Research Progress on Greenhouse Gas Emissions From Livestock in Sub-Saharan Africa Falls Short of National Inventory Ambitions

Summary

This systematic review evaluates the adequacy of greenhouse gas emissions data from livestock systems in sub-Saharan Africa relative to national climate mitigation ambitions. The authors found limited research relative to policy needs, with important regional variations: enteric methane factors in low-productivity cattle systems may be lower than IPCC defaults, whilst small ruminants exceeded IPCC estimates. Significant data gaps persist for manure management, small ruminants, agropastoral systems, and West Africa.

Regional applicability

The findings are of limited direct applicability to UK livestock systems, which typically operate at higher productivity and under different climate/forage conditions. However, the paper's methodological approach to compiling regional emission factors and identifying data gaps may inform UK inventory improvements and climate policy development.

Key measures

Emission factors for enteric methane and manure management; soil organic carbon stocks in grasslands and rangelands; comparison against IPCC Tier 1 defaults

Outcomes reported

The study reviewed and compiled existing data on livestock greenhouse gas emission factors (enteric methane and manure emissions) and soil organic carbon stocks across sub-Saharan Africa, comparing regional findings with IPCC Tier 1 default values and identifying major data gaps.

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