Transformative Adaptation in Livestock Production Systems

Climate change impacts on agricultural systems are intensifying. The recent IPCC report illustrates that as temperatures climb, changes in the climate are pushing systems beyond sustainable boundaries. This is the case with certain livestock production systems (e.g. climate impacts can result in devastated supply chains or crop failures). When climate impacts are, or are projected to be, so severe that they may undermine the continued viability of livestock production and the livelihoods of the communities who depend on it, transformative adaptation must be employed.

Transformative adaptation actions for livestock production may include relocating livestock production systems, introducing new livestock technology or methods, or transitioning into or out of livestock for other agricultural or nonagricultural livelihoods. Governments, policymakers, adaptation funders and farmers all play important roles in identifying, designing, funding and implementing transformative pathways, or sets of specific actions and strategies that can be sequenced to create a trajectory towards transformation.

In the agricultural sector, transformative adaptation in livestock production systems are important to avoid projects and programs that can cause more harm in the long run (maladaptation). These transformative pathways can help promote socially equitable outcomes. While transformative adaptation may not be appropriate in all circumstances, it may often be the only solution for long-term, sustainable and equitable climate resilience.