Informing livestock climate services through Herders’ climate perceptions and adaptation strategies in Benin

• Climate variability affects livestock productivity, vital to rural livelihoods and food security in Benin. • Herders’ views on climate change closely matched rainfall and temperature anomalies. • Crop residues as feed and mobility were key strategies to reduce climate impacts on livestock. • Adaptation strategies varied by phytogeographic zone and zebu proportion in the herd. • Insights guide livestock-focused climate services based on herders’ experience. The effects of climate variability an