Assessment of Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Emissions in Relation to the Different Species of Livestock in the Governorate of Manouba: Mitigation and Adaptation Options

The main objective of this study was to estimate the carbon footprint of livestock in the Governorate of Manouba (North Tunisia), using the FAO GLEAM tool, mainly through the recognition of the significant emission points of greenhouse gases. These emissions were assessed in relation to the different types of livestock farming. Some mitigation options were proposed. Results showed that in 2020, the overall GHG emissions from animal sectors in the Governorate of Manouba are estimated at 5 mega ton CO2-eq and that 55% of these emissions are composed of methane, 27% in the form of nitrous oxide, and 18% is in the form of carbon dioxide. The high intensity of observed GHG emissions is particularly due to bovine dairy production and sheep meat, because most farming systems are extensive, lowly productive, and based on poor pasture and food resources. The small ruminants are the main contributors to the emissions with a rate higher than 66% (65% of emissions come from sheep and 1% from goats). In the second row, we found cattle with 28% and finally poultry which participate in a lower extend at a rate of only 6%. It should be noted that the major part of GHG emissions comes mainly from enteric fermentations, effluent management, livestock feed production, and energy consumption.