Why the livestock sector is critical in climate agenda

Bernard Kimoro, Head of Climate Change and Livestock Sustainability, State Department of Livestock Development addresses participants during a regional workshop organised by FAO and African Centre for Technology Studies in Naivasha. [Courtesy]

The livestock sub-sector contributes over 90 per cent of agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and about 20 per cent of Kenya's GHG emissions, driving further climate change.

Livestock is a contributor of mainly methane, which has a relatively short life cycle, but a high potential to warm the atmosphere. Livestock emits methane through the rumen's digestive processes, known as enteric fermentation.