Towards more humane and sustainable futures
The 8th Africa Animal Welfare Conference took place in person and online from the 30th of September to the 2nd of October, gathering professionals to discuss the role of animals in Africa’s sustainable development, aiming to promote policy development that advances animal welfare alongside broader environmental and economic goals. It was held at United Nations Complex, in Nairobi, Kenya, co-hosted by the Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW), UNEP and AU-IBAR.
Key topics included engagement with UNEP and UNEA processes, emphasising the roles of major stakeholders in shaping these discussions. Opening remarks from UNEP, AU-IBAR, WOAH, WHO, and World Animal Protection highlighted animal welfare as essential for transforming agricultural practices linked to environmental sustainability and food security. A significant theme was the connection between animal welfare and controlling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), with Dr. Abdela from WHO noting that better welfare practices can enhance public health outcomes.
The conference also covered humane innovations in veterinary education, the status of egg production in Africa (70% of farmers use cage-free systems), and a One Health approach to rabies control and farm animal welfare training. Special attention was given to the welfare of working donkeys and the challenges of the donkey skin trade, aligning with the WVA’s Factsheet on Equids Welfare and WVA Factsheet on Donkey Skin Trade. The African Donkey Welfare Strategy was reviewed, focusing on closing policy and regulatory gaps in trade practices.
Discussions on integrating animal welfare into environmental conservation stressed the importance of dedicated budgets, stronger regulations, and including animal welfare in national development plans. Sessions on disaster management revealed gaps in addressing animal welfare during natural disasters and the need for better collaboration between humanitarian and animal welfare organizations.
Wildlife conservation discussions emphasised preserving wildlife corridors and combating illegal wildlife trade, highlighting that Africa’s development should commit to protecting natural ecosystems. Education emerged as a crucial theme, advocating for the inclusion of animal welfare and environmental conservation in school curricula.
In conclusion, the 8th Africa Animal Welfare Conference called for increased collaboration between governments, civil society, and international organisations to ensure that animal welfare is a central part of Africa’s sustainable development goals. The need for stronger policies, better enforcement, capacity-building, and a One Health and One Welfare approach to addressing the interconnected challenges of human, animal, and environmental health were recurring messages throughout the event. The conference highlighted the urgency of recognizing animals as integral to both human well-being and environmental resilience, urging action towards more humane and sustainable futures.
