Enteric Methane Emission Estimates for Cattle in Zambia from 1994-2022 Using the IPCC Tier 2 Approach

Agriculture is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with enteric methane (EntCH4) from cattle production being a major source. In Zambia, cattle play a critical role in rural livelihoods and food security, yet the contribution of cattle production systems to national GHG emissions remains poorly quantified. This study employed the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Tier 2 method to estimate EntCH4 from Zambia's cattle population from 1994 to 2022. The Tier 2 method offers a more accurate estimate than the Tier 1 method by incorporating country-specific data on cattle population demographics, husbandry, and feeding practices. The results highlight significant variations in EntCH4 over time, driven by changes in cattle population dynamics and production practices. This study underscored the importance of transitioning from the generalized Tier 1 to the Tier 2 method to capture the unique characteristics of Zambia's cattle production systems. The present findings provide critical insights for developing targeted mitigation strategies that will contribute to Zambia's ongoing efforts to address climate change while supporting sustainable livestock production.