Volume 12, Issue 31, January - June, 2026

Assessing the Impact of Climate Change on Livestock Production in Nigeria Using an Econometric Approach

Jude Nwafor Eze^1♦, Niran Nureni Ayanniyi¹, Dickson Junior Nwosu², Bolaji Zuluqurineen Salihu¹, Abasianyanga Edem Isong¹

¹National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, PMB 8, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria.
²National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NACGRAB), Ibadan, Nigeria

^♦Corresponding author
Jude Nwafor Eze, National Cereals Research Institute, Badeggi, PMB 8, Bida, Niger State, Nigeria

ABSTRACT

Climate change influences livestock production in two different ways, including favorable and unfavorable conditions. When the climatic conditions are favorable, it boosts livestock production, but when the conditions are unfavorable, it poses a threat to livestock sustainability and affects food security and the livelihood of livestock farmers. In this study, the researchers examined the relationship between climate change and livestock production in Nigeria from 1993 to 2024 using an Autoregressive Distributed Lag Model. The findings indicate that climate variables, including temperature, rainfall, and humidity, significantly impact livestock production. The outcome for temperature shows a positive effect in the short term but a negative impact in the long term. Meanwhile, rainfall has a bad effect in the short term but a good effect in the long term. Consequently, livestock production in Nigeria is currently being constrained by climate change, particularly the frequent occurrence of droughts. The study suggests implementing climate-resilient strategies, balancing adaptation and mitigation plans, and using more irrigation technology in areas prone to drought to ensure sufficient livestock production.

Keywords: ARDL, climate change, Climate-resilient strategies, Food security, Livestock production

Climate Change, 2026, 12(31), e1cc3147

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Published: 21 January 2026