Analysis of the effects of climate change on rangeland livestock: The example of the Central Anatolia Region in Türkiye

Abstract

Global climate change affects all production sectors, especially agriculture and livestock production. Adequate perception of global climate change by farmers will contribute to the timely implementation of adaptation strategies and thus to the increase of animal production. In this study, Türkiye's Central Anatolia Region, most sensitive to climate change in terms of agricultural activities and rangeland management was examined. Crop production and Rangeland-based animal husbandry are widely practiced in this selected region. This research aims to analyze the climate change perceptions of rangeland-based livestock farmers, their rangeland perceptions, and the farmers' adaptation strategies in all aspects of the effects of climate change. Data was collected through a face-to-face survey from 385 farmers using the stratified random sampling technique in four provinces in the study region. Binary logistic regression analysis and Likert rating scale were used to analyze the data. Our results showed a statistically significant relationship between farmers' perception of climate change and knowing the characteristics of the Rangeland and their adaptation strategies (p < 0.05). Age, education level, presence of small livestock, different provinces, and land area were the most critical determinants of the perception of climate change. It has been determined that farmers do not perceive the long-term effects of climate change on rangeland animal husbandry sufficiently. We recommend that institutions making decisions on research and adaptation to climate change increase their publication services on the impact of climate change on animal production and rangeland. This study will contribute to creating new policies to accelerate farmers' coping with climate change, reduce the adverse effects of climate change, and increase adaptation strategies.