Abstract:
Small-scale dairy and vegetable production plays a crucial role in food security, human health and overall household livelihoods, particularly among climate change prone, resource-poor households in Eastern and Central Africa (ECA) region. Zero grazing dairy systems are Increasingly promoted, owing to progressive grazing land shortages and intensive dairy production requirements. Among the most affected are rural household food supplies, livestock feeds and water resources. The situation is exacerbated by community dependence on indigenous adaptation technologies with minimum scientific backup efforts. The lack of effective adaptation to the adverse effects of climate change Is likely to jeopardise the achievement of Millennium Development Goals 1 (eradicating extreme poverty and hunger), 7 (ensuring environmental sustainability) and 3 (promoting gender equality and empowering women).