Prof Abdul Momin Azimi

Badghis University

Abstract Title: The impact of climate change on the winter feeding status of livestock in Afghanistan.

Biography:

Research Interest: Livestock farming is considered one of the main sources of livelihood for the people of Afghanistan, given the country's topography. However, successive droughts, climate change, insecurity and armed conflicts, and widespread poverty have posed serious challenges to the adequate winter feeding of livestock. The main objective of this research is to assess the winter feeding status of livestock, its associated challenges, and to propose solutions for improving the current situation. The statistical population for this study includes 277 local livestock owners, staff from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, university professors, and environmental workers, selected through stratified random sampling. Data were collected via questionnaires and analyzed using Graph Pad Prism Version 7 (Trial) statistical software. The results indicate that the winter feeding status of livestock in Afghanistan is alarming. The primary reasons include climate change, which has led to a severe reduction in fodder production for livestock; insecurity and armed conflicts; widespread poverty and a lack of financial resources to procure fodder and maintain livestock during the winter; and a shortage of support programs to meet the needs of herders in this region. These conditions have led to emaciation, disease, and even death of livestock in many areas of Afghanistan. To save their remaining livestock, herders are sometimes forced to sell their animals at very low prices, which exacerbates the cycle of poverty. It is necessary to provide humanitarian aid, implement support programs, and make efforts to secure fodder, treat livestock, and empower herders in this region.