Generation after generation, the conventional practice of herding which generates huge economic benefits, have been contributing significantly to methane emissions, a powerful Greenhouse gas that drives climate change. Cattle produce methane mainly through enteric fermentation and the breakdown of their manure. This process is made worse by the natural grasses they eat, which cause poor digestion and increased methane generation. Northern Nigeria’s semi-arid climate, with its high temperatures and limited water supplies, exacerbates the problem by hastening the breakdown of dung and driving Livestock into fewer spaces, which give rise to emissions.
Conventional manure management techniques greatly increase the amount of methane produced by cattle manure, regardless of how the community at large utilizes it for fertilizer and fuel. Modern methods, like anaerobic digestion, which could reduce these emissions, are not commonly employed in the area. To address this issue, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has advocated for improved reporting of greenhouse gas emissions, including methane. Methane emissions, according to experts, not only worsen air quality and fuel global warming but also pose health hazards, such as respiratory issues.
14.5 percent of global emissions come from livestock.
Roughly 32% of the methane Emissions created by humans come from livestock, primarily from manure and gas released during digestion. Methanogens, which are microorganisms found in the rumens of these animals, digest grain to produce methane, which is then belched out. Our World in Data estimates that every year, at least 231 billion pounds of methane are released into the atmosphere by the 1.5 billion cattle that are bred for meat production worldwide. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) states that nations must cut methane emissions by 30%, especially from cattle, in order to prevent global warming by 2030.
Contradicting to the frequent allusions to cow farts, burping accounts for more than 90% of the enteric methane released by cattle. Livestock dung also releases a significant amount of methane into the atmosphere. The amount of emissions produced by various manure management techniques varies; methane emissions are often highest when manure is held in liquid systems, like manure lagoons. According to estimates from a 2013 report by the Food and Agriculture Organization, the production of livestock was responsible for 14.5% of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
Ruminants are particularly adept at releasing methane.
Additional data by FAO reveals that emissions from cattle are increasing. Particularly, between 2015 and 2020, emissions from enteric methane and manure increased by 4% and 5%, respectively. As the world’s population approaches 10 billion by the middle of the century and diets change to include more meat, emissions from the production of livestock are predicted to increase further. Although all cattle release methane into the atmosphere, ruminants are particularly adept at it because of their unique digestive mechanism. Methane is produced in the guts of ruminants, such as cows, during the fermentation process, which adds to global warming.
Overall, 3.3 gigatons of carbon dioxide are produced worldwide by the 1.5 billion cattle and buffaloes and the 2 billion sheep and goats combined. Methane contributes to global warming because it traps more heat than carbon dioxide. The FAO’s ultimate goal is to spread worldwide comprehension of methane so that practical mitigation solutions may be devised and put into action, given the importance and pressing need of reducing emissions while we grow the food supply—two seemingly contradictory goals. Stricter enforcement of environmental rules is necessary, and the establishment of designated livestock zones may facilitate more efficient emission management.
Related Article: Reducing carbon emissions in Nigeria
Reducing methane emissions associated with farming would be essential in the fight against climate change, according to a new report by the Climate and Clean Air Coalition and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). More environmentally friendly farming practices can lower enteric methane emissions, enhance ruminant nutrition, boost animal health, and increase Productivity through breeding. In an effort to lessen the amount of methane that cows emit, scientists are also experimenting with different feed kinds and researching more effective techniques to cover, compost, or generate biogas from dung.