1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background of Study
Livestock production is the largest user of agricultural lands worldwide, a fact that carries a significant imprint on the natural resources in which it sustains its activity (fao, 2015). Livestock uses 30% of the non-frozen land surface for grazing, and 33% of the world agricultural area is dedicated to producing food for these animals (fao, 2006). In terms of water resources, 32% of freshwater is used to provide direct livelihood and economic benefits to at least 1.3 billion producers and retailers (Herrero, thornton, gerber & reid, 2009; thornton, 2010). Between 2000 and 2013, the livestock inventory grew; small ruminants such as sheep and goats grew by 10 and 33%, respectively; for their part, cattle grew by 14% and buffaloes by 21% (fao, 2015). Likewise, global consumption per capita of products derived from livestock activity has more than doubled in the last 40 years (fao, 2015) and it is estimated that due to the growth of the world population, the trend of better income and urbanization will remain in developing countries (Herrero et al., 2016).
The evidence of human-induced climate change (IPCC, 2006) and the important contribution of the livestock sector to total anthropogenic emissions highlight the urgent need to better understand the sources of the livestock sector’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and related mitigation options. Starting in 2009, the Animal Production and Health Division of FAO have been engaged in a comprehensive assessment of livestock-related GHG emissions aimed at identifying low-emission development pathways for the livestock sector. The undertaking follows two broad objectives: first, to improve and break down the initial estimates of livestock sector’s overall emissions provided in Livestock’s long shadow – Environmental issues and options (FAO, 2006) and, second, to identify the major available mitigation options along livestock supply chains.
Therefore, in Nigeria where the research was carried out, the activities that was conducted is to know the Green House Gas Emission from Small Ruminant in Comparism Green House Gas Emission on Large Ruminant and Mono-gastric Livestock.
1.2 Statement of Problems
The global livestock sector is faced with a three-fold challenge: the need to increase production to meet demand, adapt to a changing and increasingly variable economic and natural environment and, at the same time, improve its environmental performance. While positive effects of grazing systems are locally verified on biodiversity and landscapes, major concerns have been raised about the potential consequences associated with livestock sector growth, including increasing natural resource use and degradation, contribution to global warming, water resource depletion, biodiversity erosion and habitat change. These concerns have resulted in a widespread interest from governments, consumers and industry in the assessment of the environmental performance of livestock production.
1.3 Aim and Objectives of Study
The aim of the study is to determine the Green House Gas Emission from Small Ruminant in Comparism Green House Gas Emission on Large Ruminant and Mono-gastric Livestock. In achieving this aim, the following specific objectives were laid out as follows:
- To identify the Green House Gas Emission from Small Ruminant
- To examine the relationship between Green House Gas Emission on Large Ruminant and Mono-gastric Livestock
- To review the contribution of livestock in grazing under tropical conditions on greenhouse gas emissions
1.4 Research Questions
The study came up with research questions so as to be able to ascertain the above stated objectives. The specific research questions for the study are stated below as follows:
- What is the Green House Gas Emission from Small Ruminant?
- Is there any significant relationship between Green House Gas Emission on Large Ruminant and Mono-gastric Livestock?
- What is the contribution of livestock in grazing under tropical conditions on greenhouse gas emissions?
1.5 Significance of Study
This study will be of immense benefit to researchers who intend to know more on this study and can also be used by non-researchers to build more on their research work. This study contributes to knowledge and could serve as a guide for other study.
1.6 Scope of Study
The study focuses on the Green House Gas Emission from Small Ruminant in Comparism Green House Gas Emission on Large Ruminant and Mono-gastric Livestock in Nigeria.
1.7 Limitations of the Study
During the course of this study, many things militated against its completion, some of which are:
- Time Constraint: The time frame given to accomplish this project was very short due to school academic calendar and it was carried out under pressure which made the researcher not to implement some necessary features.
- Research material: availability of research material is a major setback to the scope of the study.
- Frequent power failure: This made the researcher append more money on fuel to ensure sustainable power.
- Financial Constraint: Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet).
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