranked 1st, increased water intake by birds (Mean =2.37) ranked 2nd, increased cost of production (Mean = 2.36) ranked 3rd, declined egg production (Mean= 2.27) ranked 4th and increased disease infection (Mean = 2.07) ranked 5th in the hot period. While increase in feed intake (Mean = 2.48) ranked 1st, reduced water intake (Mean = 2.38) ranked 2nd, increased body shivering by birds (Mean = 2.30) ranked 3^rd and increased feed resources in cold periods (Mean = 2.28) ranked 4th. Based on ASUI, the most frequently used adaptation strategies were increased water supply, good sanitation, and use of feed supplement in hot period while increased feed supply, increased energy content feed topped in cold period. Low income and credit facilities, lack of information on climate change and lack of adaptable strain topped the constraints to the use of adaptation strategies. Poultry farmers should be well informed on the best practices to reduce the adverse effects of climate variations on poultry enterprise to ensure continual production in changing times.

Key Words: Climate change, Poultry production, Adaptation strategies