7th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) - Action 2023

Dates: Date: 25 -27 September 2023

Conference Venue: Sainte Famille Hotel, Kigali, Rwanda

Conference Theme: Navigating the delicate balance of animal welfare, climate change and development: concerted actions towards a healthy and sustainable environment.

Conference Report - Click here to read/download the 2023 conference report

Conference Programme and Book of Abstracts

Conference Presentations

Day One

1. An International Outlook on Climate Change, Animal Welfare and Sustainable Development - by Debbie Tripley, Global Director of Campaigns and Policy Advocacy, Compassion in World Farming.
2. Cage Free Campaigns in Africa - by Aurelia Adhiambo, Africa Coordinator, Open Wing Alliance.
3. The Global Donkey Skin Trade: its impacts in Africa and a Call to Action to support a Pan African 15-year moratorium on the trade - by Dr Otieno Mtula, Africa Campaigns Manager, The Donkey Sanctuary
4. Community Focused Donkey Welfare Project in Kenya Case Study -WTG-ANAW - by Dr Dennis K. Bahati, Africa Network for Animal Welfare (ANAW) and WTG
5. Donkeys: Case study of past, present and future use in Africa - by Dr Bojia Duguma, Country Representative, Donkey Sanctuary Ethiopia
6. Livestock Animals, Environment and Sustainable Development in Rwanda - by Dr Fabrice Ndayisenga, Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board (RAB)
7. Welfare of animals in disasters in Africa - by Dr Judy Kimaru, Director, Action for Protection of Animals Africa (APAA)
8. Enhancing Livestock dependent communities’ preparedness to challenges of climate change by Dr Raphael Kinoti, CEO, Brooke EA
9. Animal welfare challenges and opportunities during disaster situations in Africa - by Dr Laurien Ntamugabumwe, Rwanda Council of Veterinary Doctors (RCVD)
10. A General Outlook on Faith-Based Perspectives on Animal Welfare by Joyce D’ Silva, Compassion in World Farming International
11. Harmonizing Faith and Nature - An Ethical Exploration of Religious Perspective on Environmental Conservation - by Prof. Beatrice Okyere-Manu, University of Kwa Zulu-Natal, South Africa.
12. How NGOs can responsibly partner with religious communities to promote peaceful coexistence with the natural world and non-human animals - by Prof. Janet Rumfelt, Regis University, Dr Katherine Baxter, CEO ANAW-USA, and Dr M.D Kinoti, Regis University

Day Two

1. Introduction to UNEP Mandate, organizational structure and governance by Ulf Bjornholm, Deputy Secretary ofGoverning Bodies; Deputy Director, Governance Affairs Office; O.I.C. Head of the Civil Society Unit
2. Major Groups and Stakeholders Engagement at UNEP by Isaiah Otieno, Senior Information Technology Assistant, UNEP
3. Preparations for UNEA-6 by Ulf Bjornholm; Deputy Secretary of Governing Bodies; Deputy Director, Governance Affairs Office; O.I.C. Head of the Civil Society Unit
4. UNEP Major Groups & Stakeholders, Africa, Outcomes of the 2023 Regional Consultative Meeting Africa and the 19th Ordinary Session of the AMCEN and Preparations for UNEA 6 by David N. Munene, Regional Facilitator, Major Groups & Stakeholders, Africa & Programs Manager, Catholic Youth Network for Environmental Sustainability in Africa (CYNESA)
5. Bridging the Teaching Gap: Making Animal Welfare Education Accessible with Holistic Teaching Materials by Carolin Breitenbach, WTS
6. Implementing better training for veterinarians: Resources and strategies by Nick Jukes, InterNICHE
7. Findings from the 2021-2022 survey to determine the institutional preparedness of African countries to eliminate rabies by 2030 by Dr Kavosa Mudoga, Action for the Protection of Animals in Africa (APAA)
8. Revolutionizing Animal Welfare Education in Rwanda: A transformative journey for animal wellbeing by Dr Emmanuel Irimaso, University of Rwanda, School of Veterinary Medicine
9. Navigating the delicate balance of animal welfare, climate change and development: concerted actions towards a healthy and sustainable environment by Esther Afolaranmi, Fair Start Movement, and Dr Carter Dillard, University of Denver
10. Reducing meat consumption-options for Africa by Dr.Victor YAMO, Humane & Sustainable Agriculture Campaigns Manager, World Animal Protection
11. A call to stopping factory farming to mitigate Climate Change and ensure animal welfare by Prof. Charles Ssekyewa, St. Lawrence University, Uganda
12. Animal Welfare and Rights: The policy environment in Uganda by Prof. Charles Ssekyewa, Centre for Ecosystems Research and Development (CERD-UGANDA)
13. Realizing First-of-its-Kind Plant-Based Alternative to Meat in Rwanda by Jean Paul Gisa, One Acre Fund Rwanda

Day Three

1. Preventing Volcanoes National Park from going to the dogs.Gorilla Doctors interventions by Dr Gaspard Nzayisenga, Gorilla Doctors
2. Gorilla Doctors work in Africa: One health approach in Conservation by Dr. Julius Nziza, Country Director PhD Research Candidate
3. Promoting Aquatic Animal Welfare: A Vital Perspective for Africa by Wasseem Emam, Ethical Seafood Research
4. Navigating the Delicate Balance of Animal Welfare, Climate Change, and Development: Africa’s Response to the Effect of the Triple Global Crises on the Feed and Fodder Sector by Dr. Sarah Ashanut Ossiya, RAFFS Project Officer, AU-IBAR.
5. One Health: A Responsible Approach by Linda Evans, Global Director of Animal Welfare, SPANA
6. The African Union OHDAA Project: Enhancing Data Management for sustainable evidence-based Animal, Human and Environmental Health Interventions by Dr Mary-Mbole Kariuki, AU-IBAR
7. Aquatic Resources and Animal Nutrition Welfare in a Climate Changing - AU-IBAR's Perspective by Nelly Isyagi, Fisheries Trade and Investment , AU-IBAR
8. AU-IBAR: Championing the Animal Resources in Africa - Exploring the role of AU-IBAR in Animal Welfare, Climate Change, and Development by Dr. M. Mbaka – Animal Welfare Expert, AU-IBAR
9. Navigating the Opportunities in the Nexus between Animal Welfare and Sustainable Animal Production in Africa - The Relevance of the Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa Dr. M. Mbaka – Animal Welfare Expert, AU-IBAR
10. Progressing the outcomes of Pan African Donkey Conference (PADCO) by Samuel Theuri, Brooke East Africa

6th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) - Action 2022

Dates: 31 October - 2 November 2022

Conference Venue: Travelodge Hotel, Gaborone, Botswana

Conference Theme: Animals, People and the Environment in a rapidly changing 21st Century

Conference Report - Click here to read/download the 2022 conference report

Conference Presentations

1. Cage-Free Corporate Campaigning in Africa: Progress and Developments till Date :- by Ms. Aurelia Adhiambo, Africa Coordinator, Open Wing Alliance => View / Download
2. Livestock Emotions, Vocalisations and Positive Welfare :- by Dr. Alan McElligott, City University of Hong Kong => View / Download
3. Livestock Pounds in South Africa:- by Bryce Marock, Veterinary Consultant NSPCA . => View / Download
4. The Role of National Museums in Promoting Animal Welfare :- by Esther N. Kioko (PhD) Principal research scientist and Head, Zoology Department, National Museums . => View / Download
5. Building Human Capacity in Research Animal Sciences, Welfare and Ethics Across Africa:PAN-African Network for Laboratory Animal Science and Ethics (PAN-LASE):- by HRH Dr Josiah Kantiyok, MNIM, FICSP, FCVSN, fnimn. Chief of Zikpak (Fantswam) Chiefdom/Executive Director, JOHAN VET NETWORK => View / Download
6. Agro-pastoralists’ willingness to pay for Contagious Caprine Pleuropneumonia vaccine in Kenya:- by Dr Purity Nguhiu, Kenyatta University and Dr Martin Mwirigi, Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO)., => View / Download
7. Animal Welfare in Development Cooperation Guidelines with Feedback incorporated:- by Dr Paul Ssuna, Welttierschutzstiftung (WTS) . => View / Download
8. Keynote Speech:- by Mr Thabang L. Botshoma, Deputy Permanent Secretary, Support Services Ministry of Agriculture, Republic of Botswana => View / Download
9. ANIMAL WELFARE, ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT: A GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE:- by Philip Lymbery, Global Chief Executive Compassion in World Farming International . => View / Download
10. Welfare Assessment of Working Donkeys: The Case of Wadi Salih District, Central Darfur State, Sudan:- by Abdelkareem Abdallah, Department of Veterinary Science, Faculty of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Botswana University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Gaborone, Botswana . => View / Download
11. Animal Malnutrition as a welfare issue in Botswana:- by Prof. Othusitse Madibela, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Animal & Veterinary Sciences Botswana University of Agriculture & Natural Resources. . => View / Download
12. ONE WELFARE - A Framework to improve Animal Welfare and Human Wellbeing:- by Rebeca García Pinillos, One Welfare . => View / Download
13. Common Cause for Our Earthly Home - Religions as Allies for Animals and the Environment:- by Wolf Gordon Clifton, Executive Director, Animal People . => View / Download
14. UNEPIntroduction to UNEP :- by Dr Abdelkader Bensada, United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), Ecosystem Division => View / Download
15. The United Nations Environment Assembly / UNEA :- by Alexander Juras, Chief Civil Society Unit UNEP => View / Download
16. Africa Major Groups’ Follow-up of UNEA 5 and Preparations for UNEA 6:- by David N. Munene, Regional Facilitator, Africa MGS to the UNEP . => View / Download
17. Major Groups and Stakeholders Engagement at UNEP:- by Isaiah Otieno, Civil Society Unit- Governance Affairs Office- UNEP . => View / Download
18. The Camel’s Nose is already Inside the Tent: Animal Welfare & Sustainable Development :- by Andrew N Rowan, D.Phil., WellBeing International, Potomac, USA . => View / Download
19. ANIMAL WELFARE, A ZIMBABWEAN PERSPECTIVE:- by Dr Lawrance Dinginya, Animal Welfare Focal Point, Zimbabwe => View / Download
20. The inter-connection of Development activities, Animal Welfare and environment:- by Dr Letlhogile Modisa, Chief of Party and Dr. Pearl Mokoka-Nawa, DVS. , => View / Download
21. Impact of Livestock Production on Climate Change and Pandemics:- by Dr. Patrick Muinde – Research Manager, World Animal Protection . => View / Download
22. Factory farming and Climate Change:- by Dr. Victor YAMO, Farming Campaigns Manager, World Animal Protection => View / Download
23. ANIMAL WELFARE IN ETHIOPIA:- by DR YILKAL KEBEDE DIRECTOR FOR LITS AND ANIMAL WELFARE . => View / Download
24. 6th AAWC - Action 2022: Day Three (2 November 2022) Presentations
25. COMPELLING CASE FOR ANIMAL WELFARE IN AFRICA:- by Dr. Kikiope Oluwarore (DVM, MSc) => View / Download
26. UPDATES ON THE STATUS OF THE OPERATIONALIZATION OF APAW AND THE ESTABLISHMENT AND OPERATIONALIZATION OF THE REGIONAL ANIMAL WELFARE NETWORK :- by Dr Hiver Boussini, AU-IBAR => View / Download
27. Opening Remarks :- by Dr. Nick Nwankpa, Director of AU-IBAR . => View / Download
28. Opening Remarks:- by CVO Botswana, at the 2022 AU-IBAR session, Gaborone, Nov 2, 2022 . => View / Download
29. The Socio-economic balance sheet of Animal Welfare [ Benefits versus Losses from Animal Welfare Practices ] :- by Andrew N Rowan, D.Phil., WellBeing International, Potomac, USA . => View / Download

Conference Resolutions

1. Urge the African Union Member States through AU-IBAR to adopt and implement animal welfare policies and legislation to address welfare concerns of farm and working animals at national, regional and continental level.
2. Table a resolution at UNEA that recognizes animal sentience as an important consideration to be taken into account when developing policies on environment, sustainable development, regenerative production and sustainable consumption.
3. Urge the AUC to work with academic and research institutions and other organizations to champion and to enhance One Health research in Africa and to establish and promote ethical standards in animal welfare research.
4. Urge AU Member States through AU-IBAR to promote the inclusion of women and youth in the animal resource industry.
5. Request AU Member States through AU-IBAR and development partners to adopt Guidelines for Incorporation of Animal Welfare in Development Cooperation Projects..
6. Appeal to Civil Society Organizations in Africa to engage with and seek accreditation with UNEP for enhanced cooperation, information sharing and actions towards promoting animal welfare, environment and sustainable development.
7. Urge Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) and Africa governments to promote evidence-based approach interventions through research, capacity building, education and awareness on animal welfare in Africa.
8. Call on governments, humanitarian agencies and animal welfare organizations to work together to establish and promote partnerships to address animals in disaster situations.
9. Request AU-IBAR to work with African Union Member States to urgently invest in the development of policies, legislation and programs for implementation of Animal Welfare Strategy for Africa (AWSA).

5th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) - Action 2021

Dates: 1-3 November 2021

Conference Venue: Acrra International Conference Cenre, Accra, Ghana

Conference Theme: One Health, One Welfare - For a Better and Greener Tomorrow

Conference Resolutions

The conference delegates resolved:

1. To mitigate against the risk of pandemics and public health concerns, the African Union (AU) should develop policies to gradually phase out factory farming in Africa.
2. To urge African governments to develop policies that enhance the One Health, One Welfare approach while interacting with animals to mitigate against the risk of zoonotic diseases and pandemics.
3. To enhance food security and safety in animal production, governments should develop and promote the compliance of a code of practice to safeguard animal welfare.
4. To call upon animal welfare NGOs in liaison with AU-IBAR to generate a report on the status of wildlife trade in Africa, pronouncing the economic, environmental, public health and social impact and to develop policies and a code of practice in wildlife use and trade in Africa.
5. To urge African governments in collaboration with AU to develop policies that promote agro-ecology, especially farming approaches that use ecologically fit animal and crop varieties as a mitigation against climate change.
6. To call upon governments and academic institutions to promote research and curriculum development that enhances One Health, One Welfare in the African continent.
7. To call upon civil society organizations to work with communities and governments in promoting One Health, One Welfare within the continent to enhance animal welfare and environmental protection.
8. To encourage governments and civil society organizations in Africa to sustain discussions and advocacy strategies at regional and continental platforms, to curtail the slaughter of donkeys and trade in their skins.

Conference Report

Click Here to Access the conference report

4th Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) - Action 2020

Dates: September 7th - 10th September 2020

Conference Venue: Virtual Conference

Conference Theme: Animal Welfare, Wildlife And Environmental Conservation For Sustainable Development In Africa: Enhancing Nature-Based Solutions

Conference Report

Policy Brief

Conference Resolutions

3rd Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) - Action 2019

Dates: September 2-4, 2019

Conference Venue: United Nations Economic Commission for Africa UNECA, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Conference Theme: Animals, Environment and Sustainable Development in 21st Century Africa: An Interlinked Approach

Conference Report

Policy Brief

Conference Executive Summary and Resolutions

2nd Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) - Action 2018

Dates: 3-5 September 2018

Conference Venue: United Nations Complex, Nairobi, Kenya

Conference Theme: People, Animals & the Planet; One Health One Welfare

Conference Resolutions

1. Increase engagement with the United Nations and its members to promote the relevance of Animal Welfare to the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals;
2. Encourage liaison with different stakeholders in the sensitization of animal welfare and developing a critical mass of sensitized public who can champion animal welfare;
3. Work towards the formulation, enactment and review of policy to develop current standards of animal welfare, taking into account legislation in the field of animal welfare and the environment;
4. Involve youth in developing a model blue print of environmental and animal welfare sustainability;
5. Appeal to government and non-governmental organizations to integrate policy on the environment, animals and people in a holistic approach as opposed to sectorial approach;
6. Integrate sustainable consumption and production in animal welfare and the environment;
7. Stress the need for measurable ways of assessing impact and tracing progress in animal welfare and the environment;
8. Agree to participate in crafting animal laws in Africa;
9. Support the development of strategic frameworks for animal welfare in Africa;
10. Pursue engagements with humanitarian agencies to improve the welfare of animals, especially animals in disaster situations;
11. Encourage partnerships with accredited legal institutions to incorporate animal law into legal curriculums;
12. Capacity building animal welfare, wildlife and environmental civil society organizations in Africa on governance and advocacy matters.

Conference Report

Click Here to Download/Read the conference report

1st Africa Animal Welfare Conference (AAWC) - Action 2017

Dates: 2‐3 October 2017

Conference Venue: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) Headquarters Nairobi – Kenya.

Conference Theme: The nexus between animal welfare, environment, and development: safeguarding our common destiny

ANAW under the advocacy, policy and legislation programme and in collaboration with, Government of Kenya, and the UN Environment convened the Africa Animal Welfare Conference - Action 2017 at the United Nations Nairobi, Kenya whose theme was “the nexus between animal welfare, environment, and development: safeguarding our common destiny”. The Conference focused on the environment, more particularly pollution, and how a pollution free planet supports animal welfare.

Policy Brief (Policy Brief ANAW / AAWC / 01 / 2017)

The policy brief highlights some of the recommendations of the conference which the participants expected that they will be addressed by governments, regional economic communities, development partners and the UN Environment by way of policy and legislation development and review and where this exists, enhance enforcement.

Click Here to Read/Download the First AAWC, 2017 Policy Brief

Conferene Report - AAWC 2017

Click Here to Read/Download the AAWC, 2017 Report