Chickens in the Heat: Uganda's Farmers Face Climate Challenges

Uganda's rural families rely heavily on chickens for food and income. These chickens roam freely, scavenging for food. But, rising temperatures are causing big problems for these birds. Farmers in Soroti district shared their struggles. They said that high temperatures are making chickens less productive. Chickens are laying fewer eggs and more are getting sick and dying. This is a big issue because these chickens are a key source of food and money for many families. The average chicken flock in the area has about 42 birds. Most farmers only provide basic shelter at night. Chickens spend around 13 hours a day foraging for food. They also get some kitchen scraps and cereals. But, with temperatures averaging 24. 7°C and sometimes reaching 30. 3°C, chickens are spending 46% less time foraging. This means they're not getting enough food, leading to fewer eggs and more health issues. Farmers are trying different ways to help their chickens. Most provide drinking water. Many offer shade and extra food. Some even vaccinate their chickens. But, water is becoming harder to find as the climate changes. This makes it tough for farmers to keep their chickens healthy. Farmers are facing many challenges. Some farmers are more likely to use certain strategies than others. For example, women are more likely to provide shade. Older farmers are less likely to use these strategies. Training in poultry care helps farmers give their chickens better food. Farmers need more support to adapt to these changes. They need better access to water, high-quality food, and training. This will help them keep their chickens healthy and productive. The findings show that climate change is a real threat to chicken farming in Sub-Saharan Africa. This highlights the need for policies that support climate-resilient farming. It's clear that climate change is affecting chicken farming in Uganda. Farmers are trying their best to adapt, but they need more help. This situation shows how important it is to support farmers in the face of climate change. It's not just about the chickens; it's about the families who depend on them.