Goat feeding strategies of smallholders in Nepal in the context of climate change

Abstract

<p>In smallholder farming systems in developing countries like Nepal, goats play an important role by ensuring household food security and often being the only asset for poor families. A current challenge for smallholders in Nepal is climate change, resulting in varying monsoon patterns and increasing periods of droughts. Goats are very tolerant to drought or irregular access to water and survive by browsing woody plants. Therefore they are a possible element of climate change mitigation strategies. The aim of this study was to document and evaluate the goat feeding system on Nepalese smallholder farms in this context. 31 smallholder farmers participating in SAF- BIN project activities in Nepal were interviewed using a semi-structured questionnaire. Individual feeding calendars were generated and fodder samples collected. Quantitative and qualitative data was analysed using SAS software. Results show that goats are important in the present mixed farming systems. A wide range of fodder plants is available and farmers possess a comprehensive traditional knowledge on these plants. This makes it possible for most farmers to bridge the dry season well. An adequate amount of fodder in a good quality is very important to all farmers interviewed. Most farmers recognized a change of the available fodder plants during the last years which may be an effect of climate change. Seasonal aridity is increasing and growing periods are changing. Some farmers introduced new fodder plants supported by training and supplies from NGOs. This leads to the conclusion that goat feeding systems are changing and that goats may play an important role in the adaption process to climate change in rural areas of Nepal.</p>