Impact of rising temperatures on scavenging chicken production in Uganda: farmer perceptions, challenges and coping strategies.

Abstract

The scavenging chicken production system is vital to rural households in Uganda for food security and poverty alleviation. However, rising temperatures due to climate change threaten the productivity of indigenous chickens. This study assessed the perceived impacts of high temperatures on chicken productivity, identified coping strategies used by farmers, and examined factors influencing the adoption of these strategies in Soroti district. Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, and analyzed using descriptive, thematic, and Probit regression methods. The average flock size was 42 chickens, with 79% of households providing minimal shelter mostly at night. Chickens foraged for approximately 13 h daily, supplemented by kitchen waste and cereals. However, rising temperatures (average 24.7 °C, peaking at 30.3 °C) have led to a 46% reduction in scavenging time, reduced egg production (8.7%) and hatchability (5.2%), and increased disease incidence and mortality. Coping strategies included providing drinking water (96.3%), shade (62.5%), feed supplementation (37.5%), and vaccination. However, water access is becoming increasingly seasonal. Probit regression showed that gender, age, flock size, and resource access significantly influenced strategy adoption. Female farmers were 18.7% more likely to provide shade, while older farmers were less likely to adopt such measures. Training in poultry production positively influenced feed supplementation. The study highlights the need for targeted interventions to support farmers' adaptation to climate variability, focusing on resource access like water, high quality feed supplements, training, and enhancing adaptive strategies for scavenging chicken systems. The findings contribute to a better understanding of how climate variability affects scavenging chicken production in Sub-Saharan Africa, offering insights for future climate-resilient agricultural policies.