Last week, One Health and Development Initiative (OHDI) actively participated in the Open Wing Alliance (OWA) Africa Summit 2024. We were proudly represented by our Executive Director, Ilunamien Aisedion, who delivered a compelling presentation titled “The Role of Government in Global Cage-Free Advocacy: Lessons for Africa.” This presentation highlighted the need and guidelines for the African Union to implement comprehensive policies to improve the welfare of hens and promote cage-free housing systems across the continent.
The Open Wing Alliance, initiated by the Humane League, is a coalition of organisations united to end the abuse of chickens worldwide. Their primary goal is to phase out the use of inhumane battery cages, which confine hens in substandard conditions. The event, held in Nairobi, Kenya, aimed to promote ethical and sustainable poultry farming practices across the continent. The summit provided an invaluable platform for stakeholders to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop actionable strategies to foster more humane practices in poultry farming.
In his presentation, Ilunamien Aisedion highlighted the progress made in the global cage-free efforts, with the European Union (EU) as a case study. He attributed the EU’s success to collaborative efforts, including supportive government policies and actions. Drawing from these global lessons, Ilunamien emphasised the importance of a robust regulatory framework advocating for a continent-wide stance against the use of battery cages, consumer education, and comprehensive support for farmers to advance the cage-free movement in Africa.
As an organisation, we are glad to be a part of the movement forging a clear path for ethical poultry farming practices on the continent. Also, we are delighted to have participated in the summit, from which we have learned new campaign strategies to support our cage-free advocacy efforts, forged new professional relationships, strengthened existing ones, and further lent our voice to advancing ethical practices in Africa’s poultry industry.