In recent years, our Hen Welfare and Cage-Free campaign in Nigeria has made remarkable strides in advancing the welfare of hens by fostering a culture of compassion. Guided by the Five Freedoms of Animal Welfare, this initiative aims to ensure that hens are provided with standard housing systems that guarantee their freedom from hunger and thirst, discomfort, pain, injury, and disease and are able to express normal and natural behaviours without fear and distress. To scale our impact, we have embarked on a nationwide advocacy aimed at promoting a more humane and sustainable approach to poultry farming in Nigeria.
Expansion of the Hen Welfare and Cage-Free Campaign
The initiative has recently expanded its reach to nine states, including Ogun, Oyo, Kwara, Bauchi, Gombe, Kano, Sokoto, Imo, and the Federal Capital Territory. This expansion is supported by the recruitment and comprehensive training of 20 Veterinary Field Officers across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These field officers, alongside our Animal Welfare team, are advocating for hen welfare and promoting cage-free farming practices.
Collaboration and Evaluation
Collaboration with key stakeholders in the poultry sector has been pivotal to the initiative’s success. The initiative has evaluated more than 57 cage-free farms, showcasing significant progress in the face of the widespread prevalence of caged farming in Nigeria. Efforts to raise awareness have also led to visits and enlightenment sessions at over 39 caged farms, many of which have since enrolled in the hen welfare and cage-free virtual training platform.
Training and Advocacy
The Animal Welfare training courses are an important aspect of the advocacy programme, equipping farmers with the knowledge and tools needed to transition to cage-free systems. The initiative is also dedicated to providing credible sources of cage-free products to meet the growing consumer demand. Additionally, a directory of verified cage-free farms that adhere to welfare requirements has been created to support this effort, ensuring consumers can make informed and compassionate choices.
Bridging the Consumer-Farmer Gap
To further support the transition to cage-free farming, the initiative is working to bridge the gap between farmers and consumers. Collaborations with retailers, including supermarkets, hotels, and restaurants, are being intensified to ensure that cage-free products are readily available to consumers. This effort not only promotes animal welfare but also supports local farmers by creating new market opportunities for their cage-free products.
The Broader Implications
Improving animal welfare extends beyond the wellbeing of the animals themselves. It has far-reaching implications for public health, safety, and community wellbeing. The Hen Welfare and Cage-Free Advocacy initiative fosters better animal welfare practices and contributes to a healthier and more compassionate society.