Will camel and goat replace the dairy cow?

If farmers in developing countries exchange their dairy cows for camels and goats, greenhouse gas emissions can be drastically reduced. Adapting the livestock or the cultivation plan to climate change can also positively influence the income of agricultural entrepreneurs.

These are some of the conclusions in a recent report by the United Nations Trade and Development Organization (UNCTAD). It investigation report identifies some opportunities for developing countries that depend on raw materials, the so-called 'CDDCs'. These are proposals that allow them to contribute to mitigating climate change while minimizing its negative effects on their economies.

Lower revenues in developing countries
One of the conclusions UNCTAD draws is that crop yields in countries close to the equator are declining as a result of climate change. This while the yields in regions further away are actually increasing. Of course, this depends on the crops grown and the extent to which companies adapt to the climate conditions.

Overall, most CDDCs experience lower crop yields. Local opportunities include Argentina, Chile and Mongolia, where portions of the land are located in regions of high latitude. The cultivation plan in these countries must then be better geared to the climatic conditions. In Chile, for example, that means more sugar beet cultivation in the center of the country and more potato and maize cultivation in the foothills of the country.

Camels produce less methane
Furthermore, UNCTAD states that climate change can encourage livestock farmers to produce alternatives to meat and milk from cows. This refers to alternatives that have the potential to significantly reduce emissions in the sector. According to FAOStat, 65% of greenhouse gas emissions in livestock farming come from cattle. Pigs, poultry, buffalo and small ruminants, on the other hand, account for 7% to 10% of the sector's emissions.

In addition, a study has shown that small ruminants (dairy goats) are more resistant to heat stress than large ruminants (dairy cows). Ruminants and camelids have also been shown to produce the same amount of methane (a major cause of climate change) for every unit of food digested. However, camels generally have a lower metabolism and thus require less food, which also causes them to produce less methane.

Net agricultural income
When growers adapt to climate change, for example by growing other crops or switching to other types of livestock, this can have a positive effect on their net income. Studies have already shown this, under specific circumstances in countries such as Ghana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

UNCTAD also highlights the link between climate change and technological innovation, which is particularly visible in the agricultural sector. As a result of global warming, growing seasons and soil conditions are changing, affecting crop growth. This results in the development of new technologies and strategies that help farmers to limit potential crop losses and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Jeanette Pennings

Jeannet has her roots in the flower bulb sector and she grew up on an agricultural company in the northern part of North Holland. As a generalist she reports for Boerenbusiness across all sectors. She is also exploring the possibilities of sponsored advertising.

j.pennings@boerenbusiness. Nl

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