4. Adaptation Strategies of Poultry Farmers to Rising Temperature in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana

Abstract

Increasing temperature is being observed in Ghana by about one degree Celsius since the 1970s and this is affecting poultry production due to the vulnerability of the bird to high temperature. This paper examines the awareness of increasing temperature on poultry farms and identifies the adaptation methods in response, by farmers in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. A systematic sampling approach was employed to gather data from thirty eight registered poultry farmers. Results indicate that, most poultry farmers are aware of the increasing temperature mainly through the news media but not from observations on their farms. The observed signs of heat stress in birds were birds spreading their wings, pecking the feathers of other birds in the form of cannibalism and gasping. These responses, as the farmers point out, negatively affect poultry production by decreasing their feed consumption which eventually leads to their low weight and delayed time of maturity. Most farmers also perceive that increasing temperature will increase the price of poultry products and cause a reduction in stock density. The findings further showed that since there is a limit to which birds can adapt to increasing temperatures, farmers are willing to invest in devices or strategies that can control the temperatures on their farms. One paramount practice is tree planting on the farm.