Analyzing the challenges of livestock farmers to adapt to climate change in grazing livestock production systems: A study in Tafresh county

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors

1 Department of Agricultural Management and Development, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran

2 Department of Reclamation of Arid and Mountainous Regions, Faculty of Natural Resources, University of Tehran, Karaj, Iran

3 The Division of Economic Research, Hamedan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research Center, , Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization, Ministry of Agriculture- Jahad ,Hamedan, Iran.

Abstract

Rangelands worldwide are vast and crucial to the global economy and millions of people's livelihoods. However, they face serious climate threats, leading to their degradation, which has become a major environmental and social issue. One key problem is that livestock farmers in the grazing system are becoming more vulnerable to climate change. This research was conducted as a survey to investigate the challenges faced by livestock farmers in adapting to climate change within grazing systems in Tafresh County. Employing a quantitative research approach, 116 livestock farmers were randomly selected from a population of 901 for interviews, with 115 completed questionnaires analyzed. Data were subjected to confirmatory factor analysis using the partial least squares method with SMART PLS3 software, confirming the model's reliability and validity. A 48-item scale using a five-point Likert scale assessed the challenges livestock farmers face in adapting to climate change, categorized into social, economic, and environmental challenges. The findings revealed that social challenges (β=0.822) were the most influential, followed by environmental challenges (β=0.788) and economic challenges (β=0.667), impacting livestock farmers' ability to adapt to climate change in grazing systems in Tafresh County. To enhance adaptation efforts, it is crucial to implement watershed and soil protection plans and carbon sequestration projects, promote collaboration, and facilitate knowledge exchange among formal and informal institutional stakeholders. Embracing innovative solutions is essential to strengthen livestock farmers' resilience to climate change's impacts.

Keywords

Main Subjects

Extended Abstract

Introduction

Grassland ecosystems, which cover half of the world's land surface, are under significant threat from climate change. These ecosystems function as socio-ecological systems, serving essential biological roles and supporting livestock farmers in grazing-based farming. This farming system is crucial for global food security, livelihoods, and environmental sustainability. However, climate change-induced degradation of pastures poses a major challenge, endangering both natural environments and human societies. The negative impacts of climate change on pasture ecosystems affect livestock production and farmers' livelihoods, potentially undermining the perception of sustainable livestock farming as a viable livelihood. This shift has led to pastoral abandonment, resulting in poverty, extensive migration, competition for resources, and conflicts among pastoralist communities. Despite these challenges, there is an opportunity to improve the efficiency, stability, and resilience of this system. Understanding and addressing the current challenges faced by socio-ecological systems in adapting to climate change is crucial. This study examines the challenges livestock farmers face in adapting to climate change within grazing-based farming systems in Tafresh County.

 

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted in Tafresh County, located in the eastern part of Markazi Province. According to statistics from 2015, the county includes 82 villages with a total population of 24,913, of which 16,493 live in urban areas and 8,420 in rural areas. By examining audit records from 1991 to 2021, a total of 102 customary exploitation systems covering 142,409 hectares of pasture land were audited. Additionally, 2,806 licensed livestock owners and operators managing 38,540 livestock units were identified within these systems. The latest update from the Department of Natural Resources and Watershed Management of Tafresh County reports that there are currently 901 active licensed operators in livestock grazing units. The research began with a review of relevant literature to identify the challenges. Based on this information, a questionnaire was developed with two sections: individual characteristics and a scale for assessing challenges faced by grazing-based livestock units in adapting to climate change. The questionnaire was validated during the field study and approved by natural resources experts in Markazi Province and faculty members from the Department of Agricultural Management and Development at the University of Tehran. To evaluate the internal consistency of the primary questionnaire scale, Cronbach's alpha coefficient was calculated, confirming the reliability of the research instrument. G-Power software was used to determine the sample size, with a 95% confidence level resulting in an estimated sample size of 116 farmers. Data collection involved administering the custom questionnaire through interviews with 116 randomly selected individuals from the 901 livestock farmers. Ultimately, 115 completed questionnaires were analyzed. Statistical analysis of the data was conducted using SMART PLS3 software. Model validation included calculating both Cronbach's alpha index and composite reliability to ensure reliability. Factor loadings exceeding 0.6 were considered favorable in this analysis.

 

Results and Discussion

The analysis of the challenges faced by livestock farmers in adapting to climate change, using a 48-item scale categorized into social, economic, and environmental damages, highlighted key factors influencing adaptation efforts in Tafresh County. These factors have a significant impact on the climate change phenomenon. Social challenges (β=0.822) were the primary contributors, including limited knowledge of proper livestock management practices, inadequate government support, and poor communication between farmers and agricultural experts. Economic challenges (β=0.667) were also significant, involving issues such as the inability to afford livestock inputs, medicine, and veterinary care, as well as the unprofitability of livestock raising. Environmental challenges (β=0.788) were equally influential, with problems like inadequate water resources, reduced plant cover diversity, and the increased frequency of natural disasters such as floods, hailstorms, droughts, fires, and sudden cold spells. These adverse factors lead to inefficient pasture utilization, reduced fodder availability, and worsening environmental degradation, necessitating adaptation-based management strategies to protect both livestock and pasture ecosystems.

 

Conclusion

This study highlights the significant impact of climate change on grazing-based livestock farming, particularly regarding water resource access, vegetation diversity changes, and increased exposure to natural hazards. Changes in rainfall patterns and reduced water availability challenge grazing practices and compromise livestock health and productivity. Declines in vegetation diversity and pasture health lower the nutritional value, forcing farmers to find alternative fodder sources. Climate-related events such as water stress, floods, hailstorms, droughts, fires, and sudden cold spells increase the vulnerability of grazing-based livestock systems. Implementing adaptation measures is crucial to mitigate these challenges. To enhance resilience against water stress, protecting water resources in pastures, exploring water storage options, promoting sustainable water management practices, and providing financial incentives such as low-interest credits or subsidies for water-saving technologies are essential. Similarly, initiatives to develop and restore vegetation in pastures, like seed planting, adopting proper grazing practices, cultivating drought-resistant fodder crops, and controlling invasive species, can optimize grazing-based livestock farming. Enhancing access to weather alert systems, conducting training and capacity-building programs to improve preparedness for natural disasters, and promoting smart livestock breeding methods, such as integrated agriculture and agroforestry, are vital. Additionally, implementing watershed and soil protection plans, carbon sequestration projects, and fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among stakeholders, including formal and informal institutions, will strengthen adaptation efforts. Embracing innovative solutions is imperative to enhance livestock farmers' resilience to climate change.

 

Author Contributions

Conceptualization, H.SH. F. and L.SH.; methodology, H.SH. F.; software, H.SH. F.; validation, H.SH. F. and L.SH; formal analysis, H.SH. F. and L.SH; investigation, L.SH.; resources, H.SH. F.; data curation, L.SH.; writing original draft preparation, H.SH. F. and L.SH, M.M. writing review and editing, M.M.; visualization, L.SH.; supervision, H.SH. F.; project administration, H.SH. F.; funding acquisition, H.SH. F.

Data Availability Statement

The datasets generated and analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.

Conflict of interest

The author declares no conflict of interest.

 

References

REFERENCES
Ahmed, M., Mohamed, M. D., & Muhammad, F. (2023). Pastoralists Adaptation Strategies, and Resilience Capacity to Climate Change in Somalia: A Scoping Review. https://doi.org/10.21203/rs.3.rs-2535309/v1.
Bai, Y., Deng, X., Weng, C., Hu, Y., Zhang, S., & Wang, Y. (2024). Investigating climate adaptation in the semi-arid pastoral social-ecological system: A case in Hulun Buir, China. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 21, 100321. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2023.100321.
Barani, H. (2004). Recognition and analysis of customary systems as pasture management units. The Third National Conference on Range and Range Management of Iran, Karaj. (In Persian).
Berhanu, W., & Beyene, F. (2014). The impact of climate change on pastoral production systems: A study of climate variability and household adaptation strategies in southern Ethiopian rangelands (No. 2014/028). WIDER Working Paper. https://doi:10.35188/UNU-WIDER/2014/749-3.
Bhusal, P., & Awasthi, K. R. (2024). Challenges to Transhumant Pastoralism Due to Socioeconomic and Ecological Changes in Nepal’s High Mountains. In Lifestyle and Livelihood Changes Among Formerly Nomadic Peoples: Entrepreneurship, Diversity and Urbanisation (pp. 167-183). Cham: Springer Nature Switzerland. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-51142-4_7.
Bokharaeinia, M., Sabouri, M. S., & Mirdamadi, S. M. (2022). The Requirements of Using Modern Digital Technologies in order to Improve the Sustainable Livelihood of Farmers (Study Case: Tehran Province). Journal of Rural Research, 13(3), 452-467. https://doi: 10.22059/jrur.2022.338600.1719. (In Persian).
Campbell, B. (2022). Climate change impacts and adaptation options in the agrifood system – A summary of recent IPCC Sixth Assessment Report findings. Rome, FAO. https://doi.org/10.4060/cc0425en.
Costella, C., van Aalst, M., Georgiadou, Y., Slater, R., Reilly, R., McCord, A., ... & Barca, V. (2023). Can social protection tackle emerging risks from climate change, and how? A framework and a critical review. Climate Risk Management, 100501. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crm.2023.100501.
Crawford, P. E., Hamer, K., Lovatt, F., Behnke, M. C., & Robinson, P. A. (2024). Antibiotic use in the Northern Irish sheep flock: What lessons can be learnt from medicine records and farmer attitudes to improve stewardship of these essential Medicines? Preventive Veterinary Medicine, 226, 106169. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106169.
Digest, S. (2024). Climate Change Impacts on Livestock Production and Adaptation Strategy Used by Households in Loka Abaya District, Southern Ethiopia. Global Research in Environment and Sustainability, 2(1), 28-41. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.prevetmed.2024.106169
Ebhuoma, E. E., Leonard, L., & Gebreslasie, M. (2024). Envisioning the future in the light of climatic and non-climatic riskscapes: lessons from KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Climate Research, 92, 117-133. https://doi.org/10.3354/cr01737.
Gaikani, S. (2021). Gyan-Oliya range management plan. Tafarsh County. Report Available at The Office of Natural Resources of Tafresh. (In Persian).
Galwab, A. M., Koech, O. K., Wasonga, O. V., & Kironchi, G. (2024). Gender-Differentiated Roles and Perceptions on Climate Variability among Pastoralist and Agro-Pastoralist Communities in Marsabit, Kenya. Nomadic Peoples, 28(1), 41-71. https://doi.org/10.3828/whpnp.63837646691043.
Gatew, S., & Guyo, N. (2024). Livelihood vulnerability of Borana pastoralists to climate change and variability in Southern Ethiopia. International Journal of Climate Change Strategies and Management. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJCCSM-06-2023-0077.
Gebeyehu, A. K., Snelder, D., Sonneveld, B., & Abbink, J. (2021). How do agro-pastoralists cope with climate change? The case of the Nyangatom in the Lower Omo Valley of Ethiopia. Journal of arid environments, 189, 104485. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaridenv.2021.104485.
Ghahramani, A., Howden, S. M., del Prado, A., Thomas, D. T., Moore, A. D., Ji, B., & Ates, S. (2019). Climate change impact, adaptation, and mitigation in temperate grazing systems: a review. Sustainability, 11(24), 7224. https://doi.org/10.3390/su11247224.
Godde, C. M., Boone, R. B., Ash, A. J., Waha, K., Sloat, L. L., Thornton, P. K., & Herrero, M. (2020). Global rangeland production systems and livelihoods are at threat under climate change and variability. Environmental Research Letters, 15(4), 044021. https://doi.org/10.1088/1748-9326/ab7395.
Hao, Z. H. O. U., & Lun, Y. I. N. (2024). Using Traditional Knowledge to Reduce Disaster Risk-A Case of Tibetans in Deqen County, Yunnan Province. International Journal of Disaster Risk Reduction, 104492. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijdrr.2024.104492.
Henseler, J., Hubona, G., & Ash Ray. P. (2016). Using PLS path modelling in new technology research: updated guidelines. Industrial Management & Data Systems, 116 (1), 2-20. https://doi.org/10.1108/IMDS-09-2015-0382.
Herrero, M., Addison, J., Bedelian, C., Carabine, E., Havlík, P., Henderson, B., ... & Thornton, P. K. (2016). Climate change and pastoralism: impacts, consequences, and adaptation. Rev Sci Tech, 35(2), 417-433. https://doi.org/10.20506/rst.35.2.2533.
Hosseini, A. (2015). Examining the role of livestock in food security. The 4th National Conference of Scientific-Student Associations of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Environment. (In Persian).
Hoving, I.E., M.W.J. Stienezen, S.J. Hiemstra, H.J. van Dooren, en F.E& Buisonjé, de. (2014). Adaptation of livestock systems to climate change; functions of grassland, breeding, health, and housing. Wageningen, Wageningen UR (University & Research center) Livestock Research, Livestock Research Report 793.
Issa Tafarshi, Ali. (2022). Tafaresh and my memories, Tehran, Rosh Andisheh. (In Persian).
Kapruwan, R., Saksham, A. K., Bhadoriya, V. S., Kumar, C., Goyal, Y., & Pandey, R. (2024). Household livelihood resilience of pastoralists and smallholders to climate change in Western Himalaya, India. Heliyon, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e24133.
Kaua, C. G. (2023). Pastoralists’ Socioecological Trends: The Case of Laikipia County in Kenya. Technical Advisory Board, 6(1), 177-223. https://doi.org/10.33002/nr2581.6853.060109.
Kitasho, N., Abdallah, J. M., & Zakayo, R. (2020). Adaptive capacity to climate change of pastoralists in Kilosa District, Tanzania. Tanzania Journal of Forestry and Nature Conservation, 89(1), 25-46.
Koka, E. G., Chitiki, A. K., Schaffner, U., & Kilawe, C. J. (2024). Effects of Deferred Grazing Regime on Rangeland Productivity and Health: A Case Study of Simanjiro District in Northern Tanzania. Rangeland Ecology & Management, 94, 119-126. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.rama.2024.02.004.
Koroso, G., Muchie, A., & Faris, G. (2023). Drought Vulnerability and Impacts of Climate Change on Pastoralists and Their Adaptation Measures in Southern Ethiopia: A Comprehensive Review. American Journal of Environmental and Resource Economics, 8(1), 1-6. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajere.20230801.11.
Laborda, L., Easdale, M. H., Fallot, A., Ocariz, M. P., & Tittonell, P. A. (2023). Rise from the ashes! Resilience patterns in Patagonia pastoralist communities. Sustainable Development. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2679.
Mccollum, D. W., Tanaka, J. A., Morgan, J. A., Mitchell, J. E., Fox, W. E., Maczko, K. A., ... & Kreuter, U. P. (2017). Climate change effects on rangelands and rangeland management: affirming the need for monitoring. Ecosystem Health and Sustainability, 3(3), e01264. https://doi.org/10.1002/sd.2679.
Méité, R., Artner-Nehls, A., & Uthes, S. (2024). Farm adaptation to stricter nutrient management legislation and the implications for future livestock production: a review. Nutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems, 1-28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10705-024-10341-0.
Mollaie, F., Hosseini, S. M., Hejazi, S., & Pishbin, S. (2019). Explaining the Adaptation Strategies of Farmers to Climate Change in South Khorasan Province. Iranian Agricultural Extension and Education Journal, 14(2), 83-105. (In Persian).
Munden-Dixon, K., Tate, K., Cutts, B., & Roche, L. (2018). An uncertain future: climate resilience of first-generation ranchers. The Rangeland Journal, 41(3), 189-196. https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ18023.
Nealma, S., Jatnika, A. R., & Putra, G. R. (2024). Identification of Livestock Reproductive Disorders in Sumbawa District.
Neethirajan, S. (2024). Artificial Intelligence and Sensor Innovations: Enhancing Livestock Welfare with a Human-Centric Approach. Human-Centric Intelligent Systems, 4(1), 77-92. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44230-023-00050-2.
Nugroho, E., Ihle, R., Heijman, W., & Oosting, S. J. (2024). The role of forest user group membership in the extraction of teak forest resources for smallholder cattle farming. Land Use Policy, 139, 107053. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.landusepol.2024.107053.
Oliveira Filho, J. D. S., Diniz, R. S. N., da Silva, R. C., Moreira, V. O. G., Vieira, J. M., Barreto, M. M. S., ... & Scopel, E. (2024). Carbon and nitrogen stocks in Lithic soils: Environmental drivers and land-use implication in Brazilian dry ecosystems. Journal of Soils and Sediments, 1-13. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-024-03732-x.
O'Neill, B. C., van Aalst, M., Zaiton Ibrahim, Z., Berrang-Ford, L., Bhadwal, S., Buhaug, H., ... & Oppenheimer, M. (2022). Key risks across sectors and regions. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009325844.025.
Opio, C. (2020). Livestock under climate change, Adaptation of livestock systems to climate, Koronivia Workshop on Improved Livestock Management Systems, Including Agropastoral Production Systems and Others, 24 November 2020, FAO´s Sub-regional Office for Mesoamerica, Panama.
Piemontese, L., Terzi, S., Di Baldassarre, G., Menestrey Schwieger, D. A., Castelli, G., & Bresci, E. (2024). Over-reliance on water infrastructure can hinder climate resilience in pastoral drylands. Nature Climate Change, 1-8. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-024-01929-z.
Rahimi Dehcheraghi, M., Arzani, H., Azarnivand, H., Jafari, M., & Zare Chahooki, M. A. (2022). Drafting Guidelines for Enhancing Tourist Attractions in Local Rangeland Organization Systems (The Case Study of Lar Absar Rangeland in Mazandaran). Land Management Journal, 10(2), 199-208. https://doi.org/10.22092/lmj.2022.125670. (In Persian).
Rotich, S. J., Funder, M., & Marani, M. (2023). Suburban pastoralists: Pastoral adaptation strategies at the rural-urban interface in Nairobi, Kenya. Pastoralism, 13(1), 6. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-023-00268-6.
Safi, L., Mujeeb, M., Sahak, K., Mushwani, H., & Hashmi, S. K. (2024). Climate change impacts and threats on basic livelihood resources, food security and social stability in Afghanistan. GeoJournal, 89(2), 85. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10708-024-11077-8.
Shahraki, M., Sharafatmandrad, M., & GHasemi Arian, Y. (2024). Uncovering the causes of Abandoning traditional animal husbandry by nomadic pastoralists of northeastern Iran. Iranian Journal of Range and Desert Research, 30(4), 571-589. https://doi.org/10.22092/ijrdr.2024.130970. (In Persian).
Shariatyniya, L. (2024). The state of rangelands in Tafaresh County and their exploitation. The data extracted from the latest reports of the Natural Resources and Watershed Administration of Tafarsh County. (In Persian).
Statistical Center of Iran. (1987). General census of population and housing (1987). Publications and Information Office of Iran Statistics Center. (In Persian).
Statistical Center of Iran. (2017). General census of population and housing (2017). Publications and Information Office of Iran Statistics Center. (In Persian).
Statistical Center of Iran. (2020). Demographic and social statistics (2020). Bureau of Population, Labor and Census. (In Persian).
Taqwa, M.R.; Tabataeeyan, S.H.; Salehi Sadghiani, J. & Mohammadi, K. (2013). Factors affecting the success of international technology transfer projects with the support of the facilitator organization. Innovation Management Quarterly, 4, 53-80.
Tiawoun, M. A., Malan, P. W., Moshobane, M. C., Ramarumo, L. J., Comole, A. A., & Naidoo, K. K. (2024). Ecological Traits and Socio-Economic Impacts of the Alien Invader Weed Parthenium hysterophorus L. in South Africa’s Rangeland Ecosystems: A Review. Diversity, 16(4), 205. https://doi.org/10.3390/d16040205.
Timpong-Jones, E. C., Owusu-Bremang, R., Mopipi, K., & Sarkwa, F. O. (2023). Climate change and variability affect rangeland quality and productivity. African Journal of Food, Agriculture, Nutrition and Development, 23(3), 22711-22729. https://doi.org/10.18697/ajfand.118.21975.
Tofu, D. A., Fana, C., Dilbato, T., Dirbaba, N. B., & Tesso, G. (2023). Pastoralists’ and agro-pastoralists livelihood resilience to climate change-induced risks in the Borana zone, south Ethiopia: Using resilience index measurement approach. Pastoralism, 13(1), 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13570-022-00263-3.
Torsiello, B., Battini, M., Mattiello, S., Renna, M., & Battaglini, L. (2023). Evaluation of dehydration indicators in dairy goats bred at pasture. In Pastures vulnerability and adaptation strategies to climate change impacts in the Alps (pp. 36-36).
Tugjamba, N., Walkerden, G., & Miller, F. (2023). Adapting nomadic pastoralism to climate change. Climatic Change, 176(4), 28. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10584-023-03509-0.
Tulu, D., Hundessa, F., Gadissa, S., & Temesgen, T. (2024). Review on the influence of water quality on livestock production in the era of climate change: perspectives from dryland regions. Cogent Food & Agriculture, 10(1), 23067260. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311932.2024.2306726.
Valerio, E., Hilmiati, N., Prior, J., & Panjaitan, T. (2024). Steering the herd or missing the mark? Navigating the role of research for development projects as innovation intermediaries in the Indonesian cattle sector. Agricultural Systems, 214, 103843. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.agsy.2023.103843.
Yung, L., Phear, N., DuPont, A., Montag, J., & Murphy, D. (2015). Drought adaptation and climate change beliefs among working ranchers in Montana. Weather, Climate, and Society, 7(4), 281-293. https://doi.org/10.1175/WCAS-D-14-00039.1
Ziari, K., Mansouri Tsait, A., Mohammadi Yalsuyi, M. (2022). Investigating and analyzing the role of institutional resilience in facing the effects of climate change on cities (case study: Mashhad city). Geography and Urban Space Development, (Online Publication on 01-12-2022). https://doi.org/10.22067/jgusd.2022.78089.1237. (In Persian).
Zobeidi, T., Yazdanpanah, M., Komendantova, N., Löhr, K., & Sieber, S. (2024). Evaluating climate change adaptation options in the agriculture sector: a PROMETHEE-GAIA analysis. Environmental and Sustainability Indicators, 100395. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indic.2024.100395.
Iranian Journal of animal Science
Volume 56, Issue 2
June 2025
Pages 279-299

Files

History

  • Receive Date: 06 May 2024
  • Revise Date: 25 June 2024
  • Accept Date: 04 August 2024

Share

How to cite

Statistics