296 Copyright © 2017, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited. Chapter 11 DOI: 10.4018/978-1-5225-1607-1.ch011 ABSTRACT Many Caribbean small ruminant management systems are forage-based, relying on rain to sustain pastures for feed. Animal performance is thus heavily dependent on forage availability. The nutritive value of pasture was highest during the intermediate season and lowest during the dry season, leading to under nutrition, and declined fock performance in the dry season. Climate change will therefore seri- ously hamper pasture availability and nutritive value. Hair sheep on pasture, without shade or water, experienced increased respiration rate, they were under chronic heat stress. However, where adequate shade and water were provided, heat stress was reduced. The current system of small ruminant produc- tion is prone to the negative impacts of climate change events due to its efect on nutrition, growth and reproduction. Immediate actions are needed to prepare farmers to respond by mitigation methods, to maintain and enhance animal productivity if the envisaged protein security goals set for this sector are to be realized. INTRODUCTION It is recognized that climate change is anthropogenic in nature due largely to the production of green- house gases emissions (Co 2 , CH 4 , N 2 O and Halo-carbons) which affects the absorption, scattering and emission of radiation within the atmosphere and at the earth’s surface (IPCC, 2007). In the tropics, the effect of climate change will pose a major threat to food, protein security and sustainability of livestock The Impact of Climate Change on Small Ruminant Performance in Caribbean Communities Cicero H. O. Lallo The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago Sebrena Smalling The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago Audley Facey Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jamaica Martin Hughes The University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago