Factors influencing level of adoption of climate-smart livestock practices (cslp) among cattle farmers in bauchi state, Nigeria

The study examined the adoption of climate-smart livestock practices among cattle farmers in Bauchi State, Nigeria. A multi-stage sampling technique was used in selecting 446 respondents. Data were collected using structured questionnaire and were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The results revealed that the respondents had a mean age, household size, and livestock production experience of 43 years, 10 persons, and 23 years, respectively. Most (91.5%) of the respondents were male and 84.3% were married. Similarly, 33.2% had Qur'anic education. The major CSLP adopted by the respondents were zero-grazing (58.1%), fodder planting (49.1%), and feed conservation through hay/silage (47.1%). Similarly, Zero-grazing (0.58), rotational grazing (0.49), and feed conservation (0.47) recorded the highest adoption indices. Age (p<0.05), household size (p<0.05), access to extension/veterinary services (p<0.05), membership of association (p<0.05), awareness of climate-smart livestock practices (p<0.05), and access to training (p<0.05), significantly influenced the adoption of climate-smart livestock practices. The major constraints to adoption of CSLP were inadequate access to credit (81.8%), inadequate financial resources (70.6%), and high labour requirements for implementing new practices (57.4%). The study concluded that age, household size, access to extension services, training, farmer associations were the factors influencing the adoption of CSLP. The study recommended an improved livestock extension services through regular farmer visits and technical support, improving access to affordable credit to enable investment in climate-smart livestock practices, and expanding farmer training programmes to enhance technical knowledge and promote the adoption of climate-smart livestock practices.