UGM expert: Importance of resilient livestock systems in facing climate change

Yogyakarta (ANTARA) - Gadjah Mada University (UGM) expert Professor Siti Indarwati has emphasised the importance of building livestock systems that are not only productive but also resilient in facing climate change, globalisation, disasters and various social and economic pressures.

“Climate change is no longer a future threat, but a reality that is already being felt directly by farmers today,” said the Professor of the UGM Faculty of Animal Science in Yogyakarta on Saturday.

She added that livestock health, business productivity and the sustainability of farmers’ livelihoods can also be affected by climate change.

According to her, the livestock sector occupies a unique position, as on one hand it is one of the sectors affected by climate change.

“However, on the other hand, this sector also has the opportunity to contribute to climate change mitigation through the application of more sustainable technology and business management,” she said.

Therefore, she said, mitigation and adaptation strategies need to be carried out in an integrated manner. Mitigation is directed at improving production efficiency, improving feed quality, utilising feed technology, processing livestock waste into biogas, and implementing environmentally friendly livestock systems.

“Meanwhile, adaptation is carried out through modification of production systems and management, development of livestock that are more tolerant of heat stress, strengthening farmer institutions, utilising information technology, and increasing the capacity of farmers’ human resources,” she said.

Siti emphasised the Sustainable Livelihood Framework concept as one of the important approaches for understanding the sustainability of farmers’ lives. The success of farming as a livelihood is not only determined by livestock productivity, but also by the ability to manage various livelihood assets.

“The five capitals that form the foundation include natural, human, social, physical and financial capital. These five capitals need to be strengthened so that farmers have better capacity to face shocks and reduce vulnerability,” she said.