Effects of Climate Change on Poultry Production in Imo State, Nigeria

This study analyzed the effects of climate change on poultry production in Imo State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling procedure was used in selecting one hundred and twenty (120) poultry farmers for the study. The data for the study were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the data generated were analyzed using frequency, percentages, mean, and multiple regression analysis. The results show that all the poultry farmers (100%) were aware of climate change, with radio (91.67%) being the major source of awareness and information on climate change. Perceptions of climate change on poultry production were climate change leads to disease outbreak (x̄ = 3.67), that high temperature make birds feed less and drink more water (x̄ = 3.57) and flooding of poultry farms (x̄ = 3.53). The major effects of climate change on poultry production were perceived as high costs on poultry production activities (x̄ = 3.42), low quantity and quality of egg production (x̄ = 3.17), high temperature and low rainfall conditions reducing the quality of grains (x̄ = 3.15), and high temperature makes birds feed less and drink more (x̄ = 3.15). The variables such as educational level, access to credit facilities, extension contact, and membership of association were found to be statistically significant at 5% level of probability with perceived effects of climate change on poultry production. The study concludes that poultry farmers were aware of climate change and perceived the effects of climate change in poultry production correctly. Therefore, efforts should be made to minimize human actions that contribute immensely to the occurrence of climate change, such as deforestation, bush burning, and piling of poultry waste without disposing of them on time and properly, should be discouraged.