Large ruminant populations in developing countries provide ample opportunity for ruminant methane offset projects
The potential for ruminant methane offset projects, especially the introduction of the RuMeth International’s supplemental feeding technology, is tremendous. According to the latest FAO census data, developing countries of the world contain 76% of the planet’s ruminant population, for a total of 1,025 million head of livestock. The vast majority of these animals are raised in low efficiency production systems, as evidenced by the fact that they produce only 35% of the world’s milk and meat. For this reason the potential to apply RuMeth International’s Ruminant Methane Efficiency methodology and feed supplement technology is nearly limitless.
In Uganda alone, the project seeks to impact approximately 45,000 head of cattle out of a total dairy population of 2 million over the next six years. This level of impact translates to over 100,000 tonnes of CO2e per year, and an annual increase of milk productivity of 34 million litres. Following projected success in the early years of the Uganda project, at an estimated impact level of only 2% of the Ugandan herd, possibilities of exceeding the initial target of 45,000 head are likely. Should the initial outreach targets be surpassed, the annual milk production amounts will increase as will the project’s output of Certified Emissions Reductions.
When the Uganda Cattle Feed Project impact targets are compared with the developing world’s ruminant population, the tremendous opportunities for expansion of RuMeth International’s methodology and technology are clearly demonstrated. From the poorest to the wealthiest non Annex B countries, there is potential for literally hundreds of ruminant methane offset projects. Presently RuMeth International staff are investigating likely project opportunities in Africa, Asia and Latin America.