This archive report was first published on 5 October 2019.
Kenyan farmers are often advised to keep more animals to increase profits, but this approach can have devastating consequences for both the animals and the farmers themselves.
According to Tabitha Kimani, a regional socio-economist at the FAO's Emergency Centre, smallholder farmers struggle to manage large flocks, leading to poor animal welfare and reduced productivity. "Healthy animals produce more," she emphasized during a Transform Kenya live interview.
Victor Yamo, a manager at World Animal Protection (WAP), highlighted the importance of the five freedoms that ensure animal mental and physical well-being: freedom from hunger and thirst, freedom from discomfort, freedom to express normal behavior, freedom from pain, injury, or disease, and freedom from fear and distress.
Yamo warned that the overuse of antibiotics in animal farming not only harms the animals but also poses a risk to human health. He cited contaminated maize fed to animals as a significant threat to both animal and human health.
Steve McIvor, CEO of WAP, emphasized the importance of treating animals with respect and care. "Animals are part of our diversity and play crucial roles in our lives," he said. "If we fail to treat them well, we risk losing them."
Joan Magero, assistant director of Veterinary Services in the State Department of Livestock, acknowledged that the government has implemented policies to protect animal welfare, but enforcement remains a significant challenge. "We have good legislations, but enforcement is the greatest challenge," she said.
The experts called for increased awareness and education on proper animal care, urging Kenyans to report cases of animal cruelty and to support initiatives that promote animal welfare.
Published on October 5, 2019.
